Whatever You Do
By Lynette Kittle
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17
Do life’s everyday responsibilities like loading and unloading the dishwasher, cause you to mumble under your breath? Or do you find yourself grumbling about the mundane tasks you’re assigned at work? Maybe it’s the wear-and-tear of working weekly in the church’s nursery or serving on the worship team?
It’s easy to grow weary in serving others and even easier to become critical in thoughts and words, rather than to turn to God’s Word in how to respond in various situations. Still God encourages you to do everything without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14).
Scriptural Examples
Sadly the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness reveals a crowd of grumblers. So much so, it led God to respond with ”How long will this wicked community grumble against me?” (Numbers 14:27).
Today in a culture where being outspoken, critical, and argumentative is celebrated and admired, most may not even consider grumbling something to avoid.
Jesus was the subject of grumbling, too, when He went to the home of Zacchaeus. Luke 19:7 states, “All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’”
In another situation where a crowd was criticizing Him for some statements He made, Jesus confronted them saying “Stop grumbling among yourselves” (John 6:43).
Because fault-finding is so commonplace now, especially with the opportunities offered on the Internet and through social media to express opinions, the majority of individuals may not know that Scripture strongly cautions people to not grumble against one another (James 5:9).
How to Serve Well
Rather than complaining about serving others at home, on the job, in church, or in your community, Scripture urges you to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people” (Ephesians 6:7).
Likewise, Colossians 3:23-24 encourages “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” knowing “that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:24).
Scripture reveals the truth to serving well, which is to not look to people for your inspiration or reward but to look to God. Doing so makes it easier to “do everything in love,” as directed in 1 Corinthians 15:14.
So next time you’re tempted to mumble, grumble, complain, or argue while serving others, instead, consider it as an opportunity to serve God. Focus on Him rather than the task, knowing He sees your heart and actions, and will reward you for your service.
