The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Gerard Prescod
SCRIPTURE VERSE
“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.” (Col 3:23–24 NIV).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
These two Scripture verses instruct me to give my complete effort in whatever I do—whether at work, school, home, or play—so that Christ will be pleased with my life. I am not to be lethargic or halfhearted in what I am doing, but I must be fully aware and do my best in everything as I live this life God has given me. I must be an ambassador for Christ, always serving him, remembering that my reward comes from him.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Colossians 3:23 begins with the phrase, “Whatever you do,” which leaves nothing out. In effect, the writer is saying that in everything we do, we must do it unto the Lord. Jesus is the Lord of our lives; we must live entirely for him and not for human masters, including spouses, parents, children, friends, and employers. Furthermore, we must work heartily—i.e., from the soul—in everything we do, which implies enthusiasm, eagerness, and sincerity in what we do.
It is a blessing, too, to know that when we live in this way, we shall receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. But you might ask, “How do we do everything as working for Jesus?” First, we must believe he is our Lord and be willing to testify with our lips to this truth (Rom 10:9), which brings us into a personal relationship with him. Then, we must desire to “check in” daily with him through prayer (cf. Phil 4:6; 1 Thess 5:17), meditating on the Scriptures (cf. 2 Tim 3:16), and gathering with other believers who can encourage us in our walk with him (cf. Matt 18:20; Heb 10:25). After all, if Jesus is our Lord, we will need to follow his instructions regarding how he wants us to conduct ourselves so that we may represent him excellently.
EXHORTATION
Therefore, let us do everything with all our heart as working for the Lord.
PRAYER
Father, Your Word instructs us to put our all into whatever we do. Give us the strength and wisdom to do everything to the best of our abilities. Let our work bring You glory and honor so that You will be pleased with all that we do and reward us as your children. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.