Session 21

We’re all designed to bring God glory

From Colossians: A 28-Day Devotional

Have you ever wondered if you’re doing it right?

Whether we’re raising kids, going to school, or building a business, deep down, we want to be good at it. So we read all the books and listen to all the podcasts. We look at what others are doing and try to do the same.

So when we read Paul’s instructions for Christian households, they seem a bit underwhelming. He doesn’t outline a 12-step strategy to success or unveil a long list of rules to follow.

Instead, Paul says to serve one another and honor one another. Give your best. Do everything like you’re doing it for God.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward" (Colossians 3:23-24).

We make our heavenly Father proud when we see whatever He’s put before us as an opportunity to bring Him glory. A lot of people will give us ideas of what success looks like, but Colossians 3:22 says not to obey others "by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord" (ESV).

We give our best not to make much of us, but to draw others to God. After all, God is not measuring our success based on the size of our business or our kids’ careers, but how we honored Him with them.

God doesn’t show favorites (Colossians 3:25). He’s not holding out on you or holding back from you because your life doesn’t look like the rest. So when you start wondering if you’re doing it right, just ask: Am I loving and honoring those around me? Did I give my best? These are God’s measures of success.

Reflect:

• Is there any area of your life where you’re giving a half-hearted effort? What’s one way you give your best today?
• How are your relationships at home?
• Husbands, what would it look like to love your wife today? Wives, what’s one way you could support your man today?