Whatever You do, do it Heartily
In Colossians chapter 3, Paul charges slaves with the following: “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.” (vs 22) This counsel from Paul is not just applicable to the slaves of his time but to all of us—even today. And truthfully, this principle is sometimes difficult to live. We are to serve and obey with complete sincerity of heart. We are not to try to get attention or to do things just to be recognized nor are we to pretend to do things whole-heartedly when indeed our intentions are being masked and our true motivation may be to look good in completing an assignment or task or even just to “get it over with”. God is genuinely concerned that we do things with the proper motivation, ultimately, to please and honor Him.
In verse 23, Paul adds: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not men…” Our obedience and service are to be done as to the Lord and to be done heartily (deeply, profoundly and completely). When we go to our job and are commissioned to complete paperwork, we are to do it without complaint—do it heartily…deeply, profoundly and completely. When we are stuck at home scrubbing the toilet or taking out the trash, we are to do it without complaint—heartily…as to the Lord.
And in verse 24, Paul dispenses encouragement: “…knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Your reward for serving and obeying as unto the Lord is your inheritance in Christ, and what He offers is more than enough. We do not need accolades, certificates, or the like; our inheritance in Christ is rich. We work for Him. He has given everything for us, so we do the same—give everything for Him.
Today, if you find your impetus for service and obedience is not to please the Lord, then let the Holy Spirit rewire and recalibrate your motivations. Let Him encourage your heart to work eagerly and devotedly as unto the Lord.
–Katie Botello