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, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve. (Colossians 3:23-24 AMP)
REFLECTION
Colossians 3:23-24 knocked on the door of my conscience after I had just wrapped up a lesson, which had been observed by my students’ parents. I realised that during this observed lesson, I was making a concerted effort to be impressive. The reality was that while my many letters of recommendation verified that I was a tried and tested teacher who responsibly adhered to teaching contacts, careful to get all assigned work done and often went the extra mile to help students and their families, it was painfully obvious to me that I tackled teaching tasks with more enthusiasm for excellence when people (I wanted to impress) were observing me. Yes, I know, this is a rather cringeworthy confession, but it’s better to cringe in confession than hide as a hypocrite. That said, when we feel convicted about something, it’s so important not to spiral down into condemnation, but instead, to go straight to God in honest prayer and confess what’s in our hearts and ask Him to help us work through it. I did just that, and I found that my perspective began to shift. I became increasingly aware that our loving Heavenly Father is always observing us, and that work [of any kind] becomes a more rewarding experience when relationships matter more than results, and our most important relationship — with our Maker — is our top priority.
PRAYER POEM: Vision
Lord, I humble myself under Your mighty hand, for Your ways I long to understand.
Equip me with insight, for I desire to do what is right in your sight.
Give voice to the vision, for Your commission is my mission.
