AUGUST 8
WORK AS FOR THE LORD
Colossians 3:23-24
23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (WEB)
Our biggest struggles often happen when we try to draw our strength from horizontal sources. Whether we live for the approval of a spouse, a pastor, a parent, or a boss, it is all the same to God. Jesus lived a vertical life. He lived to please His Father, and His life source also came from Him. Jesus wasn't a people pleaser and wasn't affected by the approval or rejection of fickle people. His eyes were fixed on the things of heaven, which caused Him to influence many people on earth.
In today's Scripture reference, the Apostle Paul tells us to 'work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.' If we do that, our outlook on work will even shift. We aren't working for a demanding, harsh taskmaster but for our loving Savior and elder brother. If mere humans mistreat us as we do our daily tasks, it won't be nearly as frustrating if our focus is upward.
My prayer today is that we realize that whatever we are called to in life, it is ultimately for the Lord. Whether we're working, resting, parenting, or ministering, we do what we do with a heavenly perspective. The more we focus on heaven, the more every earthly relationship around us will be changed.
Colossians 3:1-3
1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (WEB)
23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (WEB)
Our biggest struggles often happen when we try to draw our strength from horizontal sources. Whether we live for the approval of a spouse, a pastor, a parent, or a boss, it is all the same to God. Jesus lived a vertical life. He lived to please His Father, and His life source also came from Him. Jesus wasn't a people pleaser and wasn't affected by the approval or rejection of fickle people. His eyes were fixed on the things of heaven, which caused Him to influence many people on earth.
In today's Scripture reference, the Apostle Paul tells us to 'work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.' If we do that, our outlook on work will even shift. We aren't working for a demanding, harsh taskmaster but for our loving Savior and elder brother. If mere humans mistreat us as we do our daily tasks, it won't be nearly as frustrating if our focus is upward.
My prayer today is that we realize that whatever we are called to in life, it is ultimately for the Lord. Whether we're working, resting, parenting, or ministering, we do what we do with a heavenly perspective. The more we focus on heaven, the more every earthly relationship around us will be changed.
Colossians 3:1-3
1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (WEB)