“Work . . with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
“Be generous when you can because you can.”
My thoughts today are about “doing God’s work.”
Everyone is trying to please somebody much of the time but that can become slavish, and discouraging because you will likely fail as often as succeed. As much as you are capable, you should learn to respect and serve others whom God places in your life, always keeping in mind that your first responsibility is to the Lord Jesus, who alone is your Master. Know this; God may place people in your life that you would not have chosen but whom you must not ignore, lest you ignore God. “With sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord; whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:22-24 NIV.
To the Christians in Rome, Paul taught, “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God . . therefore it is necessary to submit to the authorities . . because of conscience . . for authorities are God’s servants . . give everyone what you owe them . . if respect, then (give them) respect; if honor, then (give them) honor.” Romans 13:1/5-7 NIV. See also Titus 3:1-2 NLT.
Life follows “a law of reciprocity;” it’s simple, really. Treat others as you wish to be treated; do for others what you would appreciate being done for you. “Do for others as you would like them to do for you.” Luke 6:31 NLT. This is not a “give so you will get” arrangement. This is God’s sowing and reaping principle. Read Galatians 6:6-10 NIV. You sow and trust God to bless your return. If you want respect, sow respect. If you want understanding, be understanding. If you want kindness, be kind. If you want honor, show honor. If you desire trust, trust others.
Here’s how the Kingdom of God works: you give what you get, and you get what you give. What can you give except what you have been given? Why should you give less than you have received? To whom do you owe respect and honor that you are not presently giving? Parents? Spouse? Boss? Submission is more than grudging actions; submission is first an attitude of Godly appreciation and regard for others. Until you learn to graciously take orders, how are you qualified to give them? Authority is withheld unless you honor God’s authority, as well as others’.
This principle was taught by Jesus when He said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17 NKJV. That pretty much covers all the bases. If you excuse your unresponsiveness to earthly authority, are you not ignoring God as well? Often a person does not refuse authority so much as feeling free to criticize and complain about it. Your success may well depend upon your attitude toward others and your regard and treatment of them. Honor them, and God will honor you. “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV. Are you more interested in being “rich in every way,” or in being “generous on every occasion?” The latter is the better of your options.
My prayer for you today is that you be generous when you can because you can.