Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
It is easy to live life in reaction to the events around us, to get swept up in circumstances, go with the flow, or delay obedience until it’s convenient. But the Spirit-filled believer is not called to passive living. We are called to be proactive: deliberate, purposeful, and whole-hearted in everything we do. Colossians 3:23 challenges us to live with our hearts fully engaged, not just in spiritual matters, but in every part of life. The proactive Pentecostal is someone whose faith is not just an experience at the altar, but a lifestyle lived out in every room of the house, every aisle of the grocery store, and every moment on the job.
There once was a young man working in the king’s court whose job was seemingly insignificant. He was responsible for setting the table and preparing the king’s meals each day. Some days he was overlooked, other days ridiculed. But his mother had taught him from a young age: “Whatever you do, do it for the Lord.” So, each day, he polished the silver, folded the linens, and arranged the table as if God Himself were coming to dine. One day, the king took notice and asked him, “Why do you serve with such joy and care, even when no one is watching?” The young man replied, “Because I’m not serving you, sir – I’m serving the Lord.” That servant was soon promoted to a place of great influence because he understood the principle of Colossians 3:23.
This is the spirit of the proactive Pentecostal. We don’t serve to be seen. We don’t worship only when it feels good. We don’t wait for someone to hand us a ministry or call us to holiness. We live daily under the Lordship of Christ with hearts on fire. Our walk with God is not reactive, it’s intentional. We pursue Him in the quiet place, labor faithfully when others fall away, and give our all even when our efforts seem unseen.
To live “heartily” means to live from the soul – with energy, resolve, and enthusiasm. It’s a commitment to excellence, not for personal recognition, but because God is worthy. It’s waking up each day and saying, “Lord, I’m Yours. Whatever You ask, I will do with my whole heart.” That kind of life brings glory to God, power to the church, and testimony to the world.
In the early church, there were no sidelines. Every believer was engaged, every hand was needed, and every heart was burning. The Spirit did not fall on passive people. He empowered those who waited, prayed, and moved in obedience. A proactive Pentecostal life is a continuation of the model found in Acts: yielded, expectant, and ready for action.
Application
Start your day with a heart check. Are you approaching your work, worship, and relationships with half-hearted effort or with full devotion to Christ? Choose one area of your life, whether your job, your home responsibilities, or your church involvement, and commit to doing it “heartily, as to the Lord.” Take time today to list out three ways you can live more intentionally for God this week.
Reflection
- Am I doing what I do out of duty or devotion?
- Do I wait to be asked before I serve, or do I look for opportunities?
- When no one is watching, do I still give God my best?
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve served You with a divided heart. Help me to live with intention, to work and worship with my whole heart, and to remember that every act of obedience matters to You. Fill me with the fire of the Holy Ghost to live a proactive life – not out of fear or obligation, but out of love and passion for Your name. Let my life be a light that honors You in the big and the small. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
