Change in the Works

Innovation is a process that discovers new and better ways of doing things, or just doing things differently. Many innovations take place quite regularly.  For example: TV programs change; Logos of companies receive upgrades; Long-standing food menus are revised; Styles of worship vary. When personal things become mundane or feel like they do not meet needs, we may want to innovate.  Consider personal innovation from the spiritual realm.  Are you satisfied with the direction your spiritual life is heading? Are you pleased with your devotional life?  Are you happy with your prayer life?  What about your Bible reading or Bible study regimen?  We need to have a willingness to change the way we do things if the innovation will provide personal improvement.  However, as we innovate, we need to make sure that the message of love, grace, and hope in Jesus Christ remains constant.

Scripture reminds us that each of us should conduct our lives in an excellent way.  Why?  Because God is aware of everything we do.  The text says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for me, 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). Notice four aspects of these verses.

(1)   “Whatever you do” suggests Activity.  We ought to be concerned about any and every activity in which we are involved.

(2)   “Work at it with all your heart” implies Action.  The things that we do ought to be carried out with a willingness to be fully engaged with all the effort we can exert.

(3)   “As working for the Lord” entails Method.  We need to realize that there should be a spiritual dimension to the actions or activities that we undertake.

(4)   “An inheritance from the Lord as a reward” points to Motive.  As we work for the Lord, we should do so because of our love for Him.  However, when the work is rewarded, that becomes an additional blessing.

Nothing but the best is required for any activity in which we participate.  The degree to which we put forth effort to do our work should be no less than one hundred percent.  So, innovate and make changes which will help you be your best for the Lord.