WORKING WITH A PURPOSE

You slaves must obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Obey them willingly because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites who can get away with evil.
 
Colossians 3:22-25
 
The terminology of the time and culture was slaves and masters. Every time I run across this in scripture, I have to consciously remind myself that slavery of Bible days was not the same cruel vehicle that infected the United States in the 1600-1800s. I have to relate these relationships to the employee/employer relationships of today. When I do that, I am able to hear what God is saying to me without the distraction of the evils of modern society. Satan would want me to miss the point.
 
Whatever our work or profession, we are to use our God given skills to the best of our ability. We are to set it in our hearts to perform at the top of our game. Giving our best brings honor to the LORD and for that there will be a reward. The purpose of our hard and cheerful work ethic is not to gain the reward but rather to reflect glory on the God who gives us our abilities. We can trust God for the promise of our inheritance.