Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

December 11– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Remember, you serve the Lord Christ.'”

—Colossians 3:24

To what class of prominent officials was this word spoken? To kings who proudly boast of having divine powers and privilege? No; in fact, they too often serve themselves or Satan and forget the God who has allowed them to wear their majestic robes for an hour. Was the Apostle speaking to those who are publicly ordained to the ministry— the so-called “right reverend fathers in God,” the bishops, or “the venerable archdeacons”? No, indeed, Paul knew nothing of these mere inventions of man.

He wasn’t even speaking to pastors and teachers or to the wealthy and esteemed among believers. No! He spoke this word to servants— even to slaves. Among the toiling multitudes there were journeymen, day laborers, domestic servants, and kitchen helpers; and the Apostle found, as we find still, some of the Lord’s chosen among them. To them he says, “Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance. You serve the Lord Christ.”

This reminder ennobles the weary routine of earthly employments and sheds a halo around the humblest occupations. To wash feet may be an act of lowly service, but to wash his feet is royal work. To shine shoes is humble employment, but to care for the great Master’s shoes is a princely privilege. The shop, the barn, the kitchen, and the workplace all become temples when men and women work for the glory of God! “Divine service” is not a thing for a few hours and a few places, but all of life becomes holy to the Lord; every place and everything is consecrated as the tabernacle and its golden candlestick.

“Teach me, my God and King, to see you in all things;
And, no matter what I do, to do it for my King.
A servant with this thought in mind makes drudgery divine;
To sweep a room with humble heart makes the action fine.” [M&E]