”23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24New International Version (NIV)
Colossians 3:23-24 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord
In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul, with the words “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord“, exhorted the Christians who were slaves in Colossae regarding their conduct in households. And Paul’s exhortation was very much in order because of the reality of slavery during his time and the precedence set by Scripture by recognizing the institution of slavery and giving regulations for it. That is, after seven years, a slave was supposed to be set free, and if he wanted to serve his master forever he could put an earring in his ear to commit to this service (Exodus 21:2-6).
Slavery in the Early Church
Nevertheless, from the history of the early church, you will realize that a large number of early Christian believers were slaves. This is because Christianity tended to attract the poor, the slaves, and the women, demographics that were commonly mistreated. Therefore, in their world of tremendous partiality and prejudice, Christianity was especially attractive since in Christ all people had equal standing (Galatians 3:28).
Christ Himself taught: “Blessed are the poor” and “Woe to the rich” (Luke 6:20, 24). Therefore, the poor have always been drawn to the beauty of Christ and His gospel. And many poor people, moreover, sold themselves into slavery to pay off debt or to find a job to support their families.
Consequently, because of the teachings of Scripture, Christian slaves in the ancient world went for double the price of a regular slave. This is because they worked hard and were honest and respectful since they were serving Christ and not man (Ephesians 6:5-8).
Interestingly, Colossians 3:18-4:1 seems to be a shortened version of Ephesians 5:22-6:9. And in Colossians 3, Paul encouraged the Colossian believers to “put to death” what was earthly and to “put on” that which corresponded to their new life in Christ. I, therefore, believe that in Colossians 3:17, Paul summed up that section by stating, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
After this exhortation, Paul then made his application to their homes. He, therefore, moved from wives to husbands to children, and then to slaves. And it was within this exhortation to slaves that Colossians 3:23-24 sits.
Focus on Christ
The apostle, in Colossians 3:23-24, therefore, exhorted the slaves to look beyond their human masters and focus on Jesus as their master. And in exhorting them in this manner, Paul enabled them to overcome the challenges that came with serving evil masters who would mistreat them – remember, their masters owned them. He also highlighted the fact that God would reward them, to motivate them.
This reminds me of Peter, who when he focused on Christ, was able to walk on water. But when he took his focus off Christ, he started to sink (Matthew 14:22-33).
Potiphar’s wife
Potiphar’s wife is a classic example of an evil master. Because, while Potiphar treated Joseph well, his wife sexually harassed him. And because Joseph revered God in his service to Potiphar, he was able to persevere till Potiphar’s wife leveled trumped-up charges against him (Genesis 39).
You are a slave in the modern sense
Today, you are not a slave in the same sense as in the time of Paul – at that time, slaves were owned by their masters. You are a slave in the sense of being under another’s authority. Therefore, you are answerable to and obey someone in control in the place where you work or offer your time for compensation.
Paul is, therefore, exhorting you to work with all your heart. This involves exploiting the best of your ability, and without complaining. And to do this, you have to look to Jesus as your master and a rewarder for your service.
When you serve Jesus, you will give your best because He is not as fallen as your human master. And a fallen master will most often than not treat you in a fallen way. But Jesus will treat you in a perfect way and reward you.
Additionally, you may be in a job that you do not necessarily enjoy. Paul, therefore, encourages you to be faithful in your work by giving you a purpose for work, that is, you are working for God and for His kingdom. Therefore, in spite of your dislike for your job and your boss mistreating you, you have to continue to serve with passion because you are serving God.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord God, I repent for not working at my job with all my heart and for not working for You. Grant me the grace to work at my job with all my heart and to faithfully serve You there.
This is my prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Joshua 4-6 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
