Whatever you do...

Read

Colossians 3:23–24“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.”

What it is speaking to me:

I can’t say that I like doing everything. As a kid, you don’t like doing most jobs—especially chores. As you get older, some chores don’t bother you as much, and then you start working. Unless you are incredibly lucky, every job you have will have at least one “chore” in it that is terrible. You probably will never like it, and you just hope you don’t have to do it much.

We all know that’s ultimately part of life. But that doesn’t mean unfulfilling work has to be unfulfilling. It means that, in fact, all work—even the worst of it—can be done to glorify God. The significance of Paul’s instruction here is best understood when we remember that, in the immediate context, he’s talking to people who were slaves. Considering I have never been a slave, my earlier lamenting over chores as a person born free fades to insignificance. That word “heartily” raises the standard even further. The Greek word used here is unique to this verse and means “from the heart” or “from the soul”—to do something sincerely and wholeheartedly. It’s almost as if Paul is telling slaves to serve in such a way that the reality of their slavery is no longer the defining factor in their service. That’s a high calling. So...what’s my excuse for not working heartily again?

If I bring that standard to my work, then my commitment changes. I begin to do things as best as I can instead of just the bare minimum required. My attitude shifts—from one of obligation to one of worship and enthusiasm. I’m not working for my parents or my employer, but for my Lord and Savior. Kind of exciting then, isn’t it?

What is it saying to you?

What is your “chore” at home that you hate? The task at work you abhor?

How would doing it heartily for the Lord change that job for you— in your heart, your mind?

How would you want or need to do that job differently?

What are we going to do about it?

Commit to doing one task at work or home today with a higher standard of excellence than you feel is required.