Before my husband, Joe, retired a few years ago, he had a very difficult boss at his job. This man not only caused my husband a lot of frustration and discouragement, but he disheartened all of the people who worked under him. Joe was the oldest one in his department, so he did his best to encourage the younger men who worked with him.

When Joe and his coworkers were having an especially rough day at work one day, and he saw how downcast one of them was, he took him aside and gave him some very wise advice. He said, "Don't ever let being treated unfairly cause you to do less than your very best work." This is the principle that my husband lived by for his entire work life - over 50 years.

As it turns out, Joe's work ethic is very biblical. Scripture tells us, "In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, who will give you what He promised His people. Yes, you are serving Christ. He is your real master." (Colossians 3:23-24 ERV) These verses can apply to ANY kind of work - including ministry work, volunteer work, child care, pet care, and even housekeeping.

When we, as Christians, keep in mind that our real Boss is the Lord, we will work from a godly perspective - doing our best, and expecting heavenly and earthly rewards from God Himself. The Bible says, "Well-done work has its own reward." (Proverbs 12:14 MSG) May you and I work with excellence in everything we do, so that we can reap the rich rewards we are destined to!

Prayer: Lord, I pray that whatever I do, I will work at it with all my heart, as working for You, and not for people. Remind me often that I will not toil in vain, but I will long enjoy the works of my hands. (Isaiah 65:22-23) Teach me how to commit all of my work to You, so that my plans will always succeed. (Proverbs 16:3) Bless all my skills, and be pleased with the works of my hands. (Deuteronomy 33:11) Thank You that even when I am being treated unfairly, YOU will reward my work, and YOU will pay my wages in full! (Ruth 2:12)