Do Everything Wholeheartedly

Introduction

God is not only interested in what we do, but also in how we do it.

Two people can perform the same task, yet God may see their efforts very differently. One may do it reluctantly, carelessly and only because someone is watching. Another may do the same thing with commitment, excellence and a sincere heart, knowing that ultimately the work is being done for God.

Paul tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

This means that the Christian life is not supposed to be lived half-heartedly. Whether we are serving in church, working at our jobs, caring for our families, studying, helping others or carrying out ordinary responsibilities, we are called to give our best.

We may not always enjoy everything we have to do, but we can choose to do it wholeheartedly.

1. Whatever You Do Matters to God

Paul begins with the words, “Whatever you do.”

That covers a lot of ground.

It includes the things we consider important and the things we consider ordinary. It includes public responsibilities and private responsibilities. It includes what people notice and what nobody sees.

Sometimes we divide life into two categories: spiritual activities and ordinary activities. We may think preaching, praying and evangelism are spiritual, while going to work, cleaning the house, studying or running a business are merely ordinary.

But Scripture teaches us to see our entire lives as an opportunity to honour God.

Your work matters to God.

Your attitude towards people matters to God.

The way you handle responsibility matters to God.

The way you serve when nobody is applauding matters to God.

There is no insignificant assignment when it is done for the glory of God.

Do not despise ordinary responsibilities. They can become acts of worship when they are done with the right heart.

2. God Looks at the Heart Behind the Work

The Bible says, “Do it heartily.”

The word points to doing something sincerely, willingly and wholeheartedly.

God does not want reluctant obedience.

It is possible to do the right thing with the wrong attitude. We can serve while complaining. We can give while grumbling. We can work while constantly looking for recognition.

But God is concerned about the heart behind our actions.

Jesus also taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

God deserves more than our leftovers.

He deserves our attention.

He deserves our commitment.

He deserves our best.

When we do something wholeheartedly, we are saying, “Lord, because I am doing this for You, I will give it my best.”

3. Do Not Work Only When People Are Watching

Paul says, “as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

This changes everything.

If we work only for people, our motivation will rise and fall according to how people treat us.

If they praise us, we work harder.

If they criticise us, we become discouraged.

If they ignore us, we may stop trying.

But when our primary focus is the Lord, our motivation becomes stronger.

People may not notice your sacrifice, but God sees it.

People may not thank you, but God sees it.

People may misunderstand your efforts, but God knows your heart.

You therefore do not need to live for applause.

Do your work before God.

Serve God even when nobody notices.

Give your best even when nobody praises you.

Be faithful even when recognition does not come.

Your audience is ultimately not people. Your audience is God.

4. Wholeheartedness Produces Excellence

Doing something wholeheartedly does not mean that everything we do will be perfect. It means that we approach our responsibilities with sincerity, diligence and excellence.

A Christian should not be known for laziness, carelessness or mediocrity.

If you are employed, be a faithful worker.

If you run a business, deal honestly with people.

If you are a student, study diligently.

If you are a parent, raise your children faithfully.

If you are a leader, lead responsibly.

If you are serving in church, serve with joy.

If you are helping someone, help sincerely.

Whatever your hands find to do, do it with a heart that honours God.

Excellence is not about trying to impress people. It is about recognising that God deserves our best.

5. Your Reward Comes From the Lord

Paul gives us another reason to work wholeheartedly:

“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance.”

People may not reward you.

Your employer may overlook you.

Your family may sometimes take your sacrifices for granted.

Those you serve may forget what you have done for them.

But God does not forget.

Hebrews 6:10 reminds us that God is not unjust to forget our work and the love we have shown in serving Him.

This does not mean we serve God merely because we want a reward. We serve Him because we love Him. But it is encouraging to know that nothing done sincerely for the Lord is wasted.

God sees the hidden sacrifice.

God sees the quiet service.

God sees the faithful labour.

God sees the tears.

God sees the effort.

And in His time, He rewards faithfulness.

6. Remember Whom You Really Serve

Paul ends with a powerful statement:

“For ye serve the Lord Christ.”

This is the foundation of wholehearted living.

You may have an earthly employer, but your ultimate Master is Christ.

You may serve your family, but ultimately you are serving Christ.

You may serve your church, but ultimately you are serving Christ.

You may serve your community, but ultimately you are serving Christ.

This perspective protects us from disappointment.

When people fail to appreciate us, we remember whom we serve.

When our work becomes difficult, we remember whom we serve.

When we feel unnoticed, we remember whom we serve.

When we are tempted to give up, we remember whom we serve.

I serve the Lord Christ.

That should be enough motivation to keep going.

Conclusion

Colossians 3:23–24 challenges us to change the way we approach everything we do.

Do not live carelessly.

Do not serve half-heartedly.

Do not work only for human approval.

Do not give God your leftovers.

Instead, whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as unto the Lord.

Your work may seem ordinary, but your attitude can make it an offering to God.

Your assignment may seem small, but your faithfulness can honour God.

Your effort may go unnoticed by people, but it is never hidden from God.

So today, ask yourself:

Am I giving God my best?

Am I doing what I do for God or merely for people's approval?

Have I become careless because nobody seems to notice?

What area of my life needs a renewed commitment?

Let us make a decision today:

Whatever I do, I will do it wholeheartedly.
Whatever I do, I will do it as unto the Lord.
Whatever I do, I will give God my best.
And whatever happens, I will remember that I serve the Lord Christ.