Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Colossians 3:22-25

Although this scripture is aimed at servants/employees, it is applicable to each one of us in our lives, whether we are in employment, or working in the home, or in a particular full-time ministry. Whatever we are doing, let us not be looking to man’s approval. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Whatever we do, let us do it as if we are doing it for Jesus. May we not be pleasers of men, performing well when their eyes are on us. Because our reward does not come from men, but from the Lord, as verse 24 says “Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The one whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah)”.So often we may look for approval from others. Quite often it doesn’t come. We shouldn’t rely on that, or even look for that. In the end it is God who we will stand before to give an account (Romans 14:10-12).Let us look for our Lord's approval smile. To hear the words ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant’.

I so often find myself pulled in different directions, of course this happens because I find myself wanting to please people over God. I just felt these verses were a reminder I needed most of all. I am called by God, not man and pleasing man is a dangerous thing that will often pull us off course. The enemy (Satan) I believe uses our tendency to need the approval of man to get us not to sin directly, but to take our eyes of Jesus. I guess Paul knew what he was talking about when He told us to " Fix our eyes on Jesus"

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this reminder.....as I read what GOD wrote and your thoughts, what came to mind were the following verses:
Matthew 6:1-3
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

and

John 3:8

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Much, much to pray about......that we may be moved by the SPIRIT......trusting in the ONE who truly knows all.....as you have already mentioned - with eyes fixed on JESUS.....and what is our faith to look like....."now faith is being sure of what to hope for and certain of what we do not see". AMEN!!!

Verse 25 in this passage of Colossians is sobering indeed....makes me wonder what example I am setting for my children.......when I seek to please man rather than GOD.....I keep teaching them that we ought to obey GOD rather than man.....am I? I must ask.....or am I a hypocrite......THANK GOD, HE is merciful, patient, forgiving and above all the LOVING.....may we be filled with HIS SPIRIT......may our children and their children and so forth be filled with HIS SPIRIT! In CHRIST JESUS, I PRAY - AMEN!

Thank you for your thoughts......
Can't remember my sign in to post......may GOD bless you.....

diane

My Favorite Books

  • The Forgotten God
  • What is Reformed Theology
  • James Patterson Books
  • Communicating For Change
  • The Reformation Study Bible
  • The Best ? Ever