Text: Colossians 3:12–24
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” — Colossians 3:23-24
Frank is a friend of mine in Germany. Though his official title is “Facilities Manager” at his local church, a position he has held faithfully for 18 years, he jokes that it’s really just an inflated title for janitor. His self-deprecating humor makes me smile, but what inspires me most is not his modesty—it’s his daily approach to bringing the extraordinary presence of God into the most ordinary of duties.
Frank explained to me that it’s crucial for him to invite Jesus to rule and reign over his heart every single day. Without that conscious choice, he admits, he can easily slip into selfishness, defensiveness, or even bitterness—often over small, almost trivial things like wrongful assumptions, careless words, or unfair criticisms. But when he begins his day by surrendering to Jesus, even sweeping floors or unclogging a drain becomes an act of worship.
This resonates with Paul’s words in Colossians 3:23–24: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Frank reminds us that no work is too ordinary to be infused with divine significance. The Kingdom of God is not confined to pulpits, platforms, or mission fields. It is present in janitorial closets, cubicles, kitchens, classrooms, and carpools—anywhere a believer says, “Jesus, rule and reign here.”
Too often, we divide our lives into “sacred” and “secular.” Sunday worship feels holy; Monday chores feel mundane. Yet, Scripture paints a different picture. When Christ reigns in our hearts, all of life becomes sacred. Folding laundry can be as holy as leading worship. Answering emails can glorify God just as much as preaching a sermon—if it’s done in the Spirit, with a surrendered heart.
Frank’s discipline challenges me. How often can we find ourselves going about our tasks on autopilot, grumbling or distracted, instead of consciously yielding to Christ’s presence? How often can we let small slights fester into bitterness instead of bringing them under Jesus’ rule?
Imagine if we began each day by surrendering not only the “big” decisions, but also the ordinary moments: the drive to work, the tone of a reply, the unseen chores. Imagine if we asked Jesus to reign over our hearts in every hallway, meeting, and kitchen sink. The world might not notice, but heaven would. And those closest to us—our families, co-workers, and neighbors—would begin to catch glimpses of Christ shining through.
It’s not the size of our platform that matters; it’s the depth of our devotion. The true measure of greatness in God’s kingdom is not how high we climb, but how faithfully we serve—especially in the unnoticed places. So, whether your title is “manager,” “teacher,” “student,” “retiree,” or “janitor,” remember this: your daily invitation for Jesus to rule and reign transforms the ordinary into holy ground.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, today I invite You to rule and reign over my heart. Keep me from selfishness and bitterness, and help me see every task as an opportunity to serve You. May my ordinary work reveal Your extraordinary presence. Amen.
Questions for Personal Application or Group Discussion:
- Think about your daily responsibilities. Which of them feel most “ordinary” or unnoticed? How could you invite Jesus into those specific tasks this week?
- What small frustrations (like unfair assumptions or criticisms) tend to entangle you? How can surrendering them to Christ free you to serve joyfully?
- How might your perspective change if you began each task with the mindset, “I am serving the Lord Christ”?
- Who in your life models faithfulness in ordinary duties, like Frank does? What can you learn from their example?
- If someone were to watch your daily routines, would they see evidence of Christ’s rule in your heart? What step can you take today to reflect Him more clearly?
