by Jennifer Wade, DDS

Are class II composites getting old fast? Tired of searching for canals on that maxillary molar? Is dentistry becoming dull? This could be for several reasons, but one thing to consider is how much you are doing your daily work for the glory of God. Are you working for yourself, for others or for the Lord?

The Bible is very clear on how we should work. That is, we need to work for God and not for anyone else. What's the purpose of creation? To give glory to God. So how should we work in creation? For the glory of God!

• "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV).
• "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free" (Ephesians 6:7-8, NLT).

Now, like all my other posts, this is written to myself as well. This is a regular struggle of mine. It's so easy to forget that our work can be just as worshipful to God as singing at a Sunday service or sharing a Psalm with someone. When we work for God and not for man, then we submit ourselves to His will and are more open to His leading in our lives. It also opens doors for Him to minister to us and through us. We are also filled with the joy of the Lord when we work for Him! How great would it be if the joy of the Lord were your strength to get through the day! If dentistry has become wearisome, then take some time to reflect to see if you are doing it all for Christ or not. Maybe you are doing it all for the Lord but He's changing your heart to do a new thing with your career. Whatever it is, God will show you how to go about your daily work and be fulfilled when it's done for Him. We have a good Father who loves us dearly. Why would He want us to work daily in a way that leaves us empty?

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:10-12, ESV).