God is the one we work for

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“Work willingly 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 that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23–24 (NLT)

When I was in elementary school, star charts and contests motivated me. One summer I read more books than any other kid in our town and my picture made it in the newspaper. In Girl Scouts, I got a certificate and a stuffed animal for all the boxes of cookies I sold. During Vacation Bible School, I won a board game for learning the books of the Bible.

It has been hard not to focus on rewards in my ministry. My attitude can change like the tide if I get a good review or a bad one. Sometimes I’m bummed if I’ve poured work into a project and others don’t notice as I think they should.

I don’t get a certificate or another trinket as I serve Jesus. An eternal inheritance is my reward. And Jesus, of course, doesn’t put a star on a chart for the things we do right. Instead, He is the one who will shine bright in our lives now, and for eternity. I need to remember that. I need to remember that He is the one I work for, and pleasing Him is enough.

Faith Step: When is the last time you worked hard and didn’t get the reward you deserved? Think about that time and consider Jesus looking down on you with approval.“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Write a prayer committing to Him your work and your desire to serve others for His approval.

—Tricia Goyer