Colossians 3:16-24 "Let the WORD of CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the FATHER by HIM.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the LORD. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the LORD. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as manpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing GOD:
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD CHRIST. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."
Our text sets forth a very simple yet extremely important principle that every believer should remember every moment of every day: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the FATHER by HIM . . . And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD CHRIST" (vv.17 pictured above and 23-24). Not every child of GOD can or is expected to perform the same amount or types of service, but all who faithfully serve the LORD, even in the simplest, most menial and least-noticed tasks, have the assurance of a full reward if their motives and actions are scripturally correct.
Today, the simplicity and humility in service that GOD desires are too often subverted by jealousy in the local church with regard to preaching, teaching, music, leadership, etc. This is a sad state of affairs in CHRIST's body, and we must take care that we are not coveting someone else's position, prominence, or praise. Such envy not only causes trouble in the church but also prevents the jealous Christian from receiving a full reward.
In recent years, the teaching that every Christian has been given at least one gift and should focus on discovering what that gift is has gained wide acceptance. Yes, an element of truth is in this teaching; however, those who become obsessed with trying to determine "their gift" dangerously subject themselves to flawed human judgment and open themselves up to a spirit of pride in the use of their gift. GOD will bless our simplicity and our passion in service when whatever we do is for HIS glory alone. MHR
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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