Read: Colossians 3:18-25
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. (vv. 23-24)

My nine-month-old daughter moves around nonstop. Watching her requires vigilance. Frankly, I find it tiring. Some-times I put her in her crib for a while. Unable to exercise and interact with other people, she starts wailing. In those moments, part of me wants to leave her upstairs, shut the door, and accomplish something, anything, on my to-do list. But I don’t. Why?

Because work as a father involves “not provok[ing] your children, lest they become discouraged” (v. 21). Work like childcare requires sacrifice and struggle. Even those who love their work find at times that great effort is involved.

Paul knew that following Christ requires great effort on the part of everyone—employees, bosses, mothers, children, fathers. He offers Christians the motivation of working for the Lord—with an eye on eternity.

In heaven, there won’t be managers stressing about deadlines, broken bones on the job, or crying children. The pain we endure due to sin will be gone.

Does that mean there’s no work in heaven? Paul doesn’t say that. In fact, in John 14:3, Jesus told his disciples, “I [am going to] prepare a place for you.” Sounds like work. However, if there is work in God’s presence, we can be sure it will be nothing but good.

Prayer:
God, teach us to work for you wholeheartedly. Amen.

Author: Adam Stout