Working with the Belief that He is Watching

Friday, August 11

Working with the Belief that He’s Watching
By: Anna Williams

“Servants, in everything obey those who are your masters on earth, not only with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart because of your fear of the Lord. Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.” 
 -Colossians 3:22-24 AMP

Many years ago (before I served on staff at Real Life), I worked in a support role in a sales-driven organization. I provided great customer service and claims support to existing policyholders, but I didn’t have a desire to enter the sales arena. As an introvert who hates confrontation or rejection, the idea of pitching to 10 strangers just so one would say yes was very unappealing. 

I worked extremely hard and often helped my coworkers with their backlogs but time and again I got passed up for raises because the primary value to our employer was sales. It felt like such a dead-end position, but jobs were hard to find at the time. One day I was sitting in my car at a nearby park during my lunchbreak and whining to God about my situation. It just felt really unfair. 

I would often read my Bible during my break and that day the Holy Spirit pointed me to this verse above. This verse reminded me that I needed to stop comparing myself to my coworkers and what they were getting. God had called me to that job to live out a life of faith – not just to be comfortable. Sometimes our greatest testimony can be how we respond to injustice and unfairness.

The realization came that I had been laboring under the burden of seeking affirmation from people who were unlikely to ever give it. So, when my attitude changed to seeking to please God by my hard work and integrity (instead of people), that burden was lifted and I could work there with joy.
 
Little did I know that God had me in that position to soften my rough edges and prepare me for the next big adventure that He had for me. Six months later, I had accepted a position for my dream job!! God is always faithful. If we keep our eyes on him and align our actions with him, he will always see us through and bless us on the other side.