And whatever you do, do it heartily,

.... as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23, 24). The previous verse reads “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”  The tendency to do things that look good, but either lack sincerity “to be seen of men” (Matthew 6:1), or to manipulate or control, is not limited to slaves of human masters. For much of the world image is everything, and many times image is hiding something ugly. So the commands in this morning's scripture are relevant to us all, not just to slaves or the modern equivalent employees.  Though of course it is highly applicable to employees!

The next verse is a warning to those who think they can still do anything they want after they get saved. Yes when we repent with sincerity from the heart God will forgive us, but the warning is clear “he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality” (verse 25), no favouritism in His justice. We also need to remember that “whom the Lord loves He chastens,” and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 12:6; 10:31). In the next verse we are reminded that we have a master in heaven. He is just and fair, and that we need to be too (4:1).  In particular He is our master, not our slave, and there are rewards for doing good and consequences for either doing bad,  or not doing good (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; James 4:17). But this morning's admonition is not just about doing good or bad, we are to do even the neutral things heartily as to the Lord.

When I wash the dishes,  or make my bed,  or repair something,  these things should not be done shabbily. Elsewhere Paul admonishes us “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).  In other words it is not just what we do that matters, it is how we do it. And it has to go deeper than the outward appearance. Jesus warns us “there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open” (Luke 8:17). We are to be lights that shine in the darkness. It is not just the bad that will be brought to the light, our justice,  our integrity will  shine like the noonday sun (Psalm 37:6).

Father, You command to love You with all our heart,  mind, soul and strength comes to mind. You would rather we were cold than lukewarm. But we need Your Grace Lord, Your energy, Your peace your tenacity. Help us not become weary in doing good, and thank You for the promise that at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). And we give You praise again this morning Lord in Jesus Name Amen