Same Job, Different Boss
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:12-25 (NRSV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Colossians 3:23 (TEV)
FOR 48 years I've been a wife and mother. I stayed at home to raise five sons. I was my own boss, and my job often left me unnerved. I set impossible goals and tried to accomplish them on my own. I wanted my house spotless, my children well behaved, and everything perfect for my family. Living in a small house with seven people, I could not achieve my expectations.
Twenty-three years ago, my son Brian, then a teenager, told me about a better way: "Mom, God wants to be your boss. Let God take charge of your life." His advice revolutionized my life.
I joined a Bible study. I had always attended church on Sundays and lived a respectable life, but I was surprised to learn that God was interested in everyday details and desired a personal relationship with me. Adjusting to a new perspective took patience; but as I read the Bible and fortified myself with Christian radio programs and literature, I grew spiritually. I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior and to take control of my life.
I'm doing the same things today that I've done for years; but since that day 23 years ago, I've been doing them for God and not just for me. I love my job, and my boss is out of this world!
Frances Gregory Pasch
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:12-25 (NRSV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Colossians 3:23 (TEV)
FOR 48 years I've been a wife and mother. I stayed at home to raise five sons. I was my own boss, and my job often left me unnerved. I set impossible goals and tried to accomplish them on my own. I wanted my house spotless, my children well behaved, and everything perfect for my family. Living in a small house with seven people, I could not achieve my expectations.
Twenty-three years ago, my son Brian, then a teenager, told me about a better way: "Mom, God wants to be your boss. Let God take charge of your life." His advice revolutionized my life.
I joined a Bible study. I had always attended church on Sundays and lived a respectable life, but I was surprised to learn that God was interested in everyday details and desired a personal relationship with me. Adjusting to a new perspective took patience; but as I read the Bible and fortified myself with Christian radio programs and literature, I grew spiritually. I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior and to take control of my life.
I'm doing the same things today that I've done for years; but since that day 23 years ago, I've been doing them for God and not just for me. I love my job, and my boss is out of this world!
Frances Gregory Pasch
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