I quit working for God. And I hope you will too. How could a Christian worker make such a declaration? Because, I’ve found something better.

When we work for God we make mistakes in “His name.” We bruise people. We become resentful, proud, or worn out. We may even hurt His kingdom instead of build it.

These biblical examples illustrate what I mean.

• Misguided: Moses thought he was working for God when he murdered an Egyptian taskmaster.

• Working against God’s kingdom: Saul of Tarsus thought he was working for God when he threw Christians into prison.

• Resentful: The hardworking elder brother resented his father when he celebrated the return of the prodigal younger brother. (See Luke 15:11-32)

• Proud: The Pharisees and religious leaders believed their work for God put them in His inner circle. (See Luke 18:11)

How do those of us who love Jesus and want to serve Him, quit working for Him? We start to work with Him. Those who work for God ask Him to bless their ideas. Those who work with God join Him in His plan. They look to Him for guidance and strength.

• Moses learned to rely on God. “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15 ESV).

• Saul of Tarsus was transformed into the Apostle Paul who said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20 ESV.)

• Jesus who said, “No longer do I call you servants, …but I have called you friends” (John 15:15 ESV) also said “ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 ESV).

I used to beat myself up when I failed to meet the expectations I put on myself. Now I believe my job is to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. That in no way translates into passivity. It simply means I believe Jesus is living and working in me. I work with Him. He works through me.

When we serve God by working with Him, He gets the glory. His plan, through His power and in His time, builds His kingdom.

Who do you think makes a better ambassador for Christ, the one who works for God or the one who works with Him?

Start Working With God:

• Ask God to show you where you have been striving to work for Him.

• Admit your inadequacy to God and surrender your will and your way of doing things to Him.

• Ask God to fill you with His Spirit and to teach you how to rely on Him in every area of your life.