Whatever I Do?

Daily Reading: Colossians 3

Scripture Focus:  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)

Devotional Thought: Did you know that whatever you do, you are to do it with all your heart? Do you know why?  Paul gave two reasons to the Colossians:

• We serve the Lord.  Whether it is in our homes, our relationships, our communities, or our jobs, ultimately it is the Lord Jesus that we serve.  When we love our spouses, we are sharing with them God’s love.  When we train our children to live godly lives, we are directing them to the One who died for them.  When we provide for our children, we are providing for the Lord himself.  The work we do should be worthy of the Lord so that his name is honored.

• We anticipate reward.  This inheritance from the Lord is not our heavenly home.  We are afforded eternal life as a gift of God’s grace only.  Nothing we do can earn us that reward.  The inheritance of which Paul speaks is threefold.  First, we receive satisfaction and peace in our hearts when we complete a job to the best of our ability.  Second, God notices our work and our faithfulness even when others do not, and he rewards liberally with grace and abundance.  Third, what we do here impacts our reward in the life to come.  It only makes sense.  If we have sown generously, we will reap generously for eternity.  If we sow meagerly, the rewards will be meager, for there will be less to be blessed in the life to come.

So, as you go to work today – loving your family, raising your kids, doing your jobs – work at it with all your heart.  Whatever you do, your labor in the Lord is not in vain! (1 Corinthians 15.58)

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to work heartily whatever I do.  I don't want to just get by, but rather to excel.  I want to bring glory, not reproach, to your name.  I want to be a help, not a hindrance, to my family and co-workers.  I want to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 23.1-6

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.