TUESDAY July 23, 2024

Heart-felt Service to the Lord

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:22-24

In the book of Colossians, Paul also addressed bondservants with a very similar exhortation as that written in the book of Ephesians. He instructed them to be obedient to their masters, not only when they were seen by them, but to do their work diligently, even when their masters were not watching. Again, they must have the right attitude. They were to serve their masters as if serving the Lord Christ. In their labor, they were to be aware that God was watching them.

When working, do you have that same awareness and accountability before the Lord? That means as an employee, you are not to be watching the clock so you can leave work as soon as possible. Make sure you put in your whole eight hours and that all your work is done, even if it means staying longer. Then, when you get your paycheck, you will know you have earned it.

In the workplace, seek to establish a trustworthy reputation by not taking extra breaks or extended lunches. There has to be honesty and integrity in the workplace. Some Christians need to be reminded not to witness to people during work hours. Why not do that on your own time? Do not be lazy, murmur or complain. Any work, no matter how humble––sweeping, cleaning or mopping––should be done heartily as to the Lord. Please the Lord! The Lord is the one who is going to reward you!

If you are pleasing the Lord, then you will please your employer. Consider this: Who is really paying your wages? It is God! Understand, He is the One who is blessing you. He is supplying your needs through your employer.

Good duties must not be pressed and beaten out of us, as the waters came out of a rock when Moses smote it with his rod; but must freely drop from us, as myrrh from the tree, or honey from the comb.
~Thomas Watson~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!