RESOLUTIONS: Daily Reading Plan #2
Colossians 3:23
"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
Colossians 3:18 through 4:1 gives specific instructions from Paul for those living in Christian homes. This passage includes directions for husbands, wives, children, and servants. Paul makes a point of reminding believers not to merely ''get by'' with the bare minimum of what we are obligated to do. Rather, we should serve knowing that Christ is our ultimate judge. Paul also places ''masters'' under the same obligation to kindness and fairness as slaves and servants: both are equal in the eyes of Christ.
This verse continues Paul's instructions to Christian "bondservants," or slaves. The concept he presents, however, is phrased in a very general way. The principle applies to all believers, for all those we work for: serve as if serving God Himself. According to the next verse, this is for a good reason. Our ultimate rewards are with God, not the human beings we serve for only a short time.
Paul echoes his teaching from verse 17, that Christian conduct should extend to all aspects of life, not just a small set of rules. As it pertains to servants, this might include cleaning dishes or serving dignitaries. "Whatever" includes any and all contexts. Christians of all kinds are to work "heartily," from the Greek phrase ek psyches, meaning "from the soul." This implies the ideas of enthusiasm and passion. Demonstrating a good work attitude makes a tremendous difference in one's personal life and in our influence on others.
Paul's words remind us that, regardless of our station in life, God is the one ultimately judging all we do, so all of our service is really for Him. From the most mistreated slave to the highest-paid leader, every person is called to work for God's honor. We do not work "for men" or simply earthly goals, but to glorify our heavenly Father and Master. Living for the Lord's honor is relevant in one's personal life, immediate family, and work contexts.
Paul concludes this teaching with a reference to the bondservant's true master: Jesus Christ. Even the lowliest slave, when they accept faith in Christ, becomes a servant of the greatest person in the universe. There is no higher honor or privilege. With this perspective, a mistreated servant can live with joy, knowing his true Master and the eternal joy that awaits (1 Peter 1:8–9).
Colossians 3:24
"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
Reflection Questions
- What does this passage say about our plans and the effort we give?
- What do these verses call me to do as a result of taking them to heart?
