“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3:23 NKJV
Welcome to the 46th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we considered our Christian work ethic, excellence, and influence in the world. We were challenged to view every task as worship, maintain spiritual integrity even under pressure, and manage our positions as divine stewardship.
We started the week with a reminder that there is no separation between the spiritual and the secular; every task is an act of worship when done “as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23). God is interested in how we work—with excellence, integrity, diligence, and honour—because faithfulness in the small, ordinary tasks (like David in the field or Joseph in prison) is what opens the door to the extraordinary. By the power of God, we are strengthened to do our daily responsibilities with creativity, clarity, discipline, and wisdom.
Tuesday’s devotion highlighted that persecution for our faith is a part of the Christian life, and we must be ready to endure it as good soldiers. Joseph’s refusal to sin against God, even when it cost him his reputation, position and freedom, showed that he understood his work was ultimately unto the Lord (Genesis 39:8-9). Persecution is not to be feared but seen as a test of genuine faith (1 Peter 1:7). Our response is to maintain a godly disposition and continue to work with excellence and honour, knowing that God sees and rewards our faithfulness.
Our lesson on Wednesday taught us that every role and platform we occupy is a divine stewardship and a trust from God (Psalm 75:6-7). We must manage them with humility and integrity, remembering that leadership in God’s kingdom is about service, not power (Matthew 20:26). Joseph’s consistency and diligence across all his roles—from Potiphar’s house to Pharaoh’s palace—made him trustworthy. We must avoid “eye service” and use our position to serve others, build them up, and reflect Christ.
On Thursday, we learned that excellence is a cultivable habit that distinguishes believers and opens doors, as seen in the life of Daniel, who possessed “an excellent spirit” (Daniel 6:3). As God’s representatives (2 Corinthians 5:20), our work ethic matters. Daniel demonstrated unwavering commitment, integrity, and competence, allowing him to thrive under multiple administrations. Excellence is a powerful tool for influence, ensuring a consistent stream of opportunities to propagate God’s kingdom.
The week concluded on Friday with the powerful image of the believer as salt and light (Matthew 5:14-16), called to be in the world without being corrupted by it (Philippians 2:15). We are not to retreat from dark environments but to enter them to bring transformation, just as salt transforms food. Like Daniel, Joseph, and Esther, we are strategically planted in our schools and workplaces as God’s representatives. We carry the life and light of God and must influence without being influenced, letting excellence and character be our consistent testimony.
Dear believer, your work is worship, and your platform is purposeful. Strive for excellence, endure with integrity, and shine brightly so that the world sees Christ through your actions.
Have a great weekend!
Bible Reading Plan: Ezekiel 27–31; John 4:1–54