Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser
Have you ever wondered what truly matters in the service we offer? Is it just about what we do, or is there something deeper God sees? In a world where actions are often measured by outward results and recognition, God calls us to something deeper. He looks beyond what we do – and focuses on the why behind our service. The Bible tells us in Colossians that when we work, we should do it “heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” You see, God looks past the surface and sees the motive behind each action. This article explores how serving God with a sincere heart – not out of duty, pride, or pressure, but with goodwill – opens the door to God’s divine favour and eternal reward. Get ready to be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to serve not just with your hands, but with your heart. Be blessed as you read!
Serving God wholeheartedly brings about rewards. The Bible teaches us that God promises to reward those who serve Him with goodwill. It emphasises that having the right heart and attitude is essential for receiving God’s blessings. Additionally, the Word of God highlights the importance of serving others and performing good deeds as if we are doing them for the Lord. This means serving with a genuine desire to please God, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 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). This text of scripture is telling us that our work should be done with the same dedication and effort as if we were serving Christ directly. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
God looks at the heart and motives behind our actions. While outward actions are important, God also considers the motives behind our actions. Serving with a genuine desire to please God, rather than for selfish reasons, is seen as a way to honour God and align with His will. We are to serve with goodwill, doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. The Bible says, ‘Don’t serve with eyeservice as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart with goodwill.’ You may say, ‘I’m working in a hostile environment; how can I serve with goodwill?’ I can assure you that God can get you beyond that. He can open doors that no one else can. When you perform good deeds as if you are serving the Lord rather than merely pleasing people, God will promote you. God rewards and promotes those who serve with goodwill. Those who serve others as unto the Lord with goodwill from the heart will shine like the sun. “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matthew 13:43). Serving with goodwill brings joy and fulfilment, as it aligns our actions with God’s purposes and reflects His character.
The Lord said to serve with goodwill. That means we are to serve our employers without grumbling and complaining. “Employees, be obedient to them that are your employers according to the flesh with fear and trembling in singleness of your heart as unto Christ. Not with eyeservice as men pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart with goodwill. Doing service as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does the same shall he receive of the Lord whether he be bond or free” (Ephesians 6:5-8). Examine your heart attitude as you serve in any capacity. “Goodwill” implies a genuine, heartfelt attitude.
" God looks at the heart and motives behind our actions. "
Our service should be sincere, reflecting our love for God. It’s not enough to simply do a good job; the attitude we bring to our work is equally important. God has called us to serve with genuine kindness and sincerity, not just out of obligation or fear. Someone might say, “I can’t maintain a good attitude when my manager isn’t a good person.” However, the Bible doesn’t state that we should serve with goodwill only as long as our bosses are wonderful. It implies that our conduct should remain steadfast, even toward less-than-perfect managers. How can this be? It’s because our attitude is not determined by others. This may come as a surprise to many, but it’s true. Others can influence us and present us with opportunities, but how we feel and act is ultimately our choice.
Feelings and emotions are choices; they are not something you experience naturally. You have the power to choose them. Many people don’t realise they have this ability. Believers can serve with “goodwill” because it is linked to the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities such as kindness and goodness. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). As born-again Christians, we can choose to serve with goodwill because of the fruit of the Spirit that is within us. This fruit is a result of the Holy Spirit’s work, not our own efforts. The “fruit” is not produced by the believer but by the Holy Spirit, as believers live in union with Him. The Spirit produces all nine aspects of this fruit simultaneously and continuously.
“But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control.” Our role is to yield and trust; God’s role is to produce the fruit. Since “he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17), the fruit of the Spirit is what our born-again spirits produce. The truth is that the fruit of the Spirit is always present within us. We don’t need to seek it out; we simply need to draw it out. Our spirits possess these attributes regardless of how we may feel emotionally. We have the choice to allow our emotions to bring us down, or we can let the Holy Spirit, through our born-again spirits, release the fruit of the Spirit.
We can choose to serve others with goodwill regardless of whether or not they deserve it. Christ is our example, as He served others selflessly. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The call to serve with goodwill transcends cultural and social boundaries, urging believers to embody Christ-like love in all interactions. “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free”. We must serve as if we are serving the Lord. Our focus of service must shift from earthly masters to the divine Master, Jesus Christ. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 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). This perspective transforms everyday tasks into acts of worship, recognising that all work is ultimately for God’s glory. This mindset encourages integrity and excellence, knowing that the Lord sees and rewards faithful service.
“God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His name” (Hebrews 6:10). God never forgets what you do in obedience to Him. In fact, not only will you be rewarded in this life here on earth, but one day you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be rewarded for all the things you have done out of love and obedience to Him. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
