When Work Becomes Worship
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23
When I met Kara for the first time she presented herself in my office looking tired and worn out. In the course of our conversation I learned she worked as a maid for an abusive family and was part way through a two year contract. Normally she only got one day off per year but on this occasion she had asked for a few hours off and it was granted. She used the time to visit our church to seek counsel.
One of her jobs was to carry heavy trays of food up flights of stairs from the kitchen to the room where her employer’s family ate their meals. When she arrived in my office her body was tired. Her muscles were sore and she was considering running away from the family she served. Her employer had possession of her passport so quitting her job and leaving was not an option.
After we talked for a while I asked her if she would be willing to carry the food trays for Jesus. She said she would and left my office. Several months passed and one day she again showed up at my office. It took me a few moments to recognize her because she looked happy and healthy. The only thing that had changed was her perspective and the presence of Jesus in her work.
She told me when she worshipped while she worked the food trays became lighter and she was able to do her work with ease. Each time she picked up a heavy tray of food she asked Jesus to help her and he did.
By the time of our second meeting she had set up a WhatsApp group for other maids in her situation and late at night these maids would meet via WhatsApp to mentor and encourage each other. It was an amazing experience for me to occasionally join this group and answer faith questions they had and to pray.
The Kara’s of our world often work in environments that are hostile to Jesus followers. Discipleship training prepares them to thrive in whatever situation they find themselves and to be equipped and prepared to speak about the presence of Jesus that gives them the motivation and strength to serve their employers well.
