Greek: Ta tekna, hupakouete (2PPAM) tois goneusin kata panta, touto gar euareston estin (3SPAI) en kurio
Amplified: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
KJV: Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
NLT: You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Wuest: Children, be obeying your parents in all things, for this is commendable in the Lord. (Eerdmans) 
Young's Literal: the children! obey the parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord;

CHILDREN BE OBEDIENT TO YOUR PARENTS IN ALL THINGS: Ta tekna, hupakouete (2PPAM) tois goneusin kata panta: (Genesis 28:7; Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:3; Deuteronomy 21:18, 19, 20, 21; 27:16; Proverbs 6:20; 20:20; Proverbs 30:11,17; Ezekiel 22:7; Malachi 1:6; Matthew 15:4, 5, 6; 19:19; Ephesians 6:1, 2, 3) (Ep 5:24; Titus 2:9-note)

See related resource - In depth notes on parallel passages in Ephesians 6:1; Ephesians 6:2; Ephesians 6:3

Be obedient (5219) (hupakouo from from hupó = under + akoúo = hear) (Click word study on hupakouo) (Click for study of related word hupakoe) means literally to hear where the idea of "under" is consciously, volitionally (act of one's will) subordinating one’s self to the person or thing heard and hence “to obey” or to hearken (give respectful attention). It includes the idea of listening attentively, stillness, or attention.

All things means no exceptions (as long of course as what the parents are asking is concordant with God's will and walking in a manner worthy of the Lord and is not sin. (see related sermon notes on Spirit filled families Ephesians 6:1-3)

Note that this relationship cannot be right unless first the husband-wife relationship is right. In the ancient world children were very much under the domination of their parents. The supreme example was the Roman Patria Potestas, "the law of the father's power" which granted the parent the right to do anything he liked with his child - the parent could sell the child into slavery, could make him work like a laborer on his farm and even had the right to condemn his child to death and to carry out the execution! Such is the perspective of the depraved mind when the gospel of Jesus Christ is not enthroned therein! In pagan society, all the privileges and rights belonged to the parent and all the duties to the child.

FOR THIS IS WELL-PLEASING TO THE LORD: touto gar euareston estin (3SPAI) en kurio: (Col 1:10-note; Php 4:18-note;  Hebrews 13:21)

What is the motive? That we might please our Lord Jesus, the One Who appointed to exercise absolute ownership and supreme authority in every believer's life (both Christian parents and children). The way children obey their parent's authority reflects their obedience to Jesus and ultimately represents submission/acceptance of God's design for order (the opposite of order is chaos and because of rebellion we see that in so many families in our modern, "liberated, evolved" society) We need to remember God's assessment that rebellion and disobedience

is as the sin of divination (or witchcraft!), and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.  (1 Samuel 15:23)

Well pleasing (2101) (euarestos from eu = well + arésko = please) (Click for in depth study of euarestos) means that which causes someone to be pleased. It is something which is well approved, eminently satisfactory, or extra-ordinarily pleasing. It is possible to obey externally, but not “from the heart” (Ep 6:6-note). It is possible obey grudgingly.

In Romans we can see a sense of what euarestos means where Paul writes that the will of God is

FATHERS DO NOT EXASPERATE YOUR CHILDREN: hoi pateres, me erethizete (2PPAM) ta tekna humon:  (Psalms 103:13; Proverbs 3:12; 4:1, 2, 3, 4; Ephesians 6:4; 1Th 2:11; Hebrews 12:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)

stop nagging your kids

stop irritating your kids to the point that it produces resentment

Spurgeon writes that...

The duties are mutual. Scripture maintains an equilibrium. It does not lay down commands for one class, and then leave the other to exercise whatever tyrannical oppression it may please. The child is to obey, but the father must not provoke.

See related resource - in depth notes on parallel passage in Ep 6:4-note

Exasperate (2042) (erethizo from erétho = stir to anger) means to stop provoking (present imperative with a negative = stop an action that may already be in process) your children to the point that they become bitter and resentful. The idea is to arouse, excite, kindle as in this verse  in a bad sense, thus making resentful, irritating or rousing to anger.

A secular use of erethizo was in reference to fire, the Greek sentence rendered "a spark kindled by the bellows", which gives us an accurate picture of the potential effect of a father inappropriately disciplining his children!

Other secular Greek uses include "to provoke to curiosity", in the passive "to be provoked or excited".

In secular writings we find the sentence "a sparked kindled (erethizo) by the bellows" which helps understand the potential effect insensitive, in the flesh punishing can have on a child. Erethizo means to cause someone to feel resentment = make resentful, make someone bitter, to excite anger, to provoke, to irritate. In the only other NT use of erethizo, erethizo is used in a positive sense meaning to encourage or motivate (provoke positively stimulating a change in motivation or attitude. ).

For I know your readiness (eagerness), of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up (erethizo) most of them. (2Cor 9:2)

Remember that the context is important to keep in mind lest we try not to exasperate in our own strength. Going back to Colossians 3:16-note (or go back to the beginning of the chapter for who we now are in Christ = Col 3:1, 2-note) which in turn is based on the truths in the first two chapters) the ideal father should

"let the word of Christ richly dwell within...with all wisdom teaching and admonishing..."

and so filled with the Word and the Spirit, training up his child in a godly way.

One can exasperate by...

(1) Overprotection--never allowing them any liberty, strict rules about everything. They do not trust their kids and the child despairs and can lead to rebellion. Parents must communicate that they trust.

