Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Enthusiasm”
Our Bible verse for today: “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Jesus deserves our best effort.”
Why should Christians approach all of life with enthusiasm and a strong determination to excel? The short answer is “Because the Bible says so.” Bible scholars agree that Paul probably originally wrote this passage in Colossians with actual Christian slaves in mind. Because they were slaves, and therefore had nothing to personally gain from their labor, they were often lazy and tried to get away with doing as little as possible. So Paul exhorted them to change their attitudes and strive for excellence in all they were doing.
But this is also a command that applies to all Christians, everywhere, all the time, regardless of your station in life and regardless of what your particular activity is at the moment.
Please note how Paul began his command in verse 23: “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically…” He didn’t single out specific acts of what we commonly consider to be “ministry” as the things we need to do enthusiastically. He said “whatever” you do, do it enthusiastically. That means teaching your Sunday school class on Sunday, and it means helping your co-worker on Monday. It means cleaning the windows in the church buildings during a work day, and it means mowing your lawn. It means paying your tithe, and paying your electric bill. Do it all as if Jesus Himself were the direct recipient of your actions.
The Amplified Bible is a special translation which uses all the English words needed in order to capture the full meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words used in the original writing of the Bible. Using all the English words can sometimes result in clumsy and cumbersome sentences, but it does help to impart the full meaning of the text. Here is how the Amplified Bible translates Paul’s command in Colossians 3:23-24:
“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as (something done) for the Lord and not for men. Knowing (with all certainty) that it is from the Lord (and not from men) that you will receive the inheritance which is your (real) reward. (The One Whom) you are actually serving (is) the Lord Christ (the Messiah).
Scripture is clear that life is a gift from God and not only is it to be cherished, but it is also to be lived fully and well. So be enthusiastic, and whatever you’re involved in do it well.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 