Complete the Work

He may not be your favorite Bible character, but Archippus stars in one short verse of Scripture. The apostle Paul says, "Tell Archippus: 'See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord'" (Colossians 4:17).

If Archippus happened to be sleeping through church, that sentence certainly got his attention when it was read aloud in the assembly of believers! There's no way to dodge a directive from God when it literally has your name on it. Here was a special message just for Archippus. F. F. Bruce observed, "The fact that Paul's charge to him was read out in a letter to the whole church would impress him the more with the solemnity of his responsibility to carry out his service."

The only other place Archippus' name appears in the New Testament is in the letter to Philemon, where Paul refers to him as "our fellow soldier." Was he a member of Philemon's family? Perhaps a preacher or an elder in the Colossian church? Clearly he was a leader. Was he feeling burdened by the heavy responsibilities on his shoulders? What would encourage him to be faithful in his work?

In Paul's brief exhortation to Archippus we can identify three principles that will help us have the right attitude about our own jobs.

First, Paul reminded Archippus that his work had more significance than might appear on the surface. In this verse the Greek word translated "work" is diakonia, which means "ministry" or "service." However you earn your living, you need to see it as an act of service to the Lord. Whether you're a mechanic or a musician, a teacher or a technician, a steel-worker or a surgeon, you can honor the Scripture that says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23).

Next, Paul observed that Archippus' job actually was a gift from God—something he had "received in the Lord." His vocation wasn't meant to be a curse or a penalty, but a blessing. It's easy to see what's wrong with your job and complain about your boss, your pay, and your working conditions. But when is the last time you sincerely prayed, "Thanks, Lord, for giving me a job and a paycheck"? Solomon had a lot to say about the frustrations of daily work, but he also wisely observed, "That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 3:13).

Finally, Paul urged Archippus to "complete the work"—fulfill it; leave nothing undone; finish it well. No one is pleased with a job half-finished or done half-heartedly. Jesus used down-to-earth examples to teach perseverance. Don't be like a farmer who puts his hand to the plow and turns back. Don't be like a builder who lays the foundation for a tower and then leaves it unfinished.

If you're feeling discouraged in your daily work, remember: your job is actually a ministry. See it as a gift from God. Complete your tasks with excellence. When you do, your own job satisfaction will improve, and you will honor the Boss of all Bosses, the Master of all Masters, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.