COLOSSIANS 3:23-24.

Whatever you do work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ that you are serving.

TO PONDER                                                                                                                          

I have to admit that I knew nothing about Colossians except it was written by Paul from prison and it comes between Philippians and 1 Thessalonians in the Bible. So, I decided to read Paul’s letter to the Colossians completely from start to finish. The four chapters are easy to read but I found myself wondering where he was going in Chapter 3 under Rules for Christian Households because he covered these with one line but was very detailed about servants and masters. It all fell into place when I read the verses that are the basis of today’s devotion.                                                                     

We were slaves to sin until Christ paid for our redemption on the cross. Each time we partake of Holy Communion, our sins are forgiven but we do not work in order for God to redeem us, we are saved by grace through faith.  We work for the Lord for the joy it gives us to serve him, knowing our reward will be living with him in eternity.  

How do we serve God? Wholeheartedly! It can't be an outward show that may impress those around us. God knows us intimately, so we put our full effort into it as if we were serving our earthly employer. We should approach our service with joy which results in fulfilment. We should not see it as a drudge or means to an end.  This joy in service should flow over into all aspects of our lives, relationships, even our leisure time.   

Sometimes, if you are like me, we can wonder “Am I doing enough?”  The answer is usually simple; work well at what tasks you feel God has given you – one small task done well is worth more than many that are rushed over because there is not enough time or energy and always remember salvation does not come through works.  When we serve Christ, as Christian believers, we demonstrate that our hearts are transformed and a new way of living our faith is reflected in our actions.

PRAYER: Gracious God, I thank you that I can express my joy in my salvation by joyfully serving you, I ask for your strength to do the work you set me honestly and well because I know that the reward is the inheritance promised to us, life in your presence forever.  Amen

Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle