7/22/12- Who We Serve

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. (Colossians 3:23,24)

(Mural in Bethany commemorating Mary's anointing of Jesus.  Every time we see Mary she is at Jesus' feet).

Thoughts: When people treat us unfairly we should not be surprised.  I used to tell my children who wanted to have the exact same measure of everything given to them- that while we tried to be fair, sometimes it was not possible, and that the world is not fair.  When the teacher does not give you a fair shake; when the boss recognizes another's work before yours; when you are punished for something that you did not do; when someone is rude to you when you did not deserve it; when the world is not fair to you- then remember, Paul says, you have someone who sees it all.  He holds people to account and will repay them for their wrongs (vs. 24)- even if they are important and powerful by human standards.  Christians do not give up when the world treats them unfairly.  We remember how the world treated Jesus- and how we treat Him too.  Instead of giving up- we serve the unrighteous as if we are serving Christ- this is part of turning the other cheek.  Unrighteousness, ironically, is overcome when the righteous do not give up when they are treated unjustly.

Prayer: Look out for us Lord, especially when we are treated unfairly.  Help us to have the grace and strength to serve others because ultimately we serve you.