| | | | The Best Workers - 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. Colossians 3:23-24
Colossians 3:23-24 is one of the better-known verses in the bible, and is oft used in connection with our service to the Lord in the church. While I agree that our service to the Lord should be hearty, and excellent, we might also want to look at the preceding verse;
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. (vs 22)
Paul is is directing this admonition to the slaves in the church. Keep in mind that slavery in the Roman Empire wasn't based on race; most slaves were acquired through warfare, or were put into servitude because of indebtedness. By some estimates, 40% of the Roman population were bondservants, so its no surprise that many early Christians were bondservants.
It's also important to understand that Paul isn't approving of slavery, he's simply saying to the bondservant: "You can be a witness for Christ right were you're at by serving your master as if you are serving God Himself."
If you think about it, that's what Christ did. The Lord Jesus Christ is the "King of Kings" and "Lord of Lords" (1 Tim 6:15), yet He came to this earth not to be served, but to serve (Matt 20:28).
How does this apply to me, today? Thankfully slavery has been abolished in most parts of the world, but the same principle applies jn our lives today. No matter what we're doing; Working a job, cleaning the car, helping a neighbor with a project, or serving in the church, we should go at that job as if we're serving the Lord Himself. Why? Because as Christians, everything we do is a reflection of the God we serve.
I think the Christian should be the most productive, most submitted, and most joyful employee on the payroll. Wouldn't it be an awesome testimony if every business owner in town thought, "Man, I need to hire more Christians, they're the best workers I have!"
And regardless of whether or not you're getting what you think you deserve, the bible promises us "knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance."
"Lord, help me be the best I can be today in every area of my life."
Pastor Clay | | | | | | | |
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