July 9, 2026

Hey guys, 

This week’s Thought comes from Ephesians 6:6-7. In verse 7, Paul says, “Work with enthusiasm as though you were working for God and not for man.” Some translations say, “whatever you do, work at it as if you're working for God, not for man.” 

I've heard that verse used in multiple contexts: a pastor from the pulpit on Sunday morning, a Sunday school teacher, a coach, or even a boss. Work at the task you have in front of you as if you are working for God and not for man. This perspective changer is given in the greater context of Paul talking about slaves and masters. Your job, the task you have in front of you, the position you're in…What if you did it for God's glory and not just for man's approval? 

Now, look at the end of verse six, “as slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.” In today’s church culture, the will of God, and “whatever you do”, seem to be in contrast. “Whatever you do” seems like a big bucket of possibilities. However, we've made the will of God for our lives something so very specific, it sometimes seems unattainable. It seems that God’s will or His call only applies to those going into vocational ministry: a pastor, a missionary, or some other full-time role in the ministry of the Gospel. 

I want to offer something to you. What if the will of God, and “whatever you do”, are the same? What if where God has you right now, the context in which you find yourself, the people upon whom you have the chance to have influence, the stage of life you are in (maybe it’s a time of preparation), what if those specific places/roles are the will of God for your life right now? 

Either way, we're to work at it as if we're working for God, not for man. Work at it with all your heart.

One of my biggest personal regrets as I was following my call into ministry, was my last year as a school teacher. I was looking beyond that year and the opportunities that God would put in front of me, because I had something bigger down the road. I missed those opportunities to influence and impact my team, my students, and their families. That year is still one of the biggest regrets of my life. 

So, don't miss the present because you are wishing for the next thing. Let me offer to you that maybe right now, right where you are, with the people in front of you, that is the will of God for your life in this moment. Work at it with all your heart. 

Love you guys,

John Andrews