A Life Verse
Colossians 3:22-23 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men
Story: Verse 23 is the life verse of a good friend of mind. And years ago, it was a verse address I wrote on my basketball shoes; I wanted the reminder that all I did on the court was for Jesus, not for my coach, my team, or the crowd. A slave in Paul’s day didn’t get to pick his master; or to provide recommendations for improved relationships. So a slave might be under a good master; or a wicked one. An abusive one. A lazy one. A deceitful one. Especially in those negative situations is when fearing the Lord comes in, because the slave obeys Jesus from the heart. The reward of the believing slave is ultimately found in Christ (v. 24), not the earthly master. So fearing the Lord provides the ongoing heart motivation for doing what is right and best, even in some of the worst situations.
My Prayer Response: Father, this can be very difficult, and calls for a lot of wisdom from You in how to apply. I am so used to thinking about how the people I see respond that I forget to fear You – and be motivated to serve, obey, and love because of You. Unite my heart to fear Your name and so do what is right and best, even in the very worst of times. Let me seek Your rewards! May you work heartily today for the Lord Jesus!