READ: EPHESIANS 5:1-2; COLOSSIANS 3:1-4, 22-24

Over the years, I’ve done a variety of tasks to earn money. One job I found online was trying beauty products at home and then writing reviews about them.

The first (and only) item I tested was a hair growth solution. I dutifully sprayed it on my scalp a couple times a day, realizing it would require weeks of use to see any difference. The instructions on the bottle said so. Then, just three days after I’d begun, the coordinator of this job asked if I had my review ready to submit. If not, they would pass me over, I wouldn’t get paid, and I wouldn’t be eligible for future product testing.

How could I give a truthful response about how well the solution worked after only a few days? I decided I’d give the product three out of five stars—even though I knew the coordinator wanted five-star reviews. I also indicated I liked the smell and would look forward to observing how the product worked. My review was honest, since I didn’t rave about the spray’s hair growth potential, but I honestly had no idea if the product grew hair. I sent in my response, received my payment, and never sought another product testing opportunity.

I learned something from this short-term job though. The way we do our work matters to God. Contrary to what I assumed as a kid, this involves more than simply working hard. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in the work He did on the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins, we enter a relationship with God as our Father. As we rest in His love for us, we begin to want to do our work in a way that reflects Jesus. He is the only one who could live a pure, righteous life—and because of this He was able to pay the penalty for our sins. But once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have His Spirit living within us, transforming our attitudes and priorities so that we begin to pursue His holiness and righteousness in every area of our lives, including our work—no matter who sends the paycheck. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Have you ever felt pressured to do something dishonest in your work, whether it be at school, a job, etc.? When you find yourself in situations like these, what could you do? Who are trusted Christians you could go to for prayer, advice, and help?

…with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:22-23 (NIV)