Colossians 3:23 - How to Live for Jesus.
Colossians 3:23: How to Live for Jesus.
Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your
heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 (AMP) Whatever may be your task, work at it
heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for
men,
COMMENTARY PEARL
ALL FOR JESUS
If you desire to develop a closer relationship with God,
there is a simple way to do so. Begin practicing doing everything you
do for Him, especially the common daily tasks that you normally
just try to get done so you can move on to other things. Before each
task - whether it's grocery shopping, cleaning out the garage,
getting dressed to go out for the day or paying your bills - do it with
the thought in mind that you are doing it with and for God. You can
tell God that you are doing the task at hand for Him, to worship and
glorify Him.
Most people fall into the habit of dividing their spiritual
life from their secular life, but that is a mistake. We tend to think
that God is only interested in our spiritual life, but He is
interested in and wants to be included in everything that we do. Once I
understood this truth, doing life with God became very exciting.
God is not just in the church building or in your time of
prayer and Bible study. He is always with you everywhere, all the time,
and should not be ignored. Don't be discouraged if you find that it
takes time to develop this habit; just keep at it and you will
discover a deeper closeness developing between you and the Lord.
Father, I am grateful that You are interested in everything I
do. Help me to remember that You are present at all times and to do
all that I do with and for You. [My Time with God by Joyce Meyer]
COMMENTARY
Brother Lawrence said he was happy to pick up a piece of
straw from the ground just for the love of God, not looking for
anything in return, but seeking the Lord alone.
Over the centuries, readers of Brother Lawrence's letters and
written conversations have been intrigued by the image of the awkward,
barefoot monk bending for that straw with a wonderful sense of God's
presence. What was going on? How did he find such joy and contentment in
his simple daily tasks?
Even more intriguing is his confession that although he
worked in the monastery kitchen for fifteen years, he had "a strong
natural aversion" to it! Somehow that didn't matter. He was "always
doing small things for the love of God." He had formed the habit of
conversing with God, constantly practicing God's presence no matter what
the circumstances.
How might we emulate this humble brother? Pick up some
litter. Peel the carrots. Write a paragraph. Drive to the store. Say a
kind word to someone. All as acts of service for God.
Is it possible to consciously do that, moment by moment?
Brother Lawrence worked at it, and his attitude resulted in
God's giving him "endless gifts of grace."
We might dislike the tasks at hand, but doing everything we
do as service for God changes our perspective. Brother Lawrence's
secret was not changing what he did, but "doing for God what we
commonly do for ourselves."
Lord, you know my thoughts. Infuse my mind with what Brother
Lawrence practiced. When Im distracted from you, transform my
thoughts. Father, if I wander, please bring me back and lift me into your
arms. [The One Year Book of Encouragement by Harold Myra]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Before you begin a task - large or small - take time to pray
about it. By doing so, you acknowledge your need for Me and your trust
that I will help you. This enables you to go about your work in
dependence on Me. There are many benefits to this practice. I can guide
your mind as you think things out and make decisions. Just knowing I
am involved in what you're doing gives you confidence, reducing
stress. It's wise to thank Me often for My help and to keep asking Me to
guide you along the best pathway.
Though the Bible instructs you to pray continually, at times
you ignore this teaching. When you're feeling rushed, you find it
hard to slow down enough to seek My perspective on the work at hand.
However, diving in and forging ahead on your own is actually
counterproductive. When you request My involvement before you begin, I can point
you in the right direction - saving precious time and energy. I
delight in helping you with everything, even simple tasks, because you
are My beloved. (Col. 3:23; Psa. 32:8; 1Th. 5:17; SOS. 6:3) [Jesus
Always by Sarah Young]
Stay ever so close to Me, and you will not deviate from the
path I have prepared for you. This is the most efficient way to stay
on track; it is also the most enjoyable way. Men tend to multiply
duties in their observance of religion. This practice enables them to
give Me money, time, and work without yielding up to Me what I desire
the most--their hearts. Rules can be observed mechanically. Once
they become habitual, they can be followed with minimal effort and
almost no thought. These habit-forming rules provide a false sense of
security, lulling the soul into a comatose condition.
What I search for in My children is an awakened soul that
thrills to the Joy of My Presence! I created mankind to glorify Me and
enjoy Me forever. I provide the Joy; your part is to glorify Me by
living close to Me. (Deu. 6:5; Col. 3:23; Psa. 16:11) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
The present moment is the point at which time intersects
eternity. It is also the place where you can encounter Me - your eternal
Savior. So keep your thoughts focused on the present as much as you can,
enjoying My Presence here and now.
Invite Me into whatever you are engaged in. Ask Me to help
you do your work heartily. Working collaboratively with Me lightens
your load and enables you to be more effective. Share with Me not
only your work but also your leisure - thanking Me for both. When
something upsets you, don't let fearful or obsessive thoughts take over
your mind. Instead, talk with Me about whatever is troubling you.
Then cast all your anxiety on Me, knowing that I care for you.
If you ask, I will open your eyes and awaken your heart so
you can see more fully all that the present contains. I delight in
meeting with you in your wide-awake heart! I came into the world so that
you may have life in abundance - till it overflows. (Col. 3:23; 1Pe.
5:7; John 10:10) [Jesus Always by Sarah Young]
CLOSING THOUGHT
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for
the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20141018-1339.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Music Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDY:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
LINKS FOR PROPHECY SEMINARS:
Revelation Today by Pastor John Bradshaw:
https://revelationtoday.com/other-streams/
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
