WORK AS IF YOU ARE WORKING FOR THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for The Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from The Lord as a reward.  It is The Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Colossae.  Paul began this third chapter by telling them to set their minds and hearts on things above and not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-4)  He encouraged them to “put to death” their earthly nature.  They were not to lie to each other. (Colossians 3:5-10)  He told them that they were God’s chosen people and that they should exhibit the fruit of The Holy Spirit. (Colossians 3:12)  They should let the peace of Christ rule their hearts, and let the message of Christ live within them as they go about helping one another. (Colossians 3:15-16)  Paul told them that whatever they do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, The Father, through Him. (Colossians 3:17)  He repeated this thought and added to it saying that they should do their best at whatever they do, as if they were working for The Lord because it is Christ they are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)

 

APPLICATION

We are encouraged to do our very best at whatever it is that we do. (Ecclesiastes 9:10 and Colossians 3:23)  We are to work as if we were working for The Lord God for ultimately it is Christ that we are serving.  This is the standard by which we should judge all that we say and do.  “If any man speak … if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified …” (1 Peter 4:11)  If what we are doing is not for The Lord, or giving Him glory, then there is a good chance that we should not be doing whatever it is.  In whatever we do, in all things, give God glory.