“Answering God's Call: Working for the Lord”

Colossians 3:23–24 (ESV), “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Answering God's Call (Moveup Sunday 2025)

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Introduction: What Does It Mean to Move Up?

Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and their families as "Move Up Sunday." For many, this means students advancing to the next grade, people entering new life stages, or even receiving new titles at work or in church. In the world, "moving up" typically means climbing the ladder of success—gaining influence, a higher salary, and recognition. But what does it mean to move up in the kingdom of God?

In Colossians 3, Paul addresses a group of people who had no ladder to climb — slaves. They had no societal status, no political standing, and simply no rights to speak of. And yet, Paul gives them one of the most exalted views of work found in Scripture. Why? Because when we belong to Christ, every task becomes sacred, and every role becomes a stage for faithfulness.

Three things I would say: Holy Work, Holy Master, and Holy Reward. Let's dig in.

1. Holy Work

Our work is a sacred calling, regardless of the role.

“Whatever you do, work heartily…” (v. 23a)

This is breathtaking. Paul is speaking to those who had no freedom, no glamour, no rights. And yet he says, "Whatever you do"—that includes sweeping floors, tending animals, caring for children, doing errands—do it from the soul.

The Greek phrase here, "ek psychēs," means with your whole being, your inner life. It is not begrudging labor. For Christians, whatever our situation may be, it's not a "job"; it's a holy work or "vocation."

The word vocation comes from the Latin vocare, meaning ‘to call.’ It’s not just about your skillset—it’s about your identity. When you belong to Jesus, your life is no longer random or self-defined. You are called.

Your job may change—your calling doesn't. A job builds a résumé; a calling builds a life worth living.

The world often worships work, chasing meaning, identity, and self-worth in success and productivity. But as Christians, we don’t worship our work—as worshippers, we honor God in the way we work. We don’t find our worth in what we do. Who we are makes whatever we do worth doing. We bring worth to what we do because we belong to Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

2. Holy Master

Our true master is Christ, not people.

“…as for the Lord and not for men.” (v. 23b)

This is liberating. Paul tells slaves, and us, not to live for human approval. Don't work just to please your boss, your parents, or society. Instead, regardless of your situation, work for the Lord.

This means we take our responsibilities seriously. It means our ultimate accountability is to Christ. He is the one watching. He is the one holy master.

This frees us from eye-service and people-pleasing. It also brings dignity to the invisible labor that no one else sees.

Your true Master is not the company or the client. It is Christ.

Ephesians 6:6: “Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.”

3. Holy Reward

Our reward comes from God, not the world.

“Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (v. 24)

This is radical. In Roman society, slaves were not given any inheritance. And yet Paul tells them that they have an inheritance coming from the Lord.

Why? Because in Christ, they are sons and daughters of God. They are co-heirs with Christ. Their future is not chained to their present condition.

Our reward is not a paycheck or a promotion. It is the eternal inheritance of life with God, the crown of righteousness, the joy of the Master.

This lifts our eyes from the temporary to the eternal. We work not for the applause of the people around us, but for the pleasure of Christ.

1 Peter 1:4: “To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”

Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master.”

Conclusion: The Gospel Transforms All of Life

How can we work like this?

Because Jesus worked for us, he came not to be served, but to serve. He took the form of a servant and obeyed to the point of death—even death on a cross. (Phil. 2:5-11)

Because he "served" us at infinite cost, we now serve him in everything. Because he died and rose, our work is not in vain. Even the smallest task becomes a stage for gospel faithfulness.

So, let us not ask, "What will I get from this job?" Instead, let us ask, "How can I serve Christ in my current calling?"

And when you do, you are not just doing a job; you are answering God's call.