Whatever You Do…

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

─ Colossians 3:23-24 NASB

Whatever You Do…

Mae listened quietly and waited as her daughter Haylee vented her frustration of unmet expectations, disappointment and concern about her new job. Only a few months in, the new organization had definitely deviated from the plan they shared with her about her role during the initial interview. And to their credit, Haylee admitted that COVID-19 did play a part in the turn of events within the company.

When Haylee finally paused, Mae chose her words carefully. “I’m so sorry this new job isn’t what you expected. It’s very disappointing,” she said, pausing to allow empathy to flow.

Haylee knew her mother, and she knew a “but” was coming.

“But …” Mae continued, “God knew about these obstacles before you ever accepted the job. I think you should ask yourself what the purpose is for God placing you there?”

Paul says in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart as working for the Lord and not for man since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (NIV). That’s a very interesting and powerful verse so let’s look at it closely.

So, when Paul says, “Whatever you do …” it means simply – whatever you do! If you’re on the phone, that’s what God has given you to do. If you’re at home raising children, if you’re educating the next generation or driving a school bus, if you’re mopping floors or if you’re serving in a position of leadership – whatever you do, Paul says, do it with all of your heart.

Think about Paul’s words, “all of your heart.” We all have days when we’re less engaged in our work, but God’s intention for us is – whatever we do – that we do it with all of our heart.

Paul goes on to say … “Not working for man but working for the Lord.” That is a mindset. Your boss or the company you work for is really not who you do your job for. As believers in Jesus Christ, someday you will stand before Him to give an account for what you did, and didn’t do, with your time. It’s your decision to choose a mindset that says, “Whatever I do, I’m doing it as work unto the Lord.”

The final thing Paul shares is a promise: “As a result of doing this, you will receive an inheritance from the Lord.” Your inheritance is coming from God because of what you’re doing.

Today’s One Thing

So, what are you doing today? Take a step back today and carefully consider how you can apply this powerful verse to whatever you’re doing. Ask God to help you as you choose His perspective.

Additional Reading

Receive Devotionals like This in Your Email