Day 68 — Serving the Lord in Ordinary Work

Day 68 · Following Christ in All of Life · Colossians 3:18-4:1 (NET2)

Paul brings household and working relationships under Christ’s lordship. He addresses an ancient society that included slavery; the passage must never be used to justify owning or exploiting people. Everyone, including masters, is accountable to the Lord. In our own circumstances, service to Christ calls for sincere work, loving relationships, just treatment, and care rather than bitterness or discouragement.

Request

Lord Jesus, help me serve you faithfully in ordinary responsibilities. Amen.

Read

Colossians 3:18-4:1

¹⁸ Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened. ²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching—like those who are strictly people-pleasers—but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. ²³ Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, ²⁴ because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. ²⁵ For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.

¹ Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).

Reflect

1. What commands restrain harshness and require accountability from those with power?
2. How could serving Christ change the way you do a task or treat a person today?

Restate

Describe sincere service to Christ without using it to excuse unfair treatment.

Respond

Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:

• Praise: Praise Jesus as Lord over every part of life.
• Thanksgiving: Thank him that ordinary faithfulness matters.
• Confession: Confess bitterness, careless work, or unfair conduct.
• Intercession: Pray for people working in difficult conditions.
• Petition: Ask for integrity and justice in your daily relationships.

Carry it into today: Complete one ordinary task with care, and treat the people involved with respect.