“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.” Colossians 3:23-24 (Read Colossians 3:18 — 4:1)
The book of Colossians centers on the “preeminence of Christ.” Paul argues that because Jesus is the Lord of creation and the head of the Church, His redemption should permeate every corner of our lives. When we are brought to faith in His cross, we aren’t just given a ticket to heaven; we are integrated into a new Kingdom with a new, God-pleasing way of relating to one another.
It is as Paul writes in Colossians 1:13-14: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
In Colossians 3:18 — 4:1, Paul moves from theological heights to the “gritty” reality of the household. He shows us that our faith is most visible in our most private and mundane relationships.
1. Harmony in the Home
For the redeemed, the home is the primary mission field. Paul addresses the core of the household, calling for a mutual yielding to the lordship of Christ.
Wives and Husbands: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them” (Col. 3:18-19). Redemption removes the power struggles of the Fall. Submission is not about inequality but about “fitting” order in Christ; likewise, husbands are commanded to a self-sacrificial love that forbids resentment or harshness.
Children and Parents: “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Col. 3:20-21). A household under the Cross is characterized by a lack of provocation. Parents are called to nurture their children, ensuring their discipline leads to life rather than resentment or despair.
2. Excellence in Our Labor
Paul then addresses “bondservants” and “masters.” In our modern context, we apply these principles in our workplaces and in our professional integrity.
The Heart of the Worker: “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God” (Col. 3:22). As citizens of a new Kingdom, we no longer work just for a paycheck or a promotion. We work with “sincerity of heart” because we serve Christ, our Savior, and seek to honor Him in all things.
The Ultimate Reward: “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” (Col. 3:23-24). This is the great equalizer of the Kingdom. Whether you are cleaning a floor or running a corporation, the work is “as to the Lord.” Our “inheritance” is secure in Christ, freeing us from the need to find our identity in our earthly status.
3. Justice in Leadership
Finally, Paul speaks to those in positions of authority.
The master’s Master: “Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Col. 4:1). Redemption reminds the leader that they are also a follower. Accountability to Christ changes how we treat those “under” us. We are called to be “just and fair” because we have been treated with justice and mercy at the Cross.
Reflection
Being “brought to faith” means realizing that there is no “secular” part of your life. Every dish washed, every email sent, and every word spoken to a spouse is an act of worship. We live differently because we serve a different King.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the redemption He purchased for us upon the Cross. We are humbled that You have graciously called us out of darkness and into the Kingdom of Your dear Son. Lord, we ask that the reality of our new life in Christ would reach into the very details of our daily walk. Help us to live out the instructions of Your Word with “sincerity of heart.” In our homes, grant us the humility to serve one another and the grace to put away all bitterness, that our families might reflect Your love. In our work, deliver us from the trap of “eyeservice” and people-pleasing. Remind us that whatever we do, we do it for You. In our positions of influence, keep us ever mindful that we also have a Master in heaven, that we might act with justice, fairness, and kindness. May our lives be a living testimony to the power of the Gospel. Let everything we do be done heartily, as to the Lord, knowing that our true reward is found in You alone. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]