Unto the Lord

Jim Jurmu  |  The Voice of Zion January 2026 - Editorial --

In a world where success is often measured by likes, titles, money and recognition, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Yet God’s Word calls us to a higher standard: faithfulness to Him.

In Colossians 3, we are called to let every task we undertake become an act of love toward God. Apostle Paul reminds us that our purpose is not found in who notices our work, but in for whom we do it. Every task – every responsibility, every small act of obedience – becomes sacred when done for the Lord. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

The believer’s life is not divided between “sacred” and “secular.” Every action, every job, every moment can glorify God when done with sincerity and dedication. The labor of our hands is right when it springs from a heart devoted to Him. Even ordinary tasks – washing dishes, caring for children, helping a neighbor, or showing up faithfully at work or school – are significant when offered as service to the Lord. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

The world craves attention and praise, but God delights in quiet faithfulness. Jesus warned, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them.” God values faithfulness more than fame. He sees the unseen efforts, the quiet sacrifices, and the steadfast hearts that labor in love. Paul encourages us, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Every good thing we have and every ability we use is a gift of God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” God distributes His gifts throughout His congregation, and with those gifts we serve one another.

When we serve “as unto the Lord,” we use the gifts He has given us and shift our focus from pleasing ourselves or others to serving Christ Himself. Paul writes, “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.”

This truth frees us from resentment and comparison. We serve with joy because we serve Christ. Whether the world applauds or overlooks us, we can serve with gladness, knowing our labor is for the Lord, whose reward is eternal.

Our efforts may go unnoticed by others, but they are never unnoticed by God. Every act of obedience, every honest day’s work, every service done in love is seen by Him. “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Whatever your task – whether at home, in the classroom, among your neighbors, on the job, or in the church – do it heartily, as unto the Lord. “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

When we look honestly at our service, we also see how poor and incomplete it is. Yet even this drives us back to the Lord we serve. In the gospel we hear again that Christ has served us perfectly and forgives all our shortcomings. Resting in His grace, we can continue our work “as unto the Lord,” trusting that He blesses and increases what we offer in faith.

Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto God.  

Scripture References

• Colossians 3:23 – ”And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord”

• 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Do all to the glory of God.

• Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do…”

• Matthew 6:1 – Do not do good works to be seen of men.

• Galatians 6:9 – “Be not weary in well doing…”

• James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift comes from above.

• Ephesians 6:7 – Serve with good will, as unto the Lord.

• Colossians 3:24 – The Lord will reward those who serve Christ.

• Luke 17:10 – “We are unprofitable servants…we have done our duty.”