A recent TV commercial stated “the core guiding philosophy of PenAir Credit Union. Staying connected. Continuing to grow. And never losing sight of the people we serve.” Christians have an even greater guiding philosophy found in Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

The Lord is mentioned three times in this passage. Let’s note there are three things to remember as a Christian.

Christian, remember your ministry. Colossians 3:23 reads, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Ruth Graham had an old Scottish saying hanging over her kitchen sink that read, “Divine Services Conducted Here Three Times Daily.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 reads, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Warren W. Wiersbe explains, “Ministry takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God.”

Christian, remember your motivation. Colossians 3:24a reads, “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. . .” Jesus warns, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4). R.G. Lee refers to “the sinners payday, with the sinners’ hell beyond it, [and] the Christians payday, with the Christians’ heaven beyond it” in his message titled, “Payday Someday.” Remember Moses “looked to the reward” (Hebrews 11:26).

Christian, remember your Master. Colossians 3:24b reads, “for you serve the Lord Christ.” A pastor once told his congregation, “I am your servant, but you are not my Master.” P.T. Forsythe said, “Man’s purpose in life is not to find his freedom but to find his Master.” Jesus cautions, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:18-20).

Dear Christian, never lose sight of who you serve.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.