The Bible teaches us in Colossians 3:23 to do everything we do “heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” This verse gives an important perspective on how we should approach our work and other daily tasks. In this article, we will explore the meaning, context, and application of this verse to help understand why Scripture emphasizes doing everything wholeheartedly as service to God.
The Meaning of Colossians 3:23
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” The word “heartily” means with all your heart, with enthusiasm, earnestly, and sincerely. Paul is instructing believers that whatever work or task we undertake, we should do it wholeheartedly and enthusiastically, as if we were serving Christ directly.
This verse follows Paul’s instructions in Colossians 3 on putting off the old self and putting on the new self in Christ. In verse 17, Paul says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Then in verses 22-25, Paul specifically addresses slaves and masters, giving instructions on how they should view their work.
In the ancient world, many Christians were slaves, owned by non-Christian masters. Paul recognizes this relationship but tells slaves that ultimately their work should be viewed as service to Christ, not just service to their earthly masters. And masters should treat their slaves well, knowing that they themselves have a master – Christ.
The Context of Colossians 3:23
The book of Colossians was written by Paul to correct false teaching in the church at Colossae. In chapter 2, Paul warns against those who would judge Christians regarding food laws, Sabbath days, and worship of angels. He emphasizes that believers have died with Christ, have been raised with Him, and are no longer under the religious regulations of the Old Covenant (Colossians 2:20-23).
In chapter 3, Paul explains the implications of this freedom in Christ. Since Christians have new life through their union with Christ, they should seek the things above rather than earthly things (3:1-4). They are to put off the old sinful ways and be renewed as image-bearers of God (3:5-11). Because of their new position in Christ, their relationships with one another should be characterized by love, compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness (3:12-17).
It is in this context that Paul then addresses how the Colossian believers should view their work and responsibilities. In light of their new status in Christ, they should see their work as service to the Lord who redeemed them, rather than just service to human authorities and earthly masters.
The Significance of the Motivation
A key emphasis in Colossians 3:23 is the motivation behind our work. Paul says to do everything “as for the Lord and not for men.” He focuses not just on the outward action but the inward heart motivation.
If we view our work primarily as service to human bosses, customers, clients, or earthly gain, we disconnect our work from our worship of Christ. Our work becomes merely a job, a paycheck, a chore. But when we see it as service to God Himself, it takes on spiritual significance and becomes an act of worship.
Working heartily for God’s glory pleases Him. It recognizes that He is Lord over every aspect of our lives, including our vocations. And it aligns our priorities with God’s eternal kingdom rather than the temporary things of this world.
Application for Workers
How then should Christians apply this verse to their daily work? Here are several implications:
- We should give our full effort in our work, not being lazy, but working with enthusiasm “as for the Lord.” Mediocre work does not honor God.
- We should maintain integrity and excellence in our work. We represent Christ in how we fulfill our responsibilities.
- Our attitudes and motivations matter. Do we work cheerfully and respectfully? With sincere goodwill toward others?
- We honor God when we follow ethical policies and practices in our places of employment.
- Viewing work as serving God gives dignity and meaning to any lawful occupation. There is no task too small or menial when done for God’s glory.
- Our work is a platform for Christian witness. By working diligently and acting ethically, we commend Christ to others.
In following these principles, we live out Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Application for Employers
Colossians 3:23 also contains implications for workplace leaders and supervisors. While the immediate context addressed slave masters, the principles apply to Christian employers today:
- Treat employees fairly and compassionately, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Avoid threats, harassment, unfair compensation.
- Seek to create healthy working conditions and appropriate benefits. Value people over profits.
- Reward hard work and give encouragement. But allow Christian employees to serve you as they serve Christ.
- Don’t compartmentalize faith from work. Allow employees freedom to integrate their beliefs and values into their working life.
- Don’t view employees as just a means to an end. Cherish their God-given dignity.
- Don’t misuse authority or leadership. Steward it well for the good of others and God’s glory.
Managers who integrate their faith with work relationships create an environment where Colossians 3:23 can flourish. Employees are motivated when they see leaders model service to Christ.
Application Beyond Work
While Colossians 3:23 directly addressed work situations, its principle that we should do everything wholeheartedly as service to the Lord has broader implications. We can apply it to:
- School – Studying and completing assignments as worship of God who created our minds.
- Household chores – Serving our families as service to Christ.
- Caring for children – Nurturing them as for the Lord.
- Volunteer service – Honor God by using our gifts and talents to help others.
- Physical health – Steward our bodies with diligence out of reverence for God.
- Relationships – Love others sincerely as Christ loved us.
- Financial stewardship – Use money and possessions for God’s purposes.
- Recreational hobbies – Enjoy them in ways that honor God and give Him thanks.
Every area of life can be lived for God’s glory when we maintain the motivation of serving Christ wholeheartedly. Work that pays a wage may have been the initial context, but the principle applies everywhere.
