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

As Christians, we are called upon to be enthusiastic about what we do. The word 'enthusiasm' is derived from the Greek words 'en' and 'theos', meaning 'in God'. When we consciously experience God's enabling presence at work, we are positively energized. We can trust God to be the source for inspirational thoughts and energy for our projects, and service.

We are also reminded that as believers we are partakers of a divine nature. Christ is our life (Colossians 3:4). We need to bring Christ on-line at work. Whatever we do is an opportunity to 'demo' the new nature. The reality of our new creation identity is to be progressively manifested in our personal lives, our lives at home, work and in the community (See Colossians 3-4:6).

The heart of the New Testament teaching is not just that our work be upbeat and inspirational. We are told that whatever we do should be offered as a service to 'the Lord Christ'. The word 'Christ' is used here, rather than his earthly title 'Jesus' to highlight His exalted position in the ascension. He is the one who is the final authority and judge. This world has its favorites whom it recognizes and rewards. You may feel that you are inadequately compensated and that your work is not duly recognized in this present age. Someday the Lord is going to pay you back. He will balance the scales. Don't let the fact that you feel underpaid and overworked now condition your behavior. You are serving the Lord and He will pay you what you are due. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Lord knows and He sees (Colossians 3:23-25). The real issue is - Are we providing a demonstration of what the new nature can do at work?

Let us lovingly labor before an audience of One,