Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3:23)

As we travel the Path of Life, we work for many things; our job, sports, school, home chores, volunteer duties, church activities, etc. We’re all workers of some sort. But let’s think of why we’re working. Of course, we work to make money, to win the game, to make  good grades, to please our parents, serve our community or to serve God. Our attitude and mission while we work is very important. God is watching and other people are too. Who do we most want to please?

I remember a time when my brother and I had a part time painting business. I was up on a client’s roof to paint the trim on a cupola when I noticed that there were unpainted parts and places that were just not done right by the previous painter. I thought, “No one will ever be up here to see this trim so what does it matter.” Well, it mattered to me unlike the previous painter. I did the job correctly even though no one would likely ever see it. But…God sees it.

We do a lot of work that, maybe, no one ever notices. But God notices. Who do we most want to please? And, maybe we think no one is noticing but, if we are a Christian, people are watching us, what we do and how we act. It makes a difference.

Another story: Some of us men volunteered to mow the grass at the church. It was my team’s turn and I showed up to mow. But no one else came. I must have gotten the date wrong. As I finished the grass mowing, I started the weed eating up next to the building. It was hot and I was tired. Then someone drove by the road and tooted their horn and waved at me. In frustration, I thought, “Why don’t you come and help me instead of tooting your horn?!? Immediately, I heard in my Spirit, “Bill, who are you doing this for?” Oh my, I had to repent. “Lord, I’m doing it for You, I’m sorry.”

“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts..” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).