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 this Monday profoundly grateful for everything you’ve accomplished for us, and for your ongoing work in our hearts and world. The pressure is off. We could never save ourselves or fix the universe. The Day of all things new is coming, and that Day cannot arrive too soon.
In light of this über-good news, Paul’s admonition in this passage 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 fear of people, or to gain power over people. Free us for doing all things “as unto you”: Loving our spouse without manipulation; doing our jobs without self-congratulation; and walking with people with realistic expectations; etcetera, etcetera, and etcetera.
Help us forgive others daily, because you’ve forgiven us fully; love others patiently, because you love us perfectly; and serve others with joy, because you serve us with passion, sacrifice, and delight.
We are SO thankful the gospel has forever “crushed” a wage-earning, merit-accruing, advantage-producing relationship with God. We labor from acceptance with our Father, not for acceptance. What a humbling, staggering, and astonishing truth. 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, we know their destination is at your feet, not on our heads or in our trophy cases (Rev. 4:10). We are grateful, Jesus, very much so. So very Amen we pray, in your quintessentially glorious name.
