23. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
24. since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
4:1. Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
What a relief to come to a weekend and realize that most people have a break from work. It seems that more jobs require week-end responsibilities as well as some get no days off. Many people long to leave the work-a-day world to escape labor and pursue their personal pleasures. God designed us to work and to rest. There is an importantto make us whole and productive people. Whether one is employed or not, work is designed by God for mankind.
I have been on committees for the church, district, and state conferences with men and women, who now in their retirement or semi-retirement, put as much effort in their responsibilities as they did when they were employed. They loved what they do and feel fulfilled when they have something meaningful to do.
When I was at Study Break at Trout Lake Camp there is a force of retired men and women who were busy with building and cleaning the grounds and cabins for campers. There were special projects where some, who have the ability and training, now work for the Lord in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, sewing, and painting tasks.
What a blessing if you work at a job you love. Unfortunately, that is not case with everyone. It is typical, that at any job, there are things most people enjoy and other things they do not enjoy. It is a mixture of fulfillment and frustration.
We recognize work is also part of the curse of the fall. It is with the sweat of the brow that man must labor, with thorns and thistles. (Genesis 3)
In Colossians we are instructed to live up to our calling. Our new nature affects, not only our families, but also our relationships at work. Paul is writing to slaves and masters. (Also translated in other versions as bondservant or servant.) 50% of the people were slaves/servants. When people were brought to a saving faith in Jesus the Holy Spirit began to work in society. That's when slavery began to diminish. In I Cor 7:21 Paul tells them if possible, to get their freedom, but he did not advocate rebellious overthrow of the government or the existing authorities.
Application: As you apply this truth, know that our faith affects our work and there are directives for employees and employers.
Prayer: Lord, I pray this scripture back to you that whatever I do, I would work at it with all my heart, as working for You Lord, not for men. It is You Lord Christ that I serve.
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