December 27
Serving with
Joy and Gratitude
Colossians 3:23-24
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.
Daily Steps
Building on the foundation of living with an eternal perspective (Day 343) and constant gratitude (Day 358), this passage gives a final charge on the nature of work and service. It elevates every mundane task, reminding the new believer that all honest effort—whether in a job, at home, or in the church—is ultimately done for the highest of Masters, the Lord Christ.
The peace in this principle is found in ultimate motivation:
The Standard of Effort: We are commanded to work at Whatever you do and to do it with all your heart. This requires holistic dedication (Day 349) and diligence (Day 292). The quality of our work reflects the quality of our commitment to Christ.
The Ultimate Master: The key to transforming mundane work is the shift in audience: as working for the Lord, not for human masters. When we fix our eyes on the unseen Christ (Day 343), the difficulty of the task or the unfairness of the human boss fades, replaced by the joy of the Lord (Day 339) in serving Him.
The Certainty of Reward: Our motivation is secured by The Certainty of Reward (Day 344): since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. The transient rewards of this world are nothing compared to the eternal reward that comes from faithfully serving the Lord Christ. This truth fuels our perseverance (Day 351).
Your peace is secured by ultimate motivation. Embrace this Final Charge today by identifying one task you have been approaching with laziness or resentment. Commit to doing that task with all your heart, consciously offering it to the Lord Christ as an act of worship and thanks.
Reflective Question
When you face a difficult or unpleasant task today, how does reminding yourself that It is the Lord Christ you are serving change your effort and attitude? What practical step can you take to do your work with all your heart?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to complain about work and to seek the approval of human masters. I thank You that You have given me a purpose for every task. I pray for the grace to remember that It is the Lord Christ I am serving in all things. Secure my peace today in this ultimate motivation, and enable me to work with all my heart, knowing that my reward is with You. Amen.