(2) By showing favoritism, often unwittingly.

(3) By depreciating their worth. Many children are convinced that what they do and feel is not important. One way to decrease worth is by not LISTENING. These children may give up trying to communicate and become discouraged, shy, and withdrawn.

(4) By setting unrealistic goals--by never rewarding them. Nothing is enough so they never get full approval. Are you trying to make them into a person they are NOT? Some kids become so frustrated that they commit suicide.

(5) By failing to show affection (verbally & physically).

(6) By not providing for their legitimate needs.

(7) By lack of standards (the opposite of overprotection). These children are left to their own. They cannot handle that freedom and begin to feel insecure & unloved.

(8) By destructive criticism. "A child learns what he lives. If he lives with criticism he does not learn responsibility. He learns to condemn himself and to find fault with others. He learns to doubt his own judgment, to disparage his own ability, and to distrust the intentions of others. And above all, he learns to live with continual expectation of impending doom." Parents should seek to create in the home a positive, constructive environment.

(9) By neglect. David was indifferent to Absalom (and he failed to discipline Adonijah see 1Ki 1:6 who was put to death by his younger brother Solomon for probable treason).

(10) By excessive discipline. Never discipline in anger.  (Abridged from MacArthur, J. Colossians. Chicago: Moody Press or Logos)

THAT THEY MAY NOT LOSE HEART: hina me athumosin (3PPAS):

Lose heart (120) (athumeo from a = without + thumos = passions, desire, spirit) means to become disheartened to the point of losing motivation, to be dispirited or to be broken in spirit.  To feel like giving up. To despond. In this context, it means that the child feels that he can never do anything right and so gives up trying. When children find that they can do nothing right because of constant faultfinding with them, they are apt to become despondent.

This is the only NT use of athumeo. Here are the 7 uses of athumeo in the Septuagint (LXX) (Deut. 28:65; 1Sam. 1:6f; 15:11; 2Sa 6:8; 1Chr. 13:11; Isa. 25:4 )

The duty of the parent is discipline, but it is also encouragement.

The point is that children who grow up with parents who continually (present tense) provoke them will become disheartened.

Paul wrote to his "spiritual children" reminding them

"how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children." (1Th 2:11-note).

Proverbs 19:18 encourages parents to

"Discipline your son while there is hope & do not desire his death."

Proverbs 18:14 is a direct parallel to Paul's command in Colossians, instructing the wise father that

"the spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but a broken spirit who can bear?"

Barclay writes this cautionary note...

The more conscientious a parent is, the more he is likely always to be correcting and rebuking the child. Simply because he wishes the child to do well, he is always on his top.

We remember, for instance, the tragic question of Mary Lamb, whose mind was ultimately unhinged:

“Why is it that I never seem to be able to do anything to please my mother?”

We remember the poignant statement of John Newton:

“I know that my father loved me—but he did not seem to wish me to see it.”

There is a certain kind of constant criticism which is the product of misguided love.

The danger of all this is that the child may become discouraged. Bengel speaks of

“the plague of youth, a broken spirit (Fractus animus pestis iuventutis).”

It is one of the tragic facts of religious history that Luther’s father was so stern to him that Luther all his days found it difficult to pray: “Our Father.” The word father in his mind stood for nothing but severity. The duty of the parent is discipline, but it is also encouragement. Luther himself said,

“Spare the rod and spoil the child. It is true. But beside the rod keep an apple to give him when he does well.”

Sir Arnold Lunn, in Memory to Memory, quotes an incident about Field-Marshal Montgomery from a book by M. E. Clifton James. Montgomery was famous as a disciplinarian—but there was another side to him. Clifton James was his official “double” and was studying him during a rehearsal for D-Day.

“Within a few yards of where I was standing, a very young soldier, still looking sea-sick from his voyage, came struggling along gamely trying to keep up with his comrades in front. I could imagine that, feeling as he did, his rifle and equipment must have been like a ton weight. His heavy boots dragged in the sand, but I could see that he was fighting hard to conceal his distress. Just when he got level with us he tripped up and fell flat on his face. Half sobbing, he heaved himself up and began to march off dazedly in the wrong direction. Monty went straight up to him and with a quick, friendly smile turned him round. ‘This way, sonny. You’re doing well—very well. But don’t lose touch with the chap in front of you.’ When the youngster realized who it was that had given him friendly help, his expression of dumb adoration was a study.”

It was just because Montgomery combined discipline and encouragement that a private in the Eighth Army felt himself as good as a colonel in any other army.

Greek: hoi douloi, hupakouete (2PPAM) kata panta tois kata sarka (those according to flesh)  kuriois,  me en ophthalmodoulia (eye slavery) os anthropareskoi, (men pleasers) all' en haploteti kardias phoboumenoi (PPPMPN) ton kurion.
Amplified: Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him.  (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
KJV: Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
NLT: You slaves must obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Obey them willingly because of your reverent fear of the Lord. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Wuest: Slaves, be constantly obedient in all things to your human masters, not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but with an undivided heart, fearing the Lord. (Eerdmans) 
Young's Literal: The servants! obey in all things those who are masters according to the flesh, not in eye-service as men-pleasers, but in simplicity of heart, fearing God;

SLAVES IN ALL THINGS OBEY THOSE WHO ARE YOUR MASTERS ON EARTH: hoi douloi, hupakouete (2PPAM) kata panta tois kata sarka kuriois: (Ep6:5 adds with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ) (Col 3:20; Psalms 123:2; Malachi 1:6; Matthew 8:9; Luke 6:46; 7:8; Ep 6:5, 6,7-note; 1Timothy 6:1,2; Titus 2:9,10-note; Philemon 1:16; 1Pe 2:18, 19-note)

Be obedient (5219) (hupakouo from from hupó = under + akoúo = hear) (Click word study on hupakouo) (Click for study of related word hupakoe) means literally to hear where the idea of "under" is consciously, volitionally (act of one's will) subordinating one’s self to the person or thing heard and hence “to obey” or to hearken (give respectful attention). It includes the idea of listening attentively, stillness, or attention.

