Studies have been done in the workplace and found that over 60% of workers would leave their job if they had a better opportunity. The number one reason they would leave is their supervisor. This is even more interesting because the same survey found over 60% of bosses are happy with their job and don’t want to leave. What do Christians do when they are in a situation that isn’t ideal? Paul tells the Colossians to work heartily for the Lord.
COLOSSIANS 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
Jesus is Your Motivation
Paul gives his readers some practical advice when it comes to working. He tells the Colossians to work heartily for the Lord. That means your motivation to get up and go to work should be from a desire to please Him. You may try to impress your boss or customer, but you understand that the eternal rewards come from the Lord. You serve Jesus first and foremost. He is the one you will have to give an account.
Jesus is Your Inspector
The church in Colossae was much like the rest of the Gentile churches. It was full of both slaves and freemen. The slaves would often look at their salvation as a ticket out of slavery, but Paul had to remind them that they were to work hard so that God would get the glory whether they were a slave or free. Much like today, your work isn’t unto your employer or customer but to the Lord. Work as if Jesus will be the one inspecting your work.
Work Heartily For the Lord
One day you will receive a reward for your work. It will be an inheritance from the Lord. After hearing, “Well done good and faithful servant, the reward will be living in eternity. You have been a good steward now enter your rest.” Bosses come and go, but the glory of the Lord will remain forever. Work heartily for the Lord so that you can receive that reward.