Colossians 1:17
“And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
When I worked in higher education, I oversaw student leaders and before each big event, I would cast the vision for them and say – “we are working ‘for the good of our community and for the glory of God.’” It was something that we would repeat before events, in our team prayers, and eventually, they would say it without my prompting.
The simple phrase – “For the good of our community and for the glory of God” – became a way of refocusing and shifting my heart to do the work placed in front of me in a way that honored God and cared well for those around me. I hoped that my words and actions would point my students and the overall campus to Christ in a way that people would know Him more deeply through interacting with me and my team. Not only was this a heart shift for me, but I also wanted to remind my students that the work we do has a purpose and God is present in every aspect of our lives (Colossians 1:17) – including this work. As I did this, my frame shifted to seeing my work as worship and motivated me to work with all my heart — as to the Lord.
In His sovereignty and good design, He placed us here, and my prayer is and continues to be – to tend and cultivate the work ahead to reflect His creativity, hospitality, and mercy. He knows when we rise, when we sit, when we speak, and when we work. He knows our work – all the pieces – the unfinished work and the unseen work. He grants us grace to navigate the days ahead with wisdom, unity, and joy.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the work in this corner of your kingdom today. Thank you for your unfailing and sustaining grace. As we enter into this day, quicken our hearts and our hands to act generously toward all. Allow us, our families, and our workplaces to be a restorative presence in all the places you’ve placed us.
Through the overflow of your love, may we love those around us. Guide our hands to serve you steadily and generously in the year to come. Guide our feet to walk at the pace of your love – following in the steps you set before us during your time on this earth. Quicken our hearts to obedience, forgiveness, and restoration.
May we abide in your sustaining love through each new day. May we become more humble and compassionate in our workplaces and embrace the days ahead with tenderness and tenacity. May we work for the good of our community and for your Glory.
Amen