The present imperative is a command calling for this attitude and action to be the slave's lifestyle.

Undesirable as slavery was, the NT does not promote or sanction revolt of slaves (1Co 7:20-24). Had it done so, many would doubtless have flocked to the antislavery cause and not to Christ.

Under Roman law the slave was a thing in the eyes of the law. There was no such thing as a code of working conditions. When the slave was past his work, he could be thrown out to die. He had not even the right to marry, and if he cohabited and there was a child, the child belonged to the master, just as the lambs of the flock belonged to the shepherd. All the rights belonged to the master and all the duties to the slave. And he could not inherit anything making Paul's statement in (v24) all the more powerful.

The apostle, somewhat surprisingly at first glance, uses more space for servants and masters than for the other relationships. The presence of Onesimus must have accounted for this. The relations of the slave to his master are identical with that of the child to the parents according to the apostle’s terminology (cf. Ga 4:1). The present tense of the verb hupakouo„ (AV, “obey”) in both cases stress the constant obedience expected. The use of the words kata sarka (AV, “according to the flesh”) with masters shows that in other realms the master and slave were on equality. In spiritual things the master and slave were brothers in the family of God.

NOT WITH EXTERNAL SERVICE AS THOSE WHO PLEASE MEN BUT WITH SINCERITY OF HEART FEARING THE LORD: me en ophthalmodoulia os anthropareskoi all en aploteti kardias phoboumenoi (PPPMPN) ton kurion: (Galatians 1:10; 1Thessalonians 2:4) (Mt 6:22-note; Acts 2:46; Ep 6:5-note) (Ge 42:18; Neh 5:9,15; Eccl 5:7; 8:12; 12:13; 2Co 7:1-note)

Don't obey them only while you're being watched, as if you merely wanted to please people (GWT)

Spurgeon comments on men pleasers...

How much there is of that! How quickly the hands go when the master’s eye looks on! But the Christian servant remembers God’s eye, and is diligent always. “Not with eyeservice as men pleasers.”

Related Resource - in depth discussion of the parallel passages in Ephesians 6:5; Ephesians 6:6; Ephesians 6:7; Ephesians 6:8.

This admonishment refers to working only when the master is watching, rather than recognizing the Lord is always watching, and how our work concerns Him (v23, 24).

Confidential surveys reveal that one out four workers compromise their beliefs to get ahead on the job. A higher percentage justify unethical actions on the job for personal advantage. This is decades of moral relativism instruction coming home to roost.

The eye is to be upon the Lord in singleness of heart. A Christian servant owed complete obedience to his master as a ministry to the Lord. If a Christian servant had a believing master, that servant was not to take advantage of his master because they were brothers in the Lord. If anything, the servant strived to do a better job because he was a Christian. He showed singleness of heart and gave his full devotion to his master. His work was done heartily, not grudgingly, and as to the Lord and not to men.

Single and sincere hearts are necessary for Christian servants to please God and serve their masters acceptably. These instructions emphasized the positive side of obedience. Servants were to obey to please God, not just to avoid punishment. Even if the master did not commend them, they would have their reward from the Lord. In the same manner, if they disobeyed, the Lord would deal with them even if their master did not. God is no respecter of persons (Ac 10:34; Ro 2:11; Ep 6:9; Jas 2:1, 9). In our society we do not have slaves but these principles apply to any kind of honest employment. A Christian worker ought to be the best worker on the job. He ought to obey orders and not argue. He ought to serve Christ and not the boss only, and he ought to work whether anybody is watching or not. If he follows these principles, he will receive his reward from Christ even if his earthly master (his boss) does not recognize him or reward him. Pursue excellence in the way you work.

Warren Wiersbe writes:

"I have a friend who, years ago, was fired from his job for working too hard. He was earning money to go to college, and he wanted to give the employer a good day’s work each day. The trouble was, his zeal was showing up the laziness of some of the other employees—and they started fighting back. One of them falsely accused my friend of something, and he was fired. He lost his job but he kept his character, and the Lord rewarded him." (Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor)

We should be industrious! Confidential surveys reveal that the average American worker goofs off 7 hrs per week--a de facto 4-day week. The same survey reveals that one-half of all American workers admit to chronic malingering (calling in sick when they're not), and that only one out of four give their best effort at work. Since we work for the Lord, we should attack our work with zeal instead of dawdling over it and figuring out how little we can do and still get by--which is theft. We should cultivate being prompt and hard-working, whether the boss is watching or not. we should pursue quality in our work. Since we work ultimately for the Lord, our work should be the best we can offer rather than a crippled goat (Mal. 1). Do you have a reputation for being conscientious and thorough in your work? Finally, it means that our ethical conduct should be high. Confidential surveys reveal that one out four workers compromise their beliefs to get ahead on the job. A higher percentage justify unethical actions on the job for personal advantage. This is decades of moral relativism instruction coming home to roost. Do we think we can teach children that ethics are relative to the individual and situation, and not experience this on the job?

