#1494. Work With Sincerity, From The Heart (14/4/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we Continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

For Christians, work is a part of their worship. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Work as though doing it for Christ

Firstly, it’s important to remember that work is God’s idea and design for us. I’m sure that you, like me, sometimes dream of an ideal life of leisure with no hassles and responsibility. However, God has made us for work - with some rest! In Genesis, in the perfect creation, God made mankind to work for six day and to rest for one - that gives us the foundation for a vision of useful work and balanced recreation. 

In this section (from 5:21), Paul teaches about godly relationships in the home: husbands and wives, children and parents, and now slaves and masters. The principle extends to all areas of life: we are to submit to all lawful authority—unless we are commanded to disobey Jesus, who is our ultimate authority (see Acts 4:19).

In our work, we are to obey with ‘respect’, ‘fear’, and ‘sincerity of heart’. This speaks of a right attitude—working with integrity and wholeheartedness.

Paul then adds this revolutionary truth: we are to work ‘just as you would obey Christ’. Whatever our role, our work becomes an act of worship.

If we are stacking shelves in a supermarket, we do it for Jesus.If we are teachers—perhaps feeling undervalued or stretched—we do it for Jesus.

This transforms everything. It helps us see the value in what we do and recognise that the challenges we face are opportunities to shine more brightly for Christ.

The way we work is part of our worship. We must not separate our daily work from our devotion to Jesus. A Christian who works carelessly or poorly should never be the norm.

This applies equally to those in education. As students, we are to do our best—working hard, showing respect, and applying ourselves diligently. This too is an act of worship.

2. Work not just to impress, but with integrity

Our work should also ‘win their favour’. In other words, the way we work should build trust with employers, colleagues, and those around us. This becomes a powerful witness for Christ.

However, Paul guards against the wrong motivation. We are not to work hard only ‘when their eye is on you’. Christians are not people-pleasers or performers who act differently when being watched.

Instead, we are to be consistent—people of integrity whether seen or unseen.

That means:

• Not wasting time on our phones or social media when we should be working

• Not avoiding responsibility or initiative

• Not taking advantage through unearned breaks

(Of course, rest is important - but it should be honest and appropriate.)

Rather, we seek to be those who go the extra mile, working faithfully and diligently at all times.

Response

Do we work as though we are working for Christ—wholeheartedly and with excellence?

Do we seek to win favour through integrity, so that we might win people for Christ?

Are we engaged in work that pleases Jesus and serves others well? And if we are seeking work, are we aiming for something that blesses society - not just maximises financial gain?

Community Group Study

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we resumed our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

We reflected on the vital role of work in our service to God. 

Please read Ephesians 6:5-9 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Our Daily Work as Worship - What is your daily work - even if you are not in paid employment, how do you serve God each day? 

• Biblical Principles for Work - What principles does this text teach about how we are to do our work? 

• Eternal Perspective and Reward - How does the Lord ‘reward’ us for faithfully serving Him in our daily work? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Exemplary work brings God glory -  Read Titus 2:9-10: How does the way we work make the gospel attractive? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?