And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Col 3:23-24)

Every action has a reaction. At the core of all we do is motive. Hunger, thirst, sleep, hurt, are reactions to a void for something that is missing or needed. Our scripture passage today directs us to identify our motive for Christian service. “Whatever ye do…as to the Lord.” The word “whatever” is without limitation. It includes everything and leaves out nothing. Husbands, wives, and children? As to the Lord. Employee, employer, volunteer? As to the Lord. Unemployed, retiree, student? As to the Lord. “Whatever” your state or status, “do it heartily, as to the Lord.” Christ’s motive for all He done and all that He continues do today as He ministers through the Holy Spirit. “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father doeth…For the Father loveth the Son…” (Jn 5:19-20). He did all that He done to glorify the Father who loved Him. My friend, if you know the Father’s love for you, you can do the same. So, begin this day with thoughts of the Father’s love for you. He loved you and sent His Son to die in your place, for all your sin. He has forgiven all your sin and given you His righteousness. (2 Cor 5:21). He loves you with an “eternal love.” Knowing His love for you and out of His love for you, ought to motivate you to love and serve others, that the Father is glorified. Resist the urge to measure your actions based on reward you will gain from others or the reactions of others. “For ye serve the Lord.” He is worthy of our best and our all. Serve Him with gladness and a sincere heart. Father, thank You for Your eternal love and the forgiveness of sin. Remind me to walk in a manner that pleases You and at every turn and crossroad in life today, that “whatever” I do, do it with a sincere heart devoted to You, “as to the Lord.” In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.