January 13th, 2026
by Matthew Spoon
by Matthew Spoon
5-Day Devotional: Christ-Centered Work
Day 1: Working as Worship
Reading: Colossians 3:22-24
Devotional: Paul revolutionizes our understanding of work by calling us to "do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." This transforms even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship. When you answer that difficult phone call, complete that tedious report, or serve that challenging customer, you're not ultimately working for human approval—you're serving Christ Himself. Imagine Jesus as your direct supervisor, observing your attitude, effort, and integrity. This perspective eliminates the temptation to be an "eye-pleaser," working hard only when watched. Instead, we work with excellence because our true Boss never looks away. Today, consciously dedicate your work to Christ, recognizing that your labor has eternal significance when offered to Him.
Day 2: The Servant Leader
Reading: Philippians 2:3-11
Devotional: Jesus modeled leadership by taking "the form of a bondservant." He didn't lead from a position of demanding service but by providing it. If you supervise others—whether employees, volunteers, or family members—consider how Jesus would treat those under His care. He equipped His disciples, showed empathy, and served their needs. The old model of barking orders from the top has been turned upside down by Christ. True Christian leadership asks: "Do those I lead have everything they need to succeed?" It means treating people with dignity, offering fair compensation, and avoiding favoritism. Remember, you too have a Master in heaven who observes how you steward authority. Lead today as one who will give an account.
Day 3: Integrity in the Shadows
Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-20
Devotional: The missionary's glass eye story illustrates a profound truth: Christian integrity isn't about performing when watched, but about character when no one sees. Peter tells us to submit even to harsh masters, not because abuse is acceptable, but because our witness transcends our circumstances. When you maintain excellence despite poor leadership, when you refuse to gossip during your boss's absence, when you give honest effort even in a "thankless" role—you're testifying to a higher authority. God sees what others miss. Your hidden faithfulness stores up treasure in heaven. The American Management Association found workers admit to wasting 20% of their time. What if Christians became known for the opposite—for adding value, showing integrity, and working with sincerity of heart even when no earthly eyes are watching?
Day 4: No Secular vs. Sacred
Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:31
Devotional: We often compartmentalize life into "spiritual" (church, prayer, Bible study) and "secular" (work, errands, hobbies). But Paul's command to do everything "as to the Lord" demolishes this false division. Your Monday morning commute is as spiritual as your Sunday morning worship—if done with reverence for God. The spreadsheet you're building, the floor you're mopping, the code you're writing—all can be offerings to Christ. This means nothing is truly secular; everything matters to God. He cares about your whole life, not just the "religious" parts. When you grasp this truth, work becomes meaningful rather than drudgery. You're not just earning a paycheck; you're fulfilling divine purpose. Today, invite God into your "secular" tasks and watch them transform into sacred service.
Day 5: The Bema Seat Perspective
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Revelation 4:10-11
Devotional: One day, every Christian will stand before Christ at the Bema Seat—not for judgment of sin (that's settled at the cross), but to give account for how we lived since salvation. The crowns we receive will be joyfully cast at Jesus' feet in worship. This future reality should shape our present choices. That difficult work project? An opportunity to build something eternal. That trying coworker? A chance to demonstrate Christ's love. Everything done for God's glory—not wood, hay, and stubble, but gold, silver, and precious stones—will remain. Even the smallest faithful act matters. Don't you want something to offer Jesus on that day? Let this vision motivate you: work diligently not for earthly promotion, but for heavenly reward. Trust God with outcomes, and give Him your wholehearted effort today.
Day 1: Working as Worship
Reading: Colossians 3:22-24
Devotional: Paul revolutionizes our understanding of work by calling us to "do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." This transforms even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship. When you answer that difficult phone call, complete that tedious report, or serve that challenging customer, you're not ultimately working for human approval—you're serving Christ Himself. Imagine Jesus as your direct supervisor, observing your attitude, effort, and integrity. This perspective eliminates the temptation to be an "eye-pleaser," working hard only when watched. Instead, we work with excellence because our true Boss never looks away. Today, consciously dedicate your work to Christ, recognizing that your labor has eternal significance when offered to Him.
Day 2: The Servant Leader
Reading: Philippians 2:3-11
Devotional: Jesus modeled leadership by taking "the form of a bondservant." He didn't lead from a position of demanding service but by providing it. If you supervise others—whether employees, volunteers, or family members—consider how Jesus would treat those under His care. He equipped His disciples, showed empathy, and served their needs. The old model of barking orders from the top has been turned upside down by Christ. True Christian leadership asks: "Do those I lead have everything they need to succeed?" It means treating people with dignity, offering fair compensation, and avoiding favoritism. Remember, you too have a Master in heaven who observes how you steward authority. Lead today as one who will give an account.
Day 3: Integrity in the Shadows
Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-20
Devotional: The missionary's glass eye story illustrates a profound truth: Christian integrity isn't about performing when watched, but about character when no one sees. Peter tells us to submit even to harsh masters, not because abuse is acceptable, but because our witness transcends our circumstances. When you maintain excellence despite poor leadership, when you refuse to gossip during your boss's absence, when you give honest effort even in a "thankless" role—you're testifying to a higher authority. God sees what others miss. Your hidden faithfulness stores up treasure in heaven. The American Management Association found workers admit to wasting 20% of their time. What if Christians became known for the opposite—for adding value, showing integrity, and working with sincerity of heart even when no earthly eyes are watching?
Day 4: No Secular vs. Sacred
Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:31
Devotional: We often compartmentalize life into "spiritual" (church, prayer, Bible study) and "secular" (work, errands, hobbies). But Paul's command to do everything "as to the Lord" demolishes this false division. Your Monday morning commute is as spiritual as your Sunday morning worship—if done with reverence for God. The spreadsheet you're building, the floor you're mopping, the code you're writing—all can be offerings to Christ. This means nothing is truly secular; everything matters to God. He cares about your whole life, not just the "religious" parts. When you grasp this truth, work becomes meaningful rather than drudgery. You're not just earning a paycheck; you're fulfilling divine purpose. Today, invite God into your "secular" tasks and watch them transform into sacred service.
Day 5: The Bema Seat Perspective
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Revelation 4:10-11
Devotional: One day, every Christian will stand before Christ at the Bema Seat—not for judgment of sin (that's settled at the cross), but to give account for how we lived since salvation. The crowns we receive will be joyfully cast at Jesus' feet in worship. This future reality should shape our present choices. That difficult work project? An opportunity to build something eternal. That trying coworker? A chance to demonstrate Christ's love. Everything done for God's glory—not wood, hay, and stubble, but gold, silver, and precious stones—will remain. Even the smallest faithful act matters. Don't you want something to offer Jesus on that day? Let this vision motivate you: work diligently not for earthly promotion, but for heavenly reward. Trust God with outcomes, and give Him your wholehearted effort today.
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