As you step out today, here’s a reminder of God’s word to you from Colossians 3:23-24 [AMP].
23 “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.”
The NLT Translation says,
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and that the Master you are serving is Christ”.
The NIV Translation says,
“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.”
Today’s Bible verse admonishes us as believers on the right kind of attitude we must strive to have in whatever we do. Whether in our place of work, in our own business, or wherever we may be required to carry out some form of work or service. God want us to go the extra mile and to go way and beyond. However, as I meditate on today’s Bible verses, I realise that one of the key things Apostle Paul is trying to address here is this – ‘our mindset’ and ‘our perspective to work which ultimately will influence our work ethics and how we carry out our duties or tasks on a daily basis.
This is because without having the right mindset to work, we would make a mess of the opportunities that God brings our way for us to shine our light and point others to Christ. We we would also not be able to demonstrate to others our kingdom values because all they will see is just another colleague, business partner, business owner etc. responding to work pressures or situations just like anyone else.
Another key thing Apostle Paul also helps us to see is – the big picture ( i.e. our ultimate reward for all we do will come from God) so that we can keep focused (so that we don’t lose our reward because of our shortsightedness) and not allow people’s negative attitude or behaviour ( temporary factors) make us lose our reward. I say this because we may sometimes find ourselves in a work or business situation where the attitude of the people we work with or interact with can make us change who we are.
Apostle Paul earnestly encourages us to have the right attitude to work so that we can exhibit our KINGDOM WORK ETHIC (which is to Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people) in whatever we do.
Today’s key verse no doubt shows us that God is not only interested in our internal change and what goes on within us but he wants that change to reflect in whatever we find ourselves doing. God wants our attitudes and disposition when we carry out our day to day activities to impact those around us. This is because the interactions we have with people on a daily basis provides us with the opportunity to show them kingdom values without us necessarily having to ‘preach at them’.
As believers, we are Christ representatives and ambassadors here on earth. It is therefore important that our attitude, our behavior, and our work ethic reflect the nature of Christ in us. When you say you are a Christian, people are more likely to always watch how you act, how you behave and your attitude to a situation even when you may not be aware they are doing so.
People want to see that when you profess that you are a Christian, your lifestyle matches that claim and this is evident in the way you act and behave. It is important to note that your attitude or behavior might just be what an unbeliever will see and decide either to want to be a Christian or remain an unbeliever.
Today’s Bible verse is also very important for us to adhere to as believers because it helps us to have the right attitude when we are carrying out our duties in our place of work. In many business organisations, employers at their employees to give their very best, work from their heart, put in their creativity and go the extra mile. And as a HR professional, I understand the great benefits these can offer to a team, a department and to an organisation as a whole.
Therefore as you go about your daily business and activities today, take a few minutes, pause and meditate on this scripture. My question to you as you meditate on these Bible verses is have you at any point fallen short of working willingly at whatever you have been asked to do especially while at work? Do you work grudgingly and don’t necessarily go the extra mile? If your answer is yes – today, you can ask God today for forgiveness and ask Him to supply to you grace to exhibit the Kingdom work ethic in whatever you do.
The Kingdom work compels you to give of yourself to help and serve others and to go the extra mile. It makes you go beyond just giving discretionary effort (Which is going beyond what the job description demands and most often people tend to give this effort only when their employer is good to them) which a lot of employers want their employees to give while carrying out their duties.
Instead, It makes you be intentional about serving others genuinely and allows you to give beyond what your boss expects even if you feel they don’t deserve your extra effort. Jesus reminds us of this truth in Matthew 5:43-45 that what makes you and me different as a Christian is when we choose to love those who don’t treat us well.
So today, go the extra mile to serve your boss, colleagues, and customers. Have a smile ready to share. Give a hug and a listening ear to those who might need it.
In all you do, remember that you are a Christ Representer and don’t forget to exhibit the Kingdom Work Ethic!
Do have a blessed and fruitful day.
God bless you.
