Truth That Transforms — Part 2
Scripture: Colossians 3:23
In the first part of this series, we talked about everyday life and how even the ordinary things we do can become opportunities to honor God. I want to continue that thought a little further because our faith shouldn’t be something we leave at the church doors on Sunday. It should affect the way we live every single day.
Think about how every morning begins. We wake up, open our eyes, stretch, and roll out of bed. Before the day gets too far along, we have an opportunity to make a decision about how we’re going to approach it.
We can begin with a thankful heart, thanking the Lord for another day of life and for the opportunities He’s given us. Every new day is a blessing and another opportunity to live in a way that brings honor and glory to Him.
In the previous devotional, I mentioned Daniel and how the Bible describes him as having an excellent spirit. That’s something we should strive for as believers in Christ. We should desire to do everything with excellence, not just when someone is watching or when we know our efforts will be recognized, but because we want our lives to honor the Lord.
Now, that’s easier said than done.
Think about the workplace. We see employees who take pride in what they do, show up with a good attitude, are dependable, and consistently do their jobs with excellence. Many people begin in entry-level positions and, through hard work, dedication, and faithfulness, work their way into management or other positions of greater responsibility.
While promotions aren’t always guaranteed, there’s something to be said for having a good attitude and being faithful with the responsibilities we’ve been given.
As believers in Christ, we have an even greater reason to approach life this way. We’re not simply working for a paycheck or trying to impress the people around us. We’re representing Christ in the way we live and interact with others.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Our lives should make an impact on the people around us. We should be people who demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the fruits of the Spirit that should be evident in our lives.
Think about it for a moment. If we constantly have a negative attitude, complain about everything, or see the glass as half empty rather than half full, what kind of impression are we leaving on those around us?
There’s an old saying about being a “Negative Nancy.” Most people don’t enjoy being around someone who always sees the worst in every situation.
Now, I’m not suggesting that we’re going to wake up every morning feeling wonderful or that life won’t bring difficult circumstances. We all have days when things don’t go as planned. But even in those moments, we have a choice about how we’re going to respond.
The way we think and what we believe will eventually influence the way we act. That’s why it’s so important that we allow God’s Word to shape our thoughts and attitudes. When our hearts and minds are being transformed by Him, it should become evident in the way we live.
And this doesn’t just apply to our jobs or the people we encounter outside our homes. It should begin with our immediate families.
How do we treat our wives or husbands? How do we speak to our children? What kind of attitude do we bring into our homes after a long day at work? Are we showing the same love, patience, and kindness to the people closest to us that we want others to see?
Our faith should affect every area of our lives.
For children and young people, this includes how they treat their classmates, how they respond to their teachers, and how they approach their responsibilities at school. For those of us in the workplace, it includes how we treat our coworkers, how dependable we are, and the effort we put into our work. And for those serving in ministry or helping others, it means serving with a willing heart rather than looking for recognition.
Wherever God has placed us, that’s where we have an opportunity to grow and bear fruit.
Colossians 3:23 reminds us:
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
I love the simplicity of that Scripture. Whatever we do, do it as unto the Lord.
It changes our perspective when we realize that even the smallest responsibilities can be opportunities to honor Him. We may not always see the impact we’re making, and we may not receive recognition or appreciation from others. But that doesn’t change who we’re ultimately doing it for.
So today, wherever you find yourself, whether at home, at work, at school, or serving someone in need, remember that your faith should be evident in the way you live.
Let’s strive to be people who bring encouragement rather than discouragement, love rather than frustration, and peace rather than conflict. Let’s be faithful with what God has placed in front of us and allow our lives to shine for Him.
Wherever you’ve been planted is where you have an opportunity to grow and bear fruit.
Let’s Reflect Together
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
How does your faith influence the way you approach your everyday responsibilities? Whether at home, at work, at school, or in serving others, what are some ways you’ve found opportunities to honor God in the little things?
Has there been a time when someone’s attitude or example made a difference in your life?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another as we continue growing in our faith and learning to live our lives unto the Lord.
Until next time, family, be blessed!
