Our Real Boss

"Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord. And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality." Colossians 3:22-25 NHEB

This is a very important passage for the believer in Jesus Christ. Often these seemingly unimportant remarks by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul get overlooked in the massive spirit-data that is presented. However, as we look at this, we will see how deeply it goes to the root of our behavior. 

Even though it is addressed to "Servant" because of the servant/slave customs of the day, this applies to all who are employed by others. The first instruction is for us to understand that our real boss is not the one we see, but the Lord. If we only do good to try to impress someone other than the Lord, we are "men pleasers," and do not understand that the Lord, who sees all, is our boss. So the appeal is for all to understand to always do our very best, whatever we are doing, because it is from the Lord that our reward (raise, favor, whatever) really comes. 

I am reminded of what John the Baptist said to his disciples when they became jealous for him because Jesus was baptizing more disciples that he was in John 3:27. They were disturbed and wanted John to become alarmed and competitive in heart with the ministry. His comment in verse 27 is, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven." (ESV) John understood that promotion in anything is from the Lord and only from the Lord. It was the Lord he was serving - not people who count disciples. Hence He completely avoided the competitive-spirit ugliness and held tightly to his mission. 

In our work, or ministry, or whatever, we really only have one boss - it is the Lord Jesus. This passage teaches us to serve Him with all we are and with singleness of heart. That way, we will serve those over us properly. We will give honor to whom honor is due, with no thought of "currying favor" with man. We just extend grace and love and the most of our ability to all. 

Then the passage reminds us of a fact that has always been true - God is not partial. (Deut. 10:17) It doesn't matter who we are, what we have done, where we come from, or even where we are going. He looks on the heart and empowers for the moment. His instructions in our grace expressed life is to "work heartily" knowing our reward comes from an inheritance base in Him. I think that last phrase deserves further study - but not today. 

Lord, we have often thought our destiny was in the hand of other people. Thank you for your word that lets us know it is in Your hands, and Yours alone. We seek in your strength and love to be Your hands, heart and life expression in our place of living. Thank you!