Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Colossians 3:23-25 (NIV)
It matters greatly how we live our lives. We are not to be unwise but wise making the most of every opportunity. Wisdom is from God not from man and the one who takes hold of it takes hold of the life that is truly life. Wisdom is most excellent and supreme.
God desires to guide us and equip us with His Spirit to minister to all in our spheres – wherever He places us and with whomever. We are to do this with excellency and deep-seated joy. There is nothing like working for the Lord. He is the sweetest Master. It greatly behooves us to take this obligation seriously and ourselves lightly. When we do things with joy and excellence - pointing others to the Source and not to self - we flourish with a joy that is unearthly in its nature. We are wise when we give God our best.
We must realize all the wonderful opportunities God presents us with each day. Do not be surprised as they will appear very ordinary – a kind word, a warm hug, a joy in our work, a song in our hearts and a smile on our lips – all attention grabbers to anyone watching because we are allowing Jesus to shine His light through us in the ordinary faithfulness of our mundane days. And let’s face it, most of our days are ordinary and mundane, Amen? And His light is always excellent. That’s how Christ’s love spreads – don’t be a hoarder of it. As we pour out, He pours in and we will never outgive Him. We live our lives for an audience of One. Don’t expect appreciation from the crowds, expect it from Him. Trust me. Like Jesus stated in Matthew, we want to hear a “Well-done, good and faithful servant!”.
Whatever we do, whatever our capacity, we have the ability to do our best in it – no “C” job - aim higher because God does. This attitude of excellence is important. If we choose to simply glide through this life, blending with the world we will make very little impact for Jesus, if any.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (NIV)