Text: Colossians 3:22-25
Memory verse:
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭
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There is no substitute to hard work anywhere, whether in your personal business or as an employee. Some people have negative attitude towards work as an employee. Have you heard someone say something like this to a hard working colleague? “You better take it easy and don’t kill your self in someone’s else business”. That is, don’t work so hard on the business that isn’t yours. What a negative and lazy attitude! “Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.” ‭‭(Prov‬ ‭10‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬)
In our text today, Paul charged those working as employees to have a different perspective. They must carry out every task as serving the Lord and not just men. This is the attitude you should have towards your work. You must do the work heartily according to our memory text.
“Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men” (AMP). Notice the emphasis here. “Put in your very best effort”. Don’t handle your work carelessly. Don’t be unconcerned or negligent. Don’t be idle, allowing your work to suffer and the business to lag behind. Act sincerely and don’t just work like you are there to just earn your salary. Think beyond the present, knowing that the God you are serving through your earthly employer is a faithful rewarder. Unleash your loyalty and immerse yourself into your job. This attitude will make you indispensable, trustworthy and dependable. Such was the servant of the centurion to his master. He was so valuable that his master did the unusual – a military general left his work to seek healing for his servant who was sick! (Matt 8:5-6).
Friends, work hard and put your best into your job. Serve with right perspective. Don’t allow pessimists and negative people to talk you out of God’s purpose. God, who calls you is the most rewarding and paying employer.

Prayer points
1. Father, please, help me to put my very best effort into my job and to honour You as I work in Jesus name.
2. Father, please, reward me as I heartily serve You through my employer in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. I am not a burden to my employer but a blessing because I put my very best effort into my job
2. I focus on God as I serve and I don’t allow distractors, pessimists and negative people to discourage me.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng