LEARNING DAILY

Colossians 3:23-24, And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.

The message given at church this weekend was from Colossians 3:18-4:1. Paul wrote about the roles of family members walking in their specific roles within the family. Pastor pointed out that the wife, the husband, the children were to live with each other in the way God designed and by doing this, each would be pleasing and honoring God. Paul expanded this to employers and employees treating each other justly and respectfully.

One of the bullet points on the listener guide caught my attention. It was under the point where Pastor was expanding on the role of the supervisor in Colossians 4:1. The bullet point was: “Be the example”. I know that the verses written above are written about the relationship between bondservants and supervisors, but could they not also apply to the relations in the family. Christian conduct needs to be applied to all areas, all relationships in our lives. My point is to make sure people see an example to follow and not just words being spoken.

We have all heard that what we do, what other people see in us, may be the only Bible people read. That is being an example. People watch when you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ. They want to see if you are going “to walk the talk” when things get difficult. There are times that is a difficult load to carry because the burden is heavy. If our faith is right, we know that Jesus said to let Him carry our burdens. Our responsibility is to serve others by living our lives and doing all we do for the Lord’s glory, for His honor. In all we do our conduct is to be centered in Christ; the term “whatever” includes any and all conduct; we do it “heartily”. This term implies we do something with enthusiasm and with a great passion. That includes how spouses treat each other, parents treat and relate to their children (and grandchildren), and how employees and employers relate to each other and the work they do.

People are watching! Let them see the light of Jesus in us as we walk the narrow way. Demonstrating Christ’s love in our relationships and in the work place makes a tremendous difference in one’s personal life and influences others. Paul’s words remind us that regardless of our position in life, He is the One who will ultimately judge us. All we do, all our service must be done to please and honor Him. We do not live our lives for the honor of others or for earthly goals but for Him. The rewards we live for – our heavenly inheritance and eternity with Him – are those given by our heavenly Father.

Be encouraged to be an example of Jesus Christ each day. Believers do not need to be recognized for their faithfulness. God ‘s acknowledgment of this is enough. But let our faithfulness be seen by others so they want to know what is different about your life. That opens up the opportunity to tell them the difference Jesus Christ has made in how you live your life. People of the world are looking for something, someone to give them hope. Be that person by letting the light of Jesus Christ shine brightly through you. Be an example.