Colossians 3:23 — Whatever You Do

23 All, whatsoever you may be doing, work from the soul, as to the Lord and not to men,

Paul repeats here almost word for word the words with which he began this section: “whatsoever you may be doing…” (verse 17). Here, however, he is speaking specifically to the slaves. For them as well, no part of daily life exists apart from the Lord. Even the ordinary work of each day is performed in His service.

That is why he adds: “work from the soul, as to the Lord and not to men.” This may sound somewhat strange to us, but from a biblical perspective it is perfectly logical. In the Bible, a human being does not so much have a soul; he is a soul (Gen. 2:7). “From the soul,” therefore, means: with your entire being. Not halfheartedly, but with complete dedication. The slave continues doing the same work for the same master. Yet everything has changed, because he performs it “as to the Lord.” It is not his work that has changed, but the way he sees and experiences it.

Those who know God’s grace and thank Him in everything also keep the Lord before their eyes in their daily work. It is especially in difficult and unpleasant tasks that it becomes clear how a thankful attitude makes the difference. We may not work to please people, but still… no one can fail to notice such a difference. What a testimony!

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