HIGHLIGHT
Colossians 3:23–24 (ESV): 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
EXPLAIN
This scripture was written in the context of Paul’s exhortation and explanation for how the believer is to put on the new self, the new life that Christ provides for us.
The new life changes how we relate in our family and in our workplace, as well as in the church. In these verses, Paul tells workers – and in that day slaves or bond servants – to work hard at their jobs, not to please men, but as if their boss truly were Jesus.
APPLY
Whatever God puts before us to do, whether it be the noblest career or the most menial job, we should work at it with our whole heart, not to receive a paycheck or the kudos of our employer, but to please Jesus Christ. For Jesus is pleased with our faithful service and will reward us one day.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us work to do. Help us to work faithfully, with our whole heart, not excusing lack of passion for the type of job we may do or the employers, fellow employees, or customers we may have to deal with. Instead, help us to serve you faithfully by our diligent work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.