Have you become worn out or disillusioned working for God? Sometimes we need an attitude shift. When we work for God, we make mistakes in “His name.” We bruise people, become resentful, proud, or burned out. We may even hurt His kingdom instead of building it.
Moses thought he was working for God when he murdered an Egyptian taskmaster. Saul of Tarsus thought he was working for God when he threw Christians into prison. The Pharisees and religious leaders believed working for God put them a notch above everybody else (Luke 18:11).
A Better Way
What’s better than working for Jesus? Working with Jesus.
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. He leads; they follow.
- 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 put standards on myself and beat myself up when I failed to meet these expectations. I’m learning my job is to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. Trusting Jesus to lead takes effort. But faith is the work that pleases God.
When we serve God by working with Him, He gets the glory. His plan, through His power, in His time, builds His kingdom.
When we serve God by working with Him, He gets the glory. His plan, through His power, in His time, builds His kingdom. Click To TweetFour Ways of Working with God
- Ask God to show you if and where you’ve substituted self-effort for faith.
- Admit your inadequacy and surrender your will, your way, and your time table 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—not just in ministry/spiritual areas. If you are trusting Him in every area but one, you’re still striving.
- Thank Him for leading you.
When have you experienced the difference between working for and working with God?
Blessings,
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We do need a perspective adjustment. I love verses in the Bible that remind me of all.the ways God works FOR and WITH me!
Me too, Michele.
Thank you for these reminders to tell if we are working with God. Thank you for your prayers as that is my desire.
Mine too, Brenda. It’s easy to leap before we check to see if He’s calling.
What a great question to ask. As soon as I read your title though, I must admit I responded with “living for”. I love how you turned my thoughts with your probing question Ms. Debbie. Thank you so much!
J.D. I like that one too! Maybe you can write that blog!
Amen. Working with God. Yes, Yes! Glorify Him in all our words and actions. Shine His light so others will come to know Him.
Yes, we need His power and restraint. Thanks, Melissa.
What a big difference one little word makes!!!
Isn’t that the truth! Thanks, Ann. I know you walk with Jesus.
Debbie, what a difference two small words make. “For” and “with” makes all the difference in the world! This statement in the introduction drives home the point so well: “When we work for God, we make mistakes in ‘His name.’ We bruise people, become resentful, proud, or burned out. We may even hurt His kingdom instead of building it.”
Karen, I think those responses can serve as good barometers to make sure we’re following Jesus and not trying to lead Him! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
My first reaction was, “What a strange title for your post!” Of course, after I read it, I realized that you are right on target. This is something I struggle with so I’m grateful for your message. I am going to write down those four strategies to “work with God.” Thank you, Debbie.
Katherine, it is a strange title that I hope will make us think! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
“Those who work for God ask Him to bless their ideas. Those who work with God join Him in His plan.” Loved that Debbie! Thank you.
Thank you, Sylvia!
When I’ve assumed roles or made my own plans, I thought I was “working for God.” When He calls me to a task and I trust Him, it feels like “working with God,” which yields peace, even if the task is hard. Thank you, Debbie, for pointing out important differences.
Jeannie, I’ve felt the difference too. And I know I can start with God and try to take over too. 🙂
I loved this line: “What’s better than working for Jesus? Working with Jesus.” Thank you for sharing this timely truth!
Thank you, Kristen! Blessings.
What a difference a word can make. I find that I start out working with God.
It is His idea and plan, but then I frequently turn into working for God. And then He so kindly whispers in my ear, no wonder you are exhausted; that is not what I had in mind. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insightful questions. I am going to feature your post this Friday for our Grace & Truth Link-Up. I hope you have a great week. Maree
Thank you, Maree! I’m delighted you want to share it. And I do the same thing!
I made a graphic of one of your quotes to include. I hope that is okay? Drop me an email if you don’t want me to use it. I put you as the author.
Thank you for the lesson, working for God and working with God. I thank God for such a lesion we tend not to make a difference. May God give you more insight and be blessed
Thank you, Kunene. God bless you too!
It’s so easy to get caught up in all the “stuff” we’re doing and get our focus in the wrong place. I love how just one word can sometimes shift that perspective back where it needs to be. I think I have that book on my shelf–I need to read it!
Barbara, I love how Jesus invites all who are weary and heavy laden to come and find rest! I think that says it all. He never meant for us to carry the loads we pile up on ourselves.
LOVE this, Deb! Couldn’t agree more!!!
Thank you, Pam! So good to hear from you.
We were just talking about this in our small group. Not working for God, but working with God. Yes, one word can make such a big difference.
Yes it does! That is wonderful your group sees the difference. Thanks, Theresa!
excellent point!