“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 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)

I love the exchange the Bible often gives believers. We get credited to our accounts so many things; this truth is no exception. We do not need to be in full-time ministry to work for the Lord. The work of pastors and missionaries, while important, does not carry more weight with God than being a gas station attendant. Why? because it is not what you do; it is who you do it for!

This perspective changes everything! This means there is purpose in whatever station in life we are called. It is amazing to know that when we work hard for our earthly bosses, we are actually working hard for Christ. Our work assigns value and if we keep focused on the truth that we are working for the Lord then even menial tasks seem important. Knowing this should give us fresh perspective each and every day to serve wholeheartedly.

Here’s how the Amplified Bible records it; “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah)” (vs. 23-24 AMP).

Talk about icing on the cake! Not only can we do whatever we do as if unto the Lord; but our [real] reward will come from God; His retirement plan is awesome! It makes absolutely no sense that He would reward us with an inheritance simply for applying this principle of working wholeheartedly, but this gives incentive to keep the right attitude and perspective in all things. 

Let’s Have a Conversation...

Truth—It is not what you do; it is who you do it for! How does this perspective assign value to your work? In what ways will you apply this principle today?