Colossians 3:23 – Work Willingly for the Lord!

Paul’s exhortation to the Colossians was both general and specific. He encouraged them to give themselves fully to their work – something which Paul referred to as “ek psyche,” meaning with all your soul.

This means avoiding sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, and revenge as well as showing kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness.

Beloved

God loves you more than your worst sins can ever imagine. He saved you not because of any goodness on your part but because of His great mercy–and that same mercy remains available to you now and always.

Love is patient and kind; it does not covet others’ goods nor dishonor their honor; nor does it pursue its own interests at any cost. Love does not easily become angry nor keep records of wrongs done against it; rather it rejoices with truth and bears all things, persevering even during tough times.

And this is how you must live among yourselves: abandon all anger, wrath, malice, and blasphemy; adopt compassion, kindness, humility, and gentleness instead. Be merciful with one another as Christ forgave you; forgive one another freely as He did himself; and lay all these virtues together with love – as one cohesive force – no matter if slave or free. Do your work heartily for the Lord alone rather than out of any sense of duty to men – doing your work to honor Him will reap huge dividends from Him in return.

Behold your calling

As Christians, we are called to unite ourselves with Jesus in all aspects of our lives. While each individual’s responsibilities vary, all believers are expected to obey Jesus and serve him with their entire being – this responsibility extends far beyond simply becoming “church workers” but includes serving God through work, home life, communities, and even leisure pursuits.

The apostle encourages the Colossians to think deeply about what their call from God means for their lives. He reminds them that when He chose his people, not many were wise by worldly standards or powerful families; He chose those the world considered foolish or weak to bring shame upon those more knowledgeable or powerful than themselves.

He reminds them to do their work heartily, meaning from their entire beings; not just when their masters are watching or it’s required by law. Instead, they should work as though it were for God rather than mere humans and know they will receive their inheritance as rewards from him.

Set your mind on the things above

Paul had been encouraging Colossian believers to shed certain sins such as sexual immorality and greed, but now is offering them encouragement on how to develop a heart of kindness and mercy.

These attributes are the fruits of living a life fully dedicated to Christ. The more of these characteristics we display, the higher our chances will be for achieving heaven as an ultimate reward.

Note that “to which indeed you were called in one body” refers to all Christians being members of a single body serving each other using their gifts. This call applies equally across every relationship in the church: spouse/husband, child/parent relationship, and master/slave relations.

No one knows for certain which philosophy Paul was speaking against when he delivered his prison sermon, but we can surmise that it could include Stoicism, mysticism Judaism, or popular elements like consumer escapism Hollywood religiosity nationalism as potential opponents to salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul knew there was only one path to true happiness through Him – no other.

Do your work heartily

Paul advises his readers on the proper behavior to demonstrate in their most significant relationships. He warns against giving in to earthly desires such as passion, anger, revenge, and lying.

Instead, Christians should pursue acts of kindness and humility. Their relationships should be tied together by the supernatural love Jesus puts into each heart – something He refers to as “the bond of perfectness.”

Wives must submit to their husbands; children should obey their parents; and bond-servants should obey those who serve them on earth with singleness of heart, fearing God. Do your work as for the Lord alone rather than men – knowing that He will reward your effort with an inheritance (Colossians 3:12-17). Supernatural love is key in combatting sinful tendencies and building unity within God’s family.