His Glory. Our Reward.

Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, (24) knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. –Colossians 3.23-24 (CSB)

We were hosting the Tri-County Spring Leadership Training and our job was to provide the space and refreshments for the evening as we coordinated with the various session leaders to provide anything they might need. We were anticipating 150+ leaders for the evening and I was excited that we were able to be involved with this training opportunity. Yes, I wanted to do it well and we worked double time to make sure that we took care of everything on our end. But it was tiring and as we were completing the last-minute preparations, our custodian and I were setting up tables in the gym for refreshments. We placed the final tablecloth down and I was already tired from a day of work. The tablecloth was noticeably not level, and I simply didn’t care. As we went to walk away, the Holy Spirit reminded me of today’s verse; we went and fixed the tablecloth.  

Upon reflection, I believe my motivation for wanting everything to be excellent was more about my desire to impress the association than it was to give my best to God. If we’re transparent, we all run the risk of falling into the same trap. We complete our ministries for the sake of approval instead of the glory of God. So, I ask you, “Why do you do what you do?” 

Are you seeking to build your resume? Get a pat on the back? Bolster your image? Or are you seeking to make God look good as your faithfully serve him in all things?
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As we serve him, we are to do it wholeheartedly; we must give our all. We give our all not to win his approval (we have it already in Christ!). Rather, we give our all because he has saved us by “grace through faith” (Eph 2.8)! Now that we are saved, we have work to do that God has prepared for us (Eph. 2.10). As we work, we work for him. So, in truth, you’re not working for your immediate supervisor, but rather God. You’re not cooking dinner for your spouse, but for God. You’re not taking the kids to school for their sake, but for God’s glory. In everything you do, Paul writes, do it for the glory of God.

For Reflection
Why do you do what you do in the Church? In your family? Work?
 
How would remembering that you ultimately serve the Lord Jesus change the way you approach your work? 
 
In what ways do you need to adjust your attitude about your work to faithfully live out today’s passage?
 
Pray
Pray and ask God to help you complete your work for his glory
 
Lord Jesus, help me to serve you in all things—regardless of how small the task may seem. Thank you for showing me how to work for the glory God and for empowering me to do so as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.