The Word of the LORD for this week is “Giving God your Best” The scripture says in Col 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. It is also confirmed in Col 3:23-24, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
This is one of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible as it relates to serving, giving and laboring for the LORD. The Apostle Paul wrote this in a letter to the Colossian church, and I believe it is one of the most profound scriptures in the Bible. Paul could say these words because he labored tirelessly for the LORD.
Think with me for a moment. Before he was converted in Christ, he was a religious leader and Pharisee who persecuted the church. In other words, he was a Jesus and Christian hater. Once he met Jesus, got saved and converted, he labored tirelessly for the LORD and the Kingdom of God.
Listen to his testimony. He wrote 13 books of the New Testament by the Holy Spirit. Many people believe he wrote Hebrews as well. That means that he contributed 14 books of the New Testament. (that’s a lot of writing for someone who didn’t have a computer!) He also traveled around Asia Minor at that time with over 3 missionary journeys, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom about Jesus the Christ. He was persecuted, imprisoned, beaten, people turned their backs on him, mocked him, and eventually died in prison for the cause of Christ! What is amazing is that this man labored tirelessly for the LORD, and left a testimony and legacy for the church that is dynamic and powerful!
Yet today, people give up on God, stop coming to church, and complain about serving, giving and doing anything for the LORD! This is truly a sad testimony for the LORD because God has been good to us! Not only that, we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ one day, to give an account of our works and words.
The question is, can we say like Paul: 2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Tim 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Excuse me just for a moment, but how can we who say we are the light of the world, the salt of the earth, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, an ambassador of Christ, and seated in heavenly places with Christ, give as little as we can, serve as little as we can, and complain when we have to sing, serve, minister or volunteer? This is why Paul could say:
Col 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Col 3:23-24, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Remember as a believer in Christ, everything you do for the Kingdom of God is for God and God alone! It may seem like you are serving a man or woman, but it is for the Kingdom of God. The Bible clearly says, whatever you do in word or deed, do it from the heart, and as to the LORD and not to man, knowing that you will receive the reward of the inheritance, because you serve the LORD Jesus Christ! Today, let us truly examine ourselves, and give our very best to the LORD in word or deed! God bless!