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July 6, 1998
Working In God's Garden
Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. --Colossians 3:23

Kemmons Wilson, founder of an international motel chain, quoted some advice for planting a "garden" that would enhance our work skills:

  • Five rows of "peas"--prayer, preparedness, promptness, perseverance, politeness.
  • Three rows of "squash"--squash gossip, criticism, and indifference.
  • Five rows of "lettuce"--let us love one another, let us be faithful, let us be loyal, let us be unselfish, let us be truthful.
  • Three rows of "turnips"--turn up for church, turn up with a new idea, turn up with the determination to do a better job today than you did yesterday.

Today let's evaluate our attitude toward our work. Do we see it as a necessary evil that deserves the least possible effort? As an unfortunate prerequisite to retirement? Or do we see it as an opportunity to serve God?

"Whatever you do," wrote Paul, "do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:23-24). With that attitude, we can work enthusiastically and wholeheartedly, not just for a paycheck but for the glory of God.  — David C. McCasland

If I have the gift of health,
No effort I must shirk;
I must give it back to God
In good and honest work. --Strong
Work becomes worship when done for the Lord.

Bible in One Year: Psalms 78–80
http://www.rbc.org/devotions.aspx?id=3300
© 2008 RBC MINISTRIES, Grand Rapids, MI 49555 USA.
Written permission must be obtained from RBC Ministries for any further posting or distribution.