Our scripture this morning is Colossians 3:23-25.
Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.
Paul has words of encouragement for our labors, whatever that might be. He tells us to work “as to the Lord and not for people”, reminding us that we are ultimately responsible to God. While we work here to provide for ourselves and family, the results are only temporary.
We need to focus on our “inheritance from the Lord” that is eternal. Material things here will not follow us to Heaven, and we will find more of value there than we can humanly imagine. Jesus tells us “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” – Matthew 6:21.
Still Paul teaches us to work enthusiastically as Christians, always giving our best. It is our call from Christ Himself to love one another, and doing less then we could denies that love. Jesus gave His all for us, and we can do no less for Him.
Gracious God, you have gifted us with the capability to do good things in the world. May we be energetic and honest in our work and diligent in our discipleship. Amen.