Lying, theft, back-stabbing, sexual innuendo, etc. may be commonplace in the secular workplace, but they are incompatible with serving and representing Christ. What an opportunity to let our light shine (Mt 5:16-note). Sometimes this results in mistreatment from other workers, because it exposes their poor behavior. Sometimes this involves the vulnerability to apologize when you compromise your ethical standards. Do you have a reputation for having both integrity and humility? If you have these qualities, you can virtually write your own ticket in today's job-market. But more importantly, you can allow God to work through your job to build this kind of character that attracts others to him (cp the little servant girl & Namaan in 2Ki 5:1, 2, 3, 4,5ff, Da 1:8, 9, 10ff, Neh 2:1, 2,3, 4ff, Joseph, etc)

"When you get bogged down on a frustrating assignment, do you give up or do you see it as a chance to grow in perseverance? When tempted by an unethical practice, do you yield to it or do you see it as a chance to grow in honesty? When you hear a friend being slandered, do you give silent assent, or do you stand up for your friend and practice loyalty? When you become irritated by a coworker's idiosyncrasies, do you criticize and belittle him, or do you commit yourself to learning greater tolerance? When you're asked to stretch in an area of weakness, do you let fear stop you, or do you decide to muster courage and proceed?"

Greek: o ean poiete, (2PPAS) ek psuches (out of soul) ergazesthe, (2PPMM) os to kurio kai ouk anthropois
Amplified: Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
KJV: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
NLT: Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Wuest: Whatever you are doing, from your soul do it diligently as to the Lord and not to men, (Eerdmans) 
Young's Literal: and all, whatever ye may do--out of soul work--as to the Lord, and not to men,

WHATEVER YOU DO, DO YOUR WORK HEARTILY: ho ean poiete (2PPAS) ek psuches ergazesthe (2PPMM) os to kurio: (Col 3:17; 2Chr 31:21; Psalms 47:6,7; 103:1; 119:10,34,145; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Jeremiah 3:10; 1Pe 1:22-note)

Do your work (2038) (ergazomai from érgon = work) means to work out, engage in an activity involving considerable expenditure of effort. It was used to describe one toiling energetically and diligently in the vineyard. The present imperative is a command calling for this as one's lifestyle or habitual practice.

Ergazomai - 41x in 39v - Matt 7:23; 21:28; 25:16; 26:10; Mark 14:6; Luke 13:14; John 3:21; 5:17; 6:27f, 30; 9:4; Acts 10:35; 13:41; 18:3; Rom 2:10; 4:4f; 13:10; 1 Cor 4:12; 9:6, 13; 16:10; 2 Cor 7:10; Gal 6:10; Eph 4:28; Col 3:23; 1 Thess 2:9; 4:11; 2 Thess 3:8, 10ff; Heb 11:33; Jas 1:20; 2:9; 2 John 1:8; 3 John 1:5; Rev 18:17. NAS = accomplish, 1; accomplished, 1; accomplishing, 1; achieve, 1; committing, 1; do, 1; do ... work, 1; does, 3; doing, 1; doing ... work, 1; done, 2; make ... living, 1; perform, 4; performed, 1; performing, 1; practice, 1; produces, 1; traded, 1; work, 9; work be done, 1; work do ... perform, 1; working, 7; works, 1; wrought, 1;

All Christian endeavor ought to be characterized by an enthusiasm, confidence, and diligence not found in the attitude of the unsaved. Too often it seems as if it is the other way around.

H. A. Ironside, the late beloved pastor of the historic Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, Illinois, used to tell his students of the maid who was asked how she knew she had really become a Christian. She replied,

“I know I’m a Christian because I sweep under the rugs now!”

The new aspect (Col 3:9, 10) about the Christian ethic and personal relationships is that all relationships are in the Lord. The whole of the Christian life is lived in Christ. In any home the tone of personal relationships must be dictated by the awareness that Jesus Christ is an unseen but ever-present guest. In any parent-child relationship the dominating thought must be the Fatherhood of God; and we must try to treat our children as God treats his sons and daughters. The thing which settles any master and servant relationship is that both are servants of the one Master, Jesus Christ.

It is said that Lord Melbourne once remarked in Parliament, after DIVINE PRINCIPLES were injected into the midst of a lively debate,

"THINGS HAVE COME TO A PRETTY PASS WHEN RELIGION HAS TO AFFECT OUR DAILY LIVES."

Not with mere eye service. Whatever we do should be done with all your might (Eccl 9:10), "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col 3:17), "to the glory of God" (1Co 10:31).

The servant’s work shall also be done heartily, as if done for the Lord Himself. The added exhortation in this twenty-third verse seems designed to prevent any possibility of a mechanical perfunctory obedience.

The present imperative is a command calling for this attitude and action to be one's lifestyle.

Lightfoot suggests, “do it diligently.” By its use Paul gains a little more stress on the idea of whole-hearted service.

