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Doing All Things for the Lord, Not for Men

     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. Col. 3:23-24

Lord Jesus, we begin today profoundly grateful for everything you’ve already done for us, and for your ongoing work in our hearts. Because of your grace, power, and faithfulness, one Day we will be made perfect in love—we will be conformed to your glorious likeness (1 Jn. 3:1-3). O, the blessed thought. That Day cannot arrive too soon.

In light of this über good news, Paul’s admonition in this Scripture feels life giving, heart invigorating, and hope fueling. Because of your finished work on the cross, our works are now deeds of doxology and works of worship, acts of adoration and labors of love. We work, not to get anything from you, but because we have all things in you.

Therefore, Jesus, free us from doing anything for the approval of people, out of the fear of people, or to gain power over people. Free us for doing all things as unto you: Loving our wives without manipulation; doing our jobs without self-congratulation; and walking with people, without unrealistic expectations.

Help us forgive others, because you’ve forgiven us fully; love others, because you love us perfectly; and serve others with joy, because you serve us with great passion, sacrifice, and delight.

We are SO thankful the gospel has forever “trashed” every notion of a wage-earning, merit-accruing, advantage-producing relationship with God. We work for you, Jesus, because you first worked for us. What a humbling, staggering, and astonishing truth. We serve you because you ever live to serve us, as our Advocate and Intercessor. Indeed, we love you as Lord because you first loved us as the Lamb, giving yourself as a judgment-exhausting sacrifice for our sins.

We’ll receive an eternal inheritance from you as a gift, not because of our grit. And should we receive any rewards or crowns, they will be thrown at your feet, Jesus—giving credit where credit is due (Rev. 4:10). Hallelujah, many times over! So very Amen we pray, in your quintessentially glorious name.

 

 

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