Who Will I Serve Today?

Scripture – Colossians 3:22-4:1: ²²Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. ^4:1Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This passage is filled with implications for labor and management – workers and bosses. Clearly, people aren’t slaves in our culture today. At the same time, the tendency is to narrow my vision and work just for myself – to earn money or work up the corporate ladder. Paul’s word here is pretty straightforward. As a follower of Christ, do your job as though you’re serving Him, not other people. That’s even true – perhaps especially true – for pastors.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep this passage in mind today as I move along. There are lots of things I can do to please people. I will live today from the perspective of pleasing and serving Christ.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, this is such an obvious lesson. I shouldn’t even have to write it down. Yet you know how easily I slip away from it. As I work on Sunday’s sermon specifically, keep me mindful of working for you. What message will best serve you this Sunday in your worship service?

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.