AS FOR THE LORD RATHER THAN FOR MEN: os to kurio  kai ouk anthropois: (Zechariah 7:5, 6, 7; Mt 6:16-note; Ro 14:6, 8-see notes on Ro 14:6, 14:8; Ep 5:22-  note and Ep 6:6,7-note; 1Pe 2:13, 15- see notes on 1Pe 2:13, 15)

It is said that Lord Melbourne once remarked in Parliament, after divine principles were injected into the midst of a lively debate, “Things have come to a pretty pass when religion has to affect our daily lives.” I fear that this absurd attitude is more prevalent in the genuine Christian community than we realize or care to admit. We are quite often pious and reverent on the Lord’s Day, but what a different person we become on Monday morning—especially behind the wheel of our automobiles when we are just a little late for work and the traffic is heavy and slow-moving!

It is remarkable how often the Word of God stresses the fact that there should be daily exercise in spiritual things on the part of the Christian. For instance, it is expected that he follow the example of the noble Bereans and “daily” search the Scripture (cf. Acts 17:10, 11, 12-note). The psalmist has spoken of daily prayer, too, for he wrote, “I cry unto thee daily” (Ps 86:3; cf. 1Th 5:17-note). The Lord Jesus Himself stressed the necessity of continuous discipleship, when He said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The Christian’s week, in a sense, ought to be a week of Sundays, because all of the days are His days. This is the necessary correlative of the resurrection and His glorious promise, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt 28:20).

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COLOSSIANS 3:23 - GLORY IN THE GRIND - The life of slaves in the Roman Empire was not easy. They were regarded as "things," and they had no rights. Some had good masters and challenging work, but most were given menial tasks to perform. They worked long hours with little rest.

Christians, however, could catch a glimpse of glory in the grind. Whether slaves or masters, they could do their work with dignity. They were Christ's servants, and they represented Him in the marketplace or the home. Each worked for his Master, Jesus Christ, and labored for a commendation that would ultimately come from Him.

Someone captured the heart of this truth when he observed, "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that the hosts of heaven will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'"

Your work may be tedious. You may have an employer who doesn't appreciate you or pay you what you're worth. You may want to quit. But you are working for Christ. Do your daily work so that your Master in heaven can one day say to you, "Good job. Well done." --H W Robinson (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - TOMORROW TRAP - Sue Shellenbarger, "Work & Family" columnist for The Wall Street Journal, has encountered hundreds of people who, she says, "essentially live for the future, taking refuge in visions of a relaxed, rewarding personal and family life somewhere down the road." She calls this "the 'tomorrow trap'—a kind of mirage that people chase while in reality they are burying themselves in work and other pursuits."

Many of us who say our families are important don't live as if they are. Perhaps without realizing it, we have devalued today in favor of an imagined tomorrow that may never come.

As you read Colossians 3:12-25, try including the word today with each verse. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts" today (Col 3:15). "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" today (Col 3:16). Along with the specific instructions given to wives, husbands, children, and fathers (Col 3:18, 19, 20, 21), include the word today. The Word of God comes to us with a sense of urgency and immediacy, calling us to obey now, rather than somewhere down the road of life.

The only way to escape the "tomorrow trap" is to begin following God's guidelines in our work and in our family relationships—today! —D C McCasland (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - "KEEP THE WORKDAY HOLY" - If you're into bumper-sticker philosophy, you've probably seen the axiom, "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go." For a vast portion of the workforce, that's the best reason they can muster for going to the job each day.

According to one poll, only 43 percent of American office workers are satisfied with their jobs. In Japan, the figure dips to 17 percent.

In the first century, Christian slaves had even less reason to be enthusiastic about their work. But Paul gave them a way to grasp a glimpse of glory amid the grind. He wanted them to "adorn the doctrine of God," that is, to show the beauty of their faith in Christby how they work (Titus2:10).

A significant and often overlooked way that we serve God is in our everyday tasks. Martin Luther understood this when he wrote, "The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the monk who prays - not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors. The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship."

Today in the USA we honor labor. As Christians, whatever we do, let's remember the workday, to keep it holy.- Haddon W. Robinson (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - MATTERS OF THE HEART - In a book called The Second Shift, Arlie Hochschild describes how working couples share home responsibilities. Husbands and wives who both have careers generally agree that it is only fair for them to divide household chores. Yet studies show that men tend to do less than their share.

Why? One possible reason is that a husband today compares his efforts to how much his father did around the house. But a working wife today is looking for more than that. As a result, roles become a source of conflict. Hochschild, however, directs us to a deeper issue. She writes, "When two-career families struggle, it is seldom simply over who does what. Far more often it is over the giving and receiving of gratitude. . . . In my interviews, a surprising number of women spoke of their fathers helping their mothers 'out of love' or consideration. . . . But not one man . . . made this link between help at home and love."

There's an important insight here. Good relationships are built not only on what is done but why. This is true of marriage, but it is even more important in our relationship with God. Love grows not only by what we do but also by our reason for doing it (Colossians 3:23). The Lord wants us to do what is right, and to do so out of love for Him. —M R De Haan II  (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - MISTER ROGERS - The late Fred Rogers, creator and host of the much-loved children's television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, had a special understanding of his ministry and his work. His widow, Joanne, told a journalist: "I always remind people that he was an ordained Presbyterian minister and this was his ministry. His work was his ministry, and he loved his work; my, did he love his work. That's what makes me sad about losing him. Because I think he would have worked for a long time more if he could have, yet he accepted that with all of his heart and was ready to go to heaven."

