“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

Most of us get out of bed and head to the office for the number of good reasons;to provide for our families, to use our God-given abilities, and to enjoy interaction, creativity, and success. But when we face the inevitable difficulties of an unreasonable boss, a downturn in the economy, a heavy workload. or genuine failure, where can we find our motivation?

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul gives instructions to husbands, wives, fathers, and children. Then he turns his attention to another segment of society; slaves ( see Colossians 3:18-22) If any group has cause to complains and be discouraged, its slaves. They are asked to do the most but are given the least praise. Paul doesn’t tell them just to work harder. He goes far beyond that, encouraging them to do their tedious, menial work heartily with real enthusiasm as they remember that they are working first for God Himself, not their human masters. But Paul also assures them that God will eventually reward their honest work. They may not see these rewards today but like an overperforming 401k, someday the results will be thrilling.

We can get out of bed each day with the assurance that we are working for the Lord and that our good attitude and hard work will be richly rewarded; if not by our employers now, they will be someday by the God of the universe. That perspective changes our motivation and attitude at work.