Working Heartily (Colossians 3:23)

Colossians 3:23 says,

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

This is one of those verses that is easy to understand as far as meaning, and easy to apply to our lives today, but really hard to put into practice.

This verse means literally whatever you do. If it is work that you have been called to do at this stage of your life, you are to do it heartily. The major calling for most of you right now is probably school. In addition you may do sports or other after-school activities, babysit, or maybe you work an after-school job or volunteer. This also includes chores and other things you do with your family and around the house.

What does working heartily look like? It means doing everything completely and to the best of your ability. This is not a call to perfection, but we shouldn't be lazy with the tasks we have been given. It also means not complaining. As easy as it is for teenagers to slip into negative, whiny conversation, we should work hard to stay away from that, away from comments of "Oh my gosh, I have so much homework!" or "Can you believe we had to run six laps?"

Will you take the challenge of doing everything as though the Lord is the one who wants it done?

What do you think? Do you like this verse? Is this something you will strive to live out in your everyday life?