We may feel that work is secular, but view leading a Bible study as spiritual. The Bible draws no such distinction, however. Paul instructed Christians to work "not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:22, 23, 24).

When we honor God and help people, then our work and ministry blend together in pleasing service to the Lord. Mister Rogers showed us how we can do that in our own neighborhood.—David C. McCasland (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:22-25  - WHAT'S MY MINISTRY? - How is my life helping to spread the gospel? Does that question ever haunt you? Does it seem that day after day you slave away at a humdrum job, performing repetitious tasks?

If so, you may also feel you're in a chronic state of spiritual frustration. What you do might seem far removed from the grand design and purpose of God's kingdom.

But if God's purposes are to be fulfilled, we must not neglect the ordinary tasks in pursuit of the glorious ones. Meals must be cooked, trash must be collected, assembly lines must be manned, and children attended to.

We can profit by listening to Puritan preacher John Dod, who wrote, "Whatsoever our callings be, we serve the Lord Christ in them . . . . They are the most worthy servants, whatsoever their employment be, that . . . serve the Lord, where He hath placed them."

Does your work seem like a waste of time? Imagine what life would be like if nobody bothered to do the job you do. Consider your office to be a sanctuary, your home a place of ministry. Then, perform your duty as if you are doing it for Jesus Himself. After all, He's the One you're really serving (Col. 3:23). --V C Grounds (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - HARD LABOR - It's one of life's ironies that on Labor Day in the US and Canada, most of the workers get the day off. But that's for good reason. What better way to reward a hard-working populace than to give the laborers a holiday!

Labor Day seems like a good time to take a closer look at what it takes to offer our employers our best.

1. No matter what our task, it's our duty to work for God's glory (Colossians 3:23). In this sense, no job is better than another. Each should result in honor to God.

2. The way we work can earn the respect of those who do not follow Christ (1Th 4:11, 12-note). A boss shouldn't have to tell a Christian to use time well or to work hard.

3. Our work is one way to fulfill our dual purpose: to love God and others. Showing love to our co-workers is a good way to show that we love God (Mt 22:37, 38, 39, 40).

4. We must work to provide for those who depend on us. Harsh words of criticism are reserved for those who don't take care of their family (1Ti 5:8).

Having a job can be hard work. Even for those who truly enjoy their jobs, it's nice to have a Labor Day breather. But until the day comes when our work is over, our task is to make our labor a testimony to God's glory. —Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - KEEP GOING FOR GOD! - They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. —Psalm 92:14-note

A familiar saying goes something like this: “Old age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!”

That must have been John Kelley’s attitude. Kelley, who died in 2004 at the age of 96, ran in 58 Boston Marathons (that’s 26.2 miles each time)—including his last one in 1992 when he was 84 years old.

Kelley’s remarkable feat is a reminder to each of us that we must stay active as long as we can. Far too many folks hit middle age and put the body in neutral. And Christians too often put their service for Jesus Christ in the same inactive mode.

Each of us has a responsibility to God, as long as He gives us physical and mental strength, to work heartily “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). We are never called to retire from life and coast home to heaven.

The psalmist said that the righteous “shall still bear fruit in old age” (Ps 92:14). For those who are physically able, that means continuing in active service. For those who can no longer move about, that means being active in prayer and in quiet service.

Let’s make sure old age doesn’t stop us from bearing fruit. We need to keep going for God. —Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - MOTIVES ARE ESSENTIAL - Proper motives are essential in Christian service. This is especially true in the giving of our money. The Lord is more concerned with why we give than with how much we give. We must have a right heart attitude. Therefore we should never give in order to receive the praise of others, but because we love God and desire to see His name honored and glorified.

An experience in the life of English preacher and theologian Andrew Fuller illustrates this truth. James Duff, in Flashes of Truth, told of a time when Fuller went back to his hometown to collect money for foreign missions. One of his contacts was an old friend. When presented with the need, the man said, “Well, Andrew, seeing it’s you, I’ll give you five dollars.” “No,” said Fuller, “I can’t take your money for my cause, seeing it is for me,” and he handed the money back. The man saw his point. “Andrew, you are right. Here’s ten dollars, seeing it is for Jesus Christ.” Duff concluded, “Let us remember, it is not the amount we give toward helping the Lord’s work; it is the motive He looks at. ”When we have the opportunity to contribute to some worthy Christian cause, may we do so with the right purpose in mind. We should never give just because we feel obligated to organizations or persons, nor because we desire to receive selfish recognition or reward. The apostle Paul said, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2Co 9:7). We should honestly say, “It’s for the Lord!” - R W De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved).

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - BE ALL THERE - A friend of mine has a view of life that is summed up in one of his favorite sayings: "Wherever you are, be all there." That is, whatever your situation, be the very best you can be.

During his college years, my friend got a job one summer at a resort. He expected it to be exciting, but when he arrived he was told that he would be washing dishes. He could see only two options–leave and be happy, or stay and be miserable. But a friend encouraged him to consider a third option: Stay and maintain the right attitude, then watch for positive results.

He decided to stay and be the best dishwasher he could be, concluding that he was really working for the Lord (Col. 3:22, 23). As a result, even in washing dishes, he was "all there."

In today's Scripture reading, God told the people of Israel, who were captive in Babylon, to "seek the peace of the city," and to "pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace" (Jer 29:7). Instead of sitting around lamenting their fate and wishing they were somewhere else, they were told by the Lord to be faithful where He had sent them.

