Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:22-24)
You’re at work, and the boss suddenly comes into the room. What do you do? You quickly start doing what you were supposed to be doing. But when he or she leaves, you breathe a sigh of relief and slow down. Isn’t that how it goes?
You’re at school, and the teacher steps out of the classroom. What do you do? You and your classmates forget about homework, and you talk and giggle and sneak out of your seats. But when you hear the teacher’s voice in the hallway, you jump back into your seats and pretend to be working.
Here’s the thing: Your boss is always in the room. Your teacher is always in the room. Who is it? God! That’s why the Bible told slaves long ago to serve their earthly masters faithfully, “not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.” We’re not really living to please human beings. We’re living every moment for God.
The One in charge of life isn’t your employer or teacher or parent. It’s the God who loves you enough to die for you. Doesn’t that make a difference? Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve us with his life and death. Jesus has given you an inheritance in heaven by faith in him.
That means that whether our earthly masters are good or bad, there’s someone greater we’re serving: The Lord! “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Whether your boss is watching or not, God is! Whether your teacher is in the room or not, God is! Every moment of every day is a chance for us to say “Thank you!” to Jesus by living for him. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Dear Lord, forgive me for the laziness in my heart that leads me to work or serve half-heartedly. May your grace motivate me to live every moment for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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