Do everything for the Lord, not for men

Throughout the Bible we can find how God speaks to us about social tasks and how to be a good citizen. All this is part of how we can be truly christians. Being followers of Christ will have a cost, and that cost also involves being helpful with others, because, the Bible tells us that if we do not love the people we can see, how can we love God whom we have not seen? And it is precisely because of this that we must do good deeds to the people, but, keeping in mind that everything we do is for the glory of God and not for self-recognition.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians:

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24

Before the apostle said these words to the Colossians, he spoke to them of certain social tasks, such as living a good marriage, also reminding the parents that they should not irritate their children and the servants by telling them how they should submit to their masters. And in the verses we just quoted, he says: “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This is telling us that everything we do in our day-to-day life must be done wholeheartedly, not with hypocrisy or double-faced, but as if we were doing it for the Lord.

Sometimes it is difficult for us to behave properly in certain situations that arise, but we must know that our testimony will speak for the testimony of Christianity, and if we do not do so then we are demonstrating that we are not true believers.

Beloved brethren, let us do as we should, remembering that a reward of the inheritance awaits us which is in Christ Jesus whom we serve, to Him the glory, the empire and the honor for ever and ever, Amen.

Living as citizens worthy of the gospel involves much more than fulfilling civil responsibilities; it also includes reflecting the character of Christ in our daily interactions. When we treat others with respect, patience, and compassion, we are echoing the same love that God has shown us. These acts, although simple, become powerful testimonies of the transformation that Christ has produced in our hearts. The world observes how we conduct ourselves, and through these actions many can come to glorify God.

It is also important to understand that our faith is not demonstrated only in moments of spiritual intensity, such as prayer or worship, but also in the ordinary routines of life. Helping a neighbor, acting with integrity at work, being patient with those who irritate us, or forgiving someone who has offended us—all these actions speak loudly about who reigns in our hearts. Paul reminds us that even the most ordinary tasks acquire eternal value when done for the Lord, because every action becomes an offering of gratitude.

Being a good citizen from a biblical perspective means recognizing that our behavior impacts others and can either draw them closer to God or push them away. That is why we must strive to maintain a clean testimony, acting with sincerity, humility, and love. When we choose kindness instead of conflict, when we serve instead of demanding, and when we act with justice even when no one is watching, we reflect the very character of Christ. This is what distinguishes true believers from those who merely profess faith with their lips.

Let us remember that we are representatives of God’s kingdom on earth. Our citizenship is in heaven, but our conduct here demonstrates whether we truly belong to that kingdom. Every good deed done for the glory of God becomes a seed planted in the hearts of those who witness it. These seeds may eventually bear fruit in due time, producing repentance, admiration toward God, or spiritual restoration in someone’s life.

Therefore, beloved brethren, let us walk responsibly and lovingly, knowing that what we do today has eternal implications. Let us work with diligence, serve with joy, and love without expecting anything in return. The inheritance promised to us in Christ is glorious and incorruptible, and while we await that day, let our lives be a living letter that reveals the beauty of the gospel to the world. May the Lord help us to act with excellence, remembering always that everything we do is ultimately for Him.