Wholehearted Service Brings Reward
Colossians 3:24 gives this encouraging promise: “You will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” When we serve and honor God in all things, it will be noticed and rewarded by Christ. His commendation is the greatest we could ever receive!
Though rewards are graciously given, not earned, God delights to honor those who diligently serve Him (Hebrews 11:6). As we read in Colossians 3:24, we will receive an “inheritance.” In biblical times, the firstborn son inherited the father’s estate. But in Christ, all believers become co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). Our eternal reward and inheritance in heaven will far surpass any earthly compensation we could ever receive.
Knowing our service on earth stores up eternal rewards motivates us to work wholeheartedly for God’s glory. Our labor in the Lord in never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). The reward ceremony described in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 shows God will meticulously review every work done for His kingdom purpose.
Wholehearted Service Demonstrates Our Fear of the Lord
Colossians 3:22 contains another motivating principle: “Fearing the Lord.” Our work and service should flow from a profound reverence, honor, and awe of the Lord. Knowing that God sees everything we do compels us to give our best for His glory. The Westminster Shorter Catechism summarizes the concept of fearing God nicely: “To fear God is to love him, honor him, and obey him as sovereign Lord.”
Fearing God does not imply we serve Him out of dread or terror. But it does mean we serve Him with utmost sincerity, seriousness, and conscientiousness. We heed God’s Word. We respect His authority over every domain of life. We aim to please Him wholeheartedly because He is worthy of our worship and allegiance.
The fear of the Lord has profound implications for work. It combats laziness and entitlement. It spurs diligence, integrity, and perseverance. It humbles pride and self-promotion. It instills care and caution into all we do. With an awe-filled fear of the Lord, we become faithful stewards who give our all.
Wholehearted Service Demonstrates Our Love for God
While fearing God motivates our work, so does loving God. Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Loving God involves delighting in who He is, being devoted to Him, and obeying His commands.
When we love someone, we want to please them. We are concerned about their interests and priorities. So it is with loving God. When we love Him wholeheartedly, we desire to serve and glorify Him in all things. Our affections propel us into greater faithfulness.
Colossians 3:23 resonates closely with Jesus’ teaching in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). In this story, a master entrusts his servants with money to invest for him while he is away. The two servants who loved their master worked diligently to multiply what he had given them. But the third servant who did not love his master just hid what he was given. Motivated by love, the faithful servants used their talents wholeheartedly for the master.
May our love for Christ compel us to use all He has given us – time, gifts, resources, relationships – for His glory. This brings Him joy and delight. Our love-motivated work becomes an act of worship to the One we adore.
Wholehearted Service as an Act of Worship
Working heartily as unto the Lord transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship. No longer are we just going through the motions. We realize God is personally present as we work, and we can commune with Him in the process. Our labor becomes infused with spiritual significance.
In fact, Paul describes our work as a spiritual act of “serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24). Elsewhere, Paul instructs, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). When done as worship with the right heart motivation, even everyday routine activities honor God.
God created mankind for work. Adam was given the task of cultivating and keeping the Garden of Eden even before the Fall (Genesis 2:15). Redeeming work was part of God’s purpose in creation. So when we work and serve wholeheartedly, we align with God’s original design and bring glory to Him.
We also imitate Christ, who modeled perfect service to the Father during His earthly work. Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work” (John 4:34). With undivided devotion, Jesus gave Himself fully to fulfilling the Father’s will for His earthly mission. What an example for us!
Caveats on Interpretation
While Colossians 3:23 gives helpful perspective, we must be careful not to misapply it. This verse does not mean:
- All work legitimate work has equal value. Some occupations are clearly more righteous and beneficial than others.
- God’s calling on our lives is not relevant. God leads different people into different kinds of work.
- Excellence in skill does not matter. God deserves our best efforts.
- We must stay in jobs that violate biblical values. If compromising, we should transition.
- Christians can never change jobs. We have freedom to biblically pursue better opportunities.
- We must thoughtlessly accept abuse or exploitation. Wisdom balanced with faith is needed.
- Passions, gifts, and talents are irrelevant to vocation. God directs these.
While we must be careful about assumptions, this verse still gives helpful principles. With wisdom and faith, we can apply it to give God glory in our work.
Summary and Conclusion
Colossians 3:23 instructs believers to work heartily as if serving the Lord directly. This gives motivation and meaning to our labor. When we see our work as service to Christ, we find purpose beyond just a paycheck. We represent Jesus in our diligence, ethics, and attitudes.
This verse reminds us that our work has spiritual value as we do it for God’s glory. This transforms even mundane tasks into worship. When we work motivated by reverence for God and love for Christ, it honors the Lord. And He promises to reward those who serve Him wholeheartedly with eternal blessings.
May Colossians 3:23 inspire us to pursue excellence, integrity, and faithfulness in our work – whatever our role or occupation. As the reformer Martin Luther wrote in explaining this passage: “A Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes.” May we make good shoes – and good software, good meals, good decisions, good products, and good works of every kind – for the glory of Jesus Christ.