And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Matthew 5:41

One of the consequences of this prolonged recession has been that businesses are employing fewer workers to accomplish more work. Some workers have to do not only their job but the job of others the company has laid off. Since jobs are scarce right now, there is a fear of leaving a job to look for another. Workers feel both trapped and squeezed. They are working long hours. Some have not gotten a raise in years (and others have even taken a decrease in pay). And they don't feel like they can do anything about their situation.

How does a Christian respond to this kind of injustice? The temptation is to do just enough to keep one's job and nothing more. Why should we make money for greedy millionaires and billionaires who don't care about us? Why should we kill ourselves to increase the profits of the guy in the front office who keeps cutting our hours and increasing our workload?

But this is carnal thinking. This is not the mindset of a child of God. We don't work for money or promotions or prestige. In fact, we don't work for man but for the Lord (Ephesians 6:5-7; Colossians 3:22-23). So while our boss may not deserve our best effort, the Lord does. And while we may not be paid what we're worth, our reward ultimately comes from the Lord Christ (Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:24).

Father God, we thank you that we have the opportunity to work. We commit all our labor to your glory. Accept it as a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.