COLOSSIANS 3:22-25
WORK AS IF GOD IS YOUR BOSS
Colossians 3:22-25 (BSB) Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritanceG2817 from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
G2817 klērŏnŏmia – heirship, i.e. (concr.) a patrimony or (gen.) a possession: – inheritance.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
Do your work as unto the Lord,
for it is truly He who gives the ultimate reward.
Your boss may be difficult, rarely praising your work.
Do not use that as an excuse your duties to shirk.
For in all that you do, it is Christ that you serve.
Don’t let Satan trick you by throwing the curve,
“Your unreasonable supervisor isn’t looking today,
so you can take some time off to play.”
Remember your true Boss sees all that you do,
so work heartily for Him, and be faithful and true.
As I read this passage, my thoughts turned to my son who is currently (2007) a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. How does this apply to him and the soldiers serving under him in Iraq? So, I emailed and asked him to respond to the passage as related to his current situation.
Mom,
Not much time to talk but here’s my lowdown. Especially since I received little to no praise from my old boss, I have had to find different motivations for working hard. First there is a simple joy in getting into bed exhausted from the day. You know that you laid everything out and could give nothing more. Second, that Bible verse has rung in my ears for years. To know that if I slacked off would continue the lie that religious people are lazy. In short, my work ethic is a reflection of Christ. Third, you work for the welfare of other people. You are not there to just support your family. The decisions you make every day affect the lives of your soldiers and peers. These different perspectives are my primary motivating factor for working. Oh yeah, I just got my yearly review. Still in the top three LTs out of 32, hooya.
LOVE YOU
Thomas
Father, I continue to pray for revival among Thomas’ men that would spread to their families. I thank you for the young wife of one soldier who recently gave her life to you. Let Thomas’ work ethic be a positive witness to his men and his superiors. Thank you for giving me children in the unique way that you did. Thank you for the inheritance you promise those who serve you. Help me to do my work with all my heart, serving you and not men.
Postscript: Thomas was promoted to captain before the end of his military service. He is now a civilian.