We can't always choose our circumstances in life. We may not be able to change our job or location. Our situation may be difficult. But we can "be all there." –D C McCasland  (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - GOOD WORKERS - Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings. —Proverbs 22:29

During the early years of our marriage, my wife and I attempted to wallpaper our dingy Chicago apartment. We completed the project, but not without a great deal of difficulty. At one point I even had to remove a poorly-hung section of paper and go to the store to buy more. I learned to appreciate someone who could do a job like wallpapering with skill.

I marvel when I see a carpenter make things fit without measuring and remeasuring again and again. I admire the truckdriver who masterfully backs his big rig into a tight space more easily than I do a small trailer on a 16-foot-wide driveway. I take my hat off to the plumber who so easily and good-naturedly installed a water heater in a small, seemingly inaccessible area—especially when I think of all the frustration I experienced when trying to attach a simple water filter.

We read in today's Scripture about the skilled designers and weavers who helped construct the tabernacle. Proverbs 22:29 says that a person who excels in his work "will stand before kings." And Paul wrote, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord" (Colossians 3:23).

God is pleased with work done well. He honors good workers, and so should we. —Herbert Vander Lugt

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - WORKING IN GOD'S GARDEN - Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. --Colossians 3:23

Kemmons Wilson, founder of an international motel chain, quoted some advice for planting a "garden" that would enhance our work skills:

Five rows of "peas"--prayer, preparedness, promptness, perseverance, politeness.

Three rows of "squash"--squash gossip, criticism, and indifference.

Five rows of "lettuce"--let us love one another, let us be faithful, let us be loyal, let us be unselfish, let us be truthful.

Three rows of "turnips"--turn up for church, turn up with a new idea, turn up with the determination to do a better job today than you did yesterday.

Today let's evaluate our attitude toward our work. Do we see it as a necessary evil that deserves the least possible effort? As an unfortunate prerequisite to retirement? Or do we see it as an opportunity to serve God?

"Whatever you do," wrote Paul, "do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:23-24). With that attitude, we can work enthusiastically and wholeheartedly, not just for a paycheck but for the glory of God. --D C McCasland

James Deitz has produced paintings of airplanes and their crews that are so realistic they look like photographs. His works hang in many aviation galleries in the United States, including the Smithsonian Institution.

One of the paintings by Deitz, titled Unsung, depicts a crew of four mechanics who are working on a dive bomber. They are far below the flight deck of an aircraft carrier somewhere in the Pacific during World War II. The pale, serious-looking, grease-stained men are working tirelessly to get the plane ready to go back into battle.

We too may be performing unnoticed tasks as we support the church's mandate to spread the gospel and train believers. Without many volunteers, no church or mission agency could do its ministry effectively.

As the apostle Paul closed his letter to the believers in Rome, he listed several people who receive no other mention in Scripture. For example, Paul referred to Phoebe and said that she was "a helper of many" (Ro 16:2). Phoebe and the others were essential to the life and work of the early church.

Are you working "below the flight deck"? Remember, your service for Christ is essential. Even if no one shows appreciation for your hard work, you can be sure that one day the Lord will reward you (Colossians 3:23, 24). —David C. Egner (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - MARY & GOD - Her bright smile and cheerful voice seemed unusual for someone working at a discount store checkout counter early in the morning. I glanced at her nametag, then looked more closely to make sure I had read it correctly. It said: MARY-N-GOD. So I asked her if she and the Lord were doing this job together. "Oh, yes!" she said, beaming. "He works with me and walks with me and talks with me, and we share the most wonderful life together. I couldn't do it without Him."

Mary was a winsome representative of Christ and a vivid illustration of Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." Although not in the limelight, Mary, through her attitude and actions, witnessed to hundreds of people every day. Mary's pulpit was a checkout counter, and her smile was the opening sentence in a powerful sermon about the difference Christ makes in a life. If someone asked, she was happy to tell them more.

When I told my wife about Mary, she said, "I think she's one of those who seem to be last here on earth but will be first when they get to heaven." I had to agree.

You and I can also be effective witnesses if we know, love, and walk with Jesus the way Mary does. —David C. McCasland (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

THINKING IT OVER - What kind of attitudes are revealed in my daily work? Does my fellowship with Christ shine through in my demeanor? For whom do I work? Christ or the boss?

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - GIVE IT YOUR BEST! - Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. --1 Corinthians 10:31

On the 80th birthday of the famous musician and conductor Arturo Toscanini, someone asked his son what he considered to be his father's greatest achievement. He replied, "For him there can be no such thing. Whatever he happens to be doing at any moment is the biggest undertaking in his life, whether it be conducting a symphony or peeling an orange."

We ought to have a similar attitude as we serve Christ. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, we can have such a strong assurance of doing the Father's will that we'll be able to engage in every endeavor with zest and enthusiasm.

Toscanini gave himself so completely to every task that he could become totally involved in peeling an orange or in conducting a symphony. How much more we as God's children should take continual delight in the deeds of love we do for the Lord and for others!

Whether we are engaged in a project of great magnitude or simply helping a neighbor, we must consider our responsibility to God and man. The apostle Paul said, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord" (Col. 3:23). Anything we do for Jesus, whether large or small, should be "the biggest thing" in our lives. --R W De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

COLOSSIANS 3:23 - A NEW JOB - A survey by the Families and Work Institute found that 70 percent of people in the United States often dream about doing something different for a living. Books, consultants, and employment agencies offer to help us land our dream job. But is finding a different occupation always the solution to job dissatisfaction? Or could the key be discovering a new approach to our present situation?

