“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,” Colossians 3:23.

“Michael, put your heart into it!”

I’ve heard those words many times; from a mom who wanted my room cleaned to a coach who had the crazy thought that a quarterback should also be willing to throw a block. But I’ve never heard them more clearly or with more incentive, than when they are spoken by the Holy Spirit.

On Labor Day or any other day, I need to listen up. “Michael, in WHATEVER you do, do it heartily as for the Lord. God knows when I’m doing it heartily. He can’t be fooled. But as a leader, how do those following me know?

Let me suggest a way to measure your ‘heartily-ness’. I believe it is best measured by how energetically and passionately you do the things that you like the least. Anyone, including pastors, can get excited about work you love. However, the Word says, “Whatever you do …”. When you heartily do the tasks, which are less likeable to you, those who follow you are inspired to a whole new level of respect and commitment.

Now go put your HEART into it … go knock on those doors, call that hypercritical member, get that report written, return those phone messages and e-mails, attend that community meeting, etc.

What’s the key incentive? Do it AS unto the Lord. Think of His heartily-ness. Think of His passion. It was for us! May our work be done HEARTILY for Him!