Everything Sacred
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free." Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV)
Insight
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I can't wait to finish work so I can do something meaningful for God"? If so, you're not alone. Many of us have fallen into the trap of dividing our lives into "sacred" and "secular" categories. We see our jobs, daily chores, and mundane tasks as separate from our spiritual lives. But what if I told you this division is nothing more than a carefully crafted deception?
The idea of "secular" work is a lie that has been constructed over generations, designed to distract us from God's true purpose for our lives. This false dichotomy between the sacred and the secular has slowly crept into our thinking, causing us to compartmentalize our faith and limit God's influence in our daily lives.
But here's the truth: in God's kingdom, everything you do is sacred. Yes, everything.
When we adopt a posture of faith, we begin to see our entire lives through a different lens. That report you're working on? Sacred. The dishes you're washing? Sacred. The customer you're serving? A sacred interaction. This shift in perspective doesn't just change how we view our tasks; it transforms how we approach them.
Imagine approaching your work with the same reverence and intentionality you bring to prayer or worship. How might that change the quality of your work? How might it impact your interactions with colleagues or clients? When we recognize the sacredness in our daily activities, we invite God's presence into every aspect of our lives.
This posture of faith leads us to be consumed by God, not just during our designated "quiet times," but throughout our day. And when we're consumed by God at work, we naturally encounter Him there. Our workplaces become holy ground, where our souls can thrive and grow.
Adopting this posture isn't always easy. It requires intentionality and a willingness to challenge our ingrained thinking. But the rewards are immeasurable. When we see our work as an opportunity to partner with God in His ongoing creation and redemption of the world, even the most mundane tasks become infused with divine purpose.
So, the next time you find yourself dismissing your daily work as "just a job," pause and remember: in God's eyes, there is no such thing as secular work. Everything you do, when done with a heart of faith and service, is sacred. Embrace this truth, and watch as God transforms not just your work, but your entire life.
Reflection
In what areas of your life have you been viewing tasks as "secular" rather than sacred? How might your approach change if you saw these as opportunities to encounter God?
What practical steps can you take to cultivate a posture of faith in your daily work and routines?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see the sacredness in all that we do. Help us to adopt a posture of faith that invites Your presence into every aspect of our lives. May we approach our work and daily tasks as opportunities to partner with You in Your ongoing work in the world. Amen.