SERVING THE LORD CHRIST

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23, 24)  
In Christ, God has blessed the believer with a new life: "Christ is our life". And we are told, "from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace" (John 1:16). Whatever then we chose to do with that life, the way that we envision our participation in the context of life's daily and diverse scenarios, whether in our home life, work life or church life, can only properly be in seeing ourselves as "serving the Lord Christ".

Today's passage stirs-up, encourages and strengthens every believer, challenging each of us, to render our best effort in every call of duty. Even more so, it is especially nuanced for those situations in which we feel that our significant efforts are hardly noticed or adequately appreciated by those from whom we expect them. However, though man may be too occupied to notice and ill-equipped to adequately appreciate, we are encouraged when read, "from the Lord you will receive...your reward"

So what do you do the next time you are feeling disappointed and discouraged - so discouraged you no longer care about tardiness or shirking your work; putting-in a substandard performance or quitting altogether? I encourage you to consider this important lesson from our text. it teaches us to maintain the right perspective always. First, you serve the Lord Christ. Second, it is He who ultimately blesses your efforts, and third, from Him you will receive your just reward in due time.

How will you go about giving your best effort today? Remember, do it "heartily", that is, as one who does the will of the Lord from the heart; and work as one who is serving the Lord Christ, not as one who is working for man.

You will do right by everyone in every situation, and you will receive your reward from the Lord as long as you never forget who you are serving: the Lord Christ, not man. This attitude will empower you to persevere; see you beyond difficult challenges; and lift you up to your highest altitude in life.

Grace & peace to you!

~ Pastor Victor Ubani

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