As to the Lord

Col. 3:23

And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. 

Paul was speaking specifically to slaves when he said these words [v. 23], but immediately before this verse he had spoken to other groups similarly. Wives submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord [v. 18]...Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord [v. 20]. Slaves obey in everything those who are your earthly masters [v. 22].  The command to obey or submit seems to fit all authority relationships. Paul taught that the opposing side of these relationships carried with it responsibility. Husbands are to love their wives and refrain from being harsh. [An attitude that could make the wives submission easier and even a joy]. Fathers are told not to provoke their children so that the children will not be discouraged, and masters are told to treat their slaves justly and fairly.

Could v. 23, And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward, apply to all the groups in this passage? Certainly keeping this principle in mind could give a spiritual reason for obedience. Whatever the wife, child, or servant does must be as to the Lord. The same goes for the husband, father, and master. Keeping the Lord foremost in the mind transports the situation into the heavenly realm. Paul went on to say, You are serving the Lord Christ. Service to Jesus should be the initial thing that any believer thinks of as they go about the responsibilities of the day regardless of anyone's position in life.

 But what if the husband, father, or master is not a believer? Then verse 23 takes on and even greater significance. Working for Jesus and not for the temporal human relationship would drastically alter the human dynamic. If the husband, father, master were unsaved then obeying for the sake of the Lord could give spiritual significance to a negative or even cruel situation. It could give that strength and hope that anyone subservient would need. Paul ended the chapter with For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. What an encouragement to those who are under the hand of unjust or unfair conditions! God is not partial! The wife, child, slave, husband, father, and master all can fit into this concept. God is not partial in any situation. The down side is that this lack of partiality may not be seen in this lifetime. Those who are not treated fairly may die working heartily for the Lord for God's purposes far outlast any human life. So the final and only recourse is, whatever you do, do it for the sake of Jesus. 

Father,

My heart is pricked as I realize how many times I have verbally rebelled at my husband or even my father in years gone by. I haven't always operated of doing all things for you. I am sorry. Give me a spirit of wisdom so that I may keep working and living for Jesus my main motivation in everything.

In Jesus name,

Amen