Daily devotion: Our very best!
Colossians 3:22–25
“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. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.”
— Colossians 3:22–25
I remember starting at a new place of employment several years ago. As I always did on the first day, I made it known that I was a follower of Jesus Christ. Immediately, one of the workers responded, “Well, I hope you’re better than the last bloke who said he was a Christian. He was the laziest and most dishonest worker we ever had!”
Wow. Because of a poor witness before me, I had a spotlight on me from the start.
In Paul’s day, there were over 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire. Many of them had come to faith in Christ. Yet Paul didn’t call for rebellion; instead, he gave a powerful command—whatever your station, serve sincerely, fearing God, and do it heartily, as unto the Lord.
Sadly, I still hear stories of Christians taking “sickies” when they’re not ill or being dishonest at work. What good is it to share the Gospel with our lips if our lives tell a different story? Whether we are employees or students, our daily work reflects the name of Jesus. We ought to be the most honest, diligent, and dependable people around—not to impress others, but because we serve Christ.
Paul didn’t stop with workers. He spoke directly to Christian bosses too:
“Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”
— Colossians 4:1
Whether in our homes, workplaces, or schools, our lives should reflect the preeminence of Christ. Our conduct reveals whether we truly live under His lordship.
Let us take this to heart:
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
— Colossians 3:17
This week, let’s give our all for God’s glory—so His name may be lifted high in every place we serve.