In 1937 the movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released. It had several catchy tunes; the most recognizable one was sung as the dwarfs made their way home after a hard day’s work in the diamond mine. They sang, “High Ho High Ho, it’s off to home we go.” Over the years, that tune was normally sung with a different focus. It shifted from coming home, to going to work. It was sung, “High Ho High Ho, it’s off to work we go.”

And then a few years ago, I saw an adaption of those lyrics. The new words more accurately conveyed a new focus on work. It read, “I owe, I owe, so it’s off to work I go.”

But based on a careful reading of scripture, I am thinking that it’s time for the lyrics to change again. Recognizing that our Heavenly Father owns the business, and that Jesus is our boss, can give us a refreshed vision of the value and worth of work.  Perhaps we could sing:

“We know, we know, so it’s off to His work we go.”

Eph. 6:5 reminds us that regardless of our job descriptions, we are bondservants of the Lord. And that relationship should change everything about our work world. We are called to accomplish our duties with some passion (fear and trembling). Our motives should be pure (sincere), and our audience isn’t some supervisor, it is the Lord Himself.

It is God’s will that we work as unto Him.

Imagine when you go to work next Monday morning, that the Lord Jesus beat you into the office, your school, restaurant or work crew. How would you great Him? Sour faced? Weary? Wishing you were anywhere else? Or will your face light up with a sincere smile? Will your eyes focus on him/her? Will your voice reflect some joy in working with this person?

And then when you hit the first challenge of the day, will your character display some patience? If you have a tough decision to make, will you consider the people it will affect? Will you communicate well and include others in the decision as often as you can?

Will you give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay? Is quality important to you? Will you try to do your best even when its hard or not your favorite task?

And if you get some positive feedback, will you make sure and include your fellow workers in that praise? Do you understand the value of a team effort?

Will you use your breaks, lunch time or social opportunities to get to know your co-workers? Are you praying for them? Will you reach out and help wherever you can?

Paul wanted the folks in Ephesus (and us!) to work as bondservants of Christ, to be people who are doing the will of God from our heart as we earn a living.

Let’s remember that “people, products and processes are important, but not to just make a profit, but for His pleasure.” High Ho, High Ho, it’s off to work we go!