April 7
Work with
All Your Heart
"Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Colossians 3:23 (NIrV)
Cooper pushed his mop across the polished marble floor of the grand office lobby. The gleaming glass walls and sleek furniture spoke of wealth and success, but to Cooper, they were just reminders of how far he was from those who worked in the high-rise.
Every day, he wore his faded uniform and name badge, blending into the background as employees in sharp suits brushed past him without a glance. His job as a janitor felt thankless. He earned minimum wage, worked late hours, and dealt with messes no one else wanted to touch.
“They don’t even see me,” Cooper muttered to himself one evening, scrubbing a coffee stain from the plush carpet in an executive office. “Why should I give my best when no one cares?”
The next day, during his lunch break, Cooper sat in a quiet corner with his well-worn Bible. He flipped through the pages aimlessly, his mind heavy with frustration. A verse he had once highlighted caught his eye: “Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).
Cooper leaned back in his chair, the words sinking in. “Work as if I’m working for the Lord,” he repeated. Was it possible that his efforts mattered to God, even if they went unnoticed by people?
That evening, as he mopped the conference room floor, Cooper paused. “Lord, I don’t want to feel invisible anymore. Help me to remember that my work matters to You, even if no one else sees it.”
From that moment, Cooper began to approach his job differently. He cleaned with care, not for the executives who walked past him but for God. His heart shifted from bitterness to purpose, and he found unexpected joy in doing his best.
One evening, as he polished the lobby’s glass doors, a young intern stopped to thank him. “You always keep this place looking amazing,” she said with a smile. It was a small gesture, but it filled Cooper with gratitude.
Months later, during an employee appreciation event, Cooper’s manager publicly recognized his dedication. “Cooper’s work ethic and attitude inspire us all,” she said. Cooper felt humbled and amazed. While he hadn’t sought recognition, his faithfulness had not gone unnoticed.
Cooper realized that his work, no matter how small it seemed, was an act of worship. By working with all his heart, he honored God—and that was more fulfilling than any applause.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for reminding us that our work matters to You, no matter how insignificant it may seem to others.
Like Cooper, help us to approach each task with purpose and joy, knowing that we are serving You.
Give us strength when we feel invisible and help us to see the dignity in all that we do.
May our efforts bring glory to You and reflect Your love to those around us.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
