Make Good Work: Serving Christ in Every Task

Devotional week 6

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. Colossians 3:23, 24  (NLT)   

In 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to travel outside my country for the very first time. It was also my first experience flying, and I was beyond thrilled. What made it even more remarkable was that I was visiting one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Despite arriving during the winter season, the scenery was breathtaking. Deep down, I did not want to leave. But of course, I had to—after all, I was just a visitor. 

During my time there, I was struck by the smooth flow of traffic and the clean, quiet streets. Everything seemed to function effortlessly, as if on autopilot—a stark contrast to my home country. This country had what I wished for in my own country: stable electricity, reliable transport, clean surroundings, good healthcare, and more. While no place is perfect, having the basics was enough for me. 

One day, while discussing work environments across cultural boundaries with a friend, I shared my thoughts. I explained how easy it must be to embrace the idea of serving Jesus through your work in a place where conditions are favorable. But in a society plagued with corruption, where many struggle to find or maintain work, the concept seems far less appealing. 

Not long after that conversation, I was reminded of Colossians 3:23-24: “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.” These words humbled me. They reminded me that my mindset had been flawed. 

You see, these verses were written to slaves—people who likely endured harsh, even dehumanizing, labor conditions. Yet the instructions were clear: unpleasant work environments should not stop us from doing our jobs well if we are committed to obeying God. In all situations, we must maintain the perspective that the true Master we serve is Christ. 

After three months, I came back to my country. Conditions here have not changed much and might even get worse, but my perspective has changed. I now strive to do good work, whether in good conditions or unfavorable ones. It is the Lord, Christ Jesus, that I serve. 

Our goal can—and should—be to serve Him in everything we do, regardless of where we work or who our earthly employers might be. 

Challenge

What does it mean for you as a Christian professional, student, or worker, to do good work? Ponder on this and make notes if possible.

Pray 

Dear Lord, help me to work as if serving You, not man. May my desire to please You always come first. In Jesus name Amen.