Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
There is no such thing as a small job in the kingdom of God. Whether sweeping a floor or preaching a sermon, Scripture calls us to do it “heartily”—with all our soul—as if the Lord Himself asked us to do it. The proactive Pentecostal understands that true reward doesn’t come from human applause, but from the smile of God. And that changes everything.
A man once worked in the shadows of a large cathedral construction project in Europe. He wasn’t an architect or a stonemason, he simply carried bricks and swept the dust. One day a visitor asked him, “What is your role here?” With a smile and without hesitation, the man replied, “I’m building a house for God.” He wasn’t focused on the size of the task or how much attention he received, he saw the sacredness of his labor. He worked as unto the Lord.
Many Christians lose joy because they’ve forgotten Who they’re really working for. They look around and wonder if anyone notices, if anyone appreciates, or if their efforts make a difference. But when our eyes are fixed on Jesus, even the mundane becomes meaningful. When we serve with a heart full of love for God, we shift from survival to stewardship, from burnout to blessing.
Working “as unto the Lord” transforms attitudes. It turns complaining into gratitude. It turns procrastination into preparation. It brings purpose to every moment. You don’t have to be on a platform to be pleasing to God. If you’re raising children in the fear of the Lord, you’re building His kingdom. If you’re praying behind the scenes, you’re touching eternity. If you’re laboring in a job with integrity and humility, you’re shining His light.
God is watching you, not to condemn, but to reward. He sees the late nights, the unnoticed sacrifices, the hidden faithfulness. Hebrews 6:10 assures us, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love.” This is our encouragement: God remembers what others forget.
The early church grew not only through miracles but through the daily, diligent devotion of believers who gave themselves fully to the work of the Lord. Paul urged the Corinthians, “Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58). That word “abounding” means to overflow – not to do just enough, but more than enough. That’s the heartbeat of the proactive Pentecostal, not minimal effort, but maximum devotion.
So today, wherever you find yourself, at home, at work, in ministry, don’t ask, “Who’s watching?” Instead, ask, “Who am I doing this for?” If the answer is Jesus, then give it your all. Not because you have to, but because you get to.
Application
Take inventory of your daily work. Are you approaching your tasks with the mindset that you’re working for the Lord? Identify one area where your effort or attitude needs to improve. Shift your focus from people’s recognition to God’s reward. Then give it your best, not for praise, but for His pleasure.
Reflection
- Do I put more effort into things when people are watching than when they’re not?
- Am I doing what I do for man’s approval or for God’s glory?
- What would change if I saw every task as an act of worship?
Prayer
Father, thank You for the privilege of working for You. Help me to see the sacred in the simple and the eternal in the everyday. Forgive me for when I’ve served with the wrong motives or half-hearted effort. Teach me to labor with joy, excellence, and faithfulness, knowing that You see and reward even the smallest acts of obedience. Let my work reflect Your character and bring You glory. Strengthen me to abound in Your service, today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
