Week 4 · Living as a disciple
Day 24
Follow Jesus in your work
Before you read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the passage and respond honestly.
Read
Colossians 3:17, 22-4:1
Read in the ESV ↗Read the whole passage slowly, twice if you can. Then come back here.
Understand
Paul speaks into an ancient household setting, including the unjust institution of slavery. He addresses both enslaved people and masters and places them under the authority of Christ. The passage does not make slavery good or give employers permission to exploit workers. Its setting matters as we consider faithful work today.
A disciple’s responsibilities are lived before the Lord. Honesty, diligence, fairness, and respect matter even when no one offers praise. Those with authority must consider how they treat others. If you are a student, caregiver, employee, or employer, ask how Christ’s lordship changes the next responsibility before you. Faithfulness may also involve challenging wrongdoing through appropriate channels.
Pray
Lord Jesus, help me honor you in my responsibilities. Give me integrity when no one is watching and fairness toward those affected by my choices. Help me work and rest with trust in you. Amen.
Use this as a starting point, then speak in your own words.
Reflect
Where would remembering Jesus change your attitude or conduct in today's responsibilities?
Act today
Complete one task with deliberate honesty and care. If someone works under your direction, consider one practical way to treat them more fairly. Before beginning, ask the Spirit for strength; afterward, thank him without measuring your worth by how much you accomplished.
Words you will hear today
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