Twice in Colossians 3, Paul used the phrase "whatever you do" as a call for wholehearted service to the Lord. He wrote, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Col 3:17). And again, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (Col 3:23).

If we're working for a critical, ungrateful boss, we'll tend to put forth minimum effort. But if our work is done for Christ, we'll strive to do our best all the time. The boss may sign our paycheck, but the Savior issues our reward (Col 3:24).

It's not wrong to seek work that fits our skills and interests. But it's futile to move from one job to another without settling the issue of whom we are serving.

An old job can become new when we choose to do it for the Lord. —D C McCasland (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

Thinking It Over
What is your dream job? What makes it hard to do your work with a good attitude? How will doing your work "as to the Lord" change your attitude and work habits?

The Cobbler by Harry Ironside - When I was a boy, I felt it was both a duty and a privilege to help my widowed mother make ends meet by finding employment in vacation time, on Saturdays and other times when I did not have to be in school. For quite a while I worked for a Scottish shoemaker, or “cobbler,” as he preferred to be called, an Orkney man, named Dan Mackay. He was a forthright Christian and his little shop was a real testimony for Christ in the neighborhood. The walls were literally covered with Bible texts and pictures, generally taken from old-fashioned Scripture Sheet Almanacs, so that look where one would, he found the Word of God staring him in the face. There were John 3:16 and John 5:24, Romans 10:9, and many more. On the little counter in front of the bench on which the owner of the shop sat, was a Bible, generally open, and a pile of gospel tracts. No package went out of that shop without a printed message wrapped inside. And whenever opportunity offered, the customers were spoken to kindly and tactfully about the importance of being born again and the blessedness of knowing that the soul is saved through faith in Christ. Many came back to ask for more literature or to inquire more particularly as to how they might find peace with God, with the blessed results that men and women were saved, frequently right in the shoe shop. It was my chief responsibility to pound leather for shoe soles. A piece of cowhide would be cut to suit, then soaked in water. I had a flat piece of iron over my knees and, with a flat-headed hammer, I pounded these soles until they were hard and dry. It seemed an endless operation to me, and I wearied of it many times.

What made my task worse was the fact that, a block away, there was another shop that I passed going and coming to or from my home, and in it sat a jolly, godless cobbler who gathered the boys of the neighborhood about him and regaled them with lewd tales that made him dreaded by respectable parents as a menace to the community. Yet, somehow, he seemed to thrive and that perhaps to a greater extent than my employer, Mackay. As I looked in his window, I often noticed that he never pounded the soles at all, but took them from the water, nailed them on, damp as they were, and with the water splashing from them as he drove each nail in.

One day I ventured inside, something I had been warned never to do. Timidly, I said, “I notice you put the soles on while still wet. Are they just as good as if they were pounded?” He gave me a wicked leer as he answered, “They come back all the quicker this way, my boy!” “Feeling I had learned something, I related the instance to my boss and suggested that I was perhaps wasting time in drying out the leather so carefully. Mr. Mackay stopped his work and opened his Bible to the passage that reads, “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of god.” “Harry,” he said, “I do not cobble shoes just for the four bits and six bits (50c or 75c) that I get from my customers. I am doing this for the glory of God. I expect to see every shoe I have ever repaired in a big pile at the judgment seat of Christ, and I do not want the Lord to say to me in that day, ‘Dan, this was a poor job. You did not do your best here.’ I want Him to be able to say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’“ Then he went on to explain that just as some men are called to preach, so he was called to fix shoes, and that only as he did this well would his testimony count for God. It was a lesson I have never been able to forget. Often when I have been tempted to carelessness, and to slipshod effort, I have thought of dear, devoted Dan Mackay, and it has stirred me up to seek to do all as for Him who died to redeem me.

Greek: eidotes (RAPMPN) hoti apo kuriou apolempsesthe (2PFMI) ten antapodosin tes kleronomias. to kurio Christo douleuete; (2PPAI)
Amplified: Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah). (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
KJV: Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
NLT:  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Wuest:  knowing that from the Lord you will receive back the just recompense which consists of the inheritance. The [heavenly] Master, Christ, you are serving. (Eerdmans) 
Young's Literal:  having known that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance--for the Lord Christ ye serve;

KNOWING THAT FROM THE LORD YOU WILL RECEIVE: eidotes (RAPMPN) hoti apo kuriou apolempsesthe (2PFMI): (Col 2:18; Genesis 15:1; Ruth 2:12; Proverbs 11:18; Mt 5:12, 46, 6:2, 5, 16-see notes Mt 5:12; 5:46; 6:1; 6:2; 6:5; 6:16; 10:41; Lk 6:35; 14:14; Ro 2:6, 7-see notes Ro 2:6; 2:7; Ro 4:4,5-note; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 9:17,18; Ep 6:8-note; Hebrews 9:15; 10:35; 11:6)

Knowing (1492) (eido) means knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt! The perfect tense emphasizes the lasting nature or permanence of this knowledge.

“From the Lord” is emphatic in the Greek sentence, which signifies that Paul is emphasizing to all slaves that the ultimate reward does not come from one's earthly master, but from one's heavenly Master!

You will receive (618) (apolambano from apo = from + lambáno = to receive, take) means to receive fully, receive in full what is one