Daily Hope for Thursday, 27 February 2014 "Bring Your Love and Work Together" by Rick Warren

Daily Hope for Thursday, 27 February 2014 "Bring Your Love and Work Together" by Rick Warren
“Do all your work in love.”--1 Corinthians 16:14 (TEV) 
The apostle Paul says, “Do all your work in love.”
He doesn’t say some of your work but all of your work. He also says that no matter “what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.” 1 Corinthians 13:3 (MSG).
The point is, any job can be turned into worship when it is built on the model of Christ's love; that love is expressed to co-workers, clients, and customers. Mother Teresa said, “It’s not what you do so much that matters, but how much love you put into it.”
Think about it like this: Two-thirds of the word “career” is C-A-R-E. The English philanthropist John Ruskin once said, “When love and skill come together, expect a masterpiece.”
So, I want you to pray a prayer every day this week — whether it's at home or at school, in your backyard, or at an office or wherever you work. I want you to pray, “Father, today I want to worship you through my work. I want to express my gifts. I want to do it as if I'm doing it for you, and I want to do it in love."
“So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer” (Romans 12:1 TEV).
Talk It Over
• What do you think is the difference in ministry and work?
• How would your co-workers characterize you by the way you treat others?
• What are the gifts God has given you? How are you using your gifts in your work or career?
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