S – Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23–24 ESV

O – Commentary:

In fact, whatever (cf. v. 17) slaves do should be with all their heart[s] (lit., “out of the soul,” i.e., genuine and from within, not merely by outward pretense) and for the Lord, not for men. While slavery was certainly undesirable, Paul’s goals did not include restructuring social institutions (cf. 1 Cor. 7:17–24). Principles in Colossians 3:22–25 for Christian slaves may be applied today to Christian employees. If more Christian employees today served their employers with genuine concern and as though they were serving God, quality and productivity would increase dramatically! It is the Lord Christ whom all Christians are serving. (This is the only place in the NT where the term “the Lord Christ” is used.) After all, the final “payday” (an inheritance … as a reward) is coming from the Lord 

 Norman L. Geisler, “Colossians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 683–684.

A – While writing is targeting slaves, it applies to all of us when we look at the work we do.  Part of our expression of love for Christ is our attitude and aptitude we display when we are working.  Do we emulate the same principles of following God when we work in our hearts but also in our deeds?  Love, compassion and strength would not allow us to do a feeble attempt at our work; as we value others, we are compelled to bring our best for them.  Knowing our testimony is on full display while we work, who would want to taint that with a subpar effort or attitude?

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Lord Christ.  Enable us today to use our thoughts, words and actions in a way that displays your love for You and others.  Our testimony while we work will draw people closer to you in relationship.