Jesus is Boss

by Erin Bird 

Thanks for clicking to read this post! Your day is probably full, and its easy to just browse other things. So let me say "thanks" for taking a moment to read. I hope these words encourage you!

Today, I am going to start a new series on the blog about "How to Follow Jesus at Work & School." One of my convictions is that following Jesus isn't a Sunday-only-thing, it's an everyday-thing. So I want to use the blog for the next few weeks to talk  on this important subject.

The Boss

The word "boss" is a conflicted word. On one hand, it's a positive word - like when people describe something as being ultra awesome or when they talk about Bruce Springsteen.

But the word also has negative connotations - like the title given to the "bad guy" in a kids' video game or to someone who is overly controlling.

While the Bible doesn't use the word "boss," it teaches us the idea of a "boss" is a positive word when applied to Jesus. Colossians 3:23 (which is going to be our key verse for this series) says:

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

What is striking to me about this verse is that the previous verse is directed at slaves. While slavery in first century Palestine was different than the type of slavery we think of (many slaves were "bondservants" who willingly entered into servitude), it still wasn't a preferable state for most people. Masters could be cruel and harsh (which is why Paul wrote Colossians 4:1 !)

But did you notice what Paul is telling slaves? That ultimately, their earthly master isn't their boss - Jesus is! They are to do their jobs with gusto as if Jesus was the one they were serving.

Jesus as Boss in 2017

Now, I realize you are not a slave. You are gainfully employed or working hard in school (or possibly doing both!). So while you may not have an earthly master, this means you have a boss, whether it's your manager, supervisor, a teacher, or coach. And when this authority figure tells you to do something, you have to do it.

I know in my part-time job at Meyer Pharmacy, when I get asked to do something, I sometimes don't want to do it. And when I do follow through with the instructions, I can have a grumbling heart inside even though on the outside I look like a good employee.

But Paul is encouraging us to change on the inside - to do our jobs and school work as if we were serving Jesus.

So let Jesus be your boss everyday, whether at work or school. When asked to do something by the authorities in your life, do it with gusto like you were doing it for Jesus!