In some sense we all work for someone in this world. But as Christians we work for others in view of working for Jesus. This is true in any relationship we can think of. I would like to look at a few of those relationships this morning.

1. Working for a boss (Ephesians 6:5-9, Matthew 6:24). In this relationship we are obedient because we are working as if to Christ. We work sincerely because this is according to God’s will. I realize we many times have unreasonable bosses. But if we view our work as if it is sincerely for the Lord, our work will be a lot easier to do. He is really the one we are to serve on the job.

2. Working for yourself (Matthew 16:24-27). We may think the best thing for ourselves in this life is doing anything we want. Jesus says there is nothing in this world that can save our life and our souls. Do you want to work for yourself? Then obey God! That is the very best thing anyone can do for themselves!

3. Working for your spouses (Ephesians 5:22-33, Titus 2: 3-5, 1 Peter 3:1-7). We husbands are to nourish, cherish, honor, and love our wives. Wives are to be submissive, respectful, and loving of their husbands. We have many great examples in this congregation of spouses working for one another with sincere love. But I have seen spouses who forget that their love for one another is be second place to their love for God. They will neglect what God wants them to do because their spouse wants them to do something else. The best thing we can do for our spouses (whether they are Christians or not) is to put the Lord first diligently and set a strong example (1 Corinthians 15:58). Maybe that example will have a good influence on them toward the Lord’s salvation! Notice what is said in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16.

4. Working for your kids (Ephesians 6:1-4, Mark 10:29-31). In this world we see many parents and grandparents ordering everything in their lives around their kids or grandkids. Whatever they do or whatever their priorities are is up to the kids. Many times this is to the point that they will not train or discipline their children because they do not want to upset them. The scriptures teach us to love our children by bringing them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Do we work for them? Yes we do. Just ask Heather, Sarah, Tara, Beth, or Julie? And when they get older at times we continue to work for them. But our work for them should be in accordance with God’s will. We put God first, our spouses, then our kids, and all along the way we encourage them to do what God wants them to do.  

5. Working for your family (Luke 14:26-27). We need to love our families and do as God says for them. For example, we are to honor and provide for our parents (1 Timothy 5:8). We are also to help our family members in accordance with God’s will. But if our family asks us to do something that conflicts with what God wants us to do, we need to do what God wants and encourage our family to do the same. I know it is a strain on family relations when our parents or siblings or children are not Christians. But the best thing we can do for our non-Christian family members is to set a godly example. If you go to visit them during a time you normally worship God, plan ahead to assemble with Christians and invite them to come with you. If they visit you, invite them to come to worship with you. If they do not want to come to worship, let them know they are welcome to stay in your house until you get back. If they see a strong example in you they may realize that it is important for them to be living for the Lord also. Jesus says that we cannot be His disciple if we let family be more important than Him.

CONCLUSION

Jesus tells us to hate (or love less) ourselves, our spouses, our children, our family, and not to serve mammon (worldly riches). He tells us we are to love our families and our neighbor but He demands us to love Him more than anyone else. Who are you working for this morning? Who is your number one priority? If it is not Jesus we will not make it to Heaven (Matthew 10:37-38).

Have you become a child of God? If not, why are you waiting? Paul was told to “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Paul then was baptized and became a child of God. From that point on he lived his life working for the Lord (Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:17)! Why not become a worker for the Lord today?

Maybe you are a Christian and have not been working for Jesus as you should. You can change that right now.

If we can help you please come forward while we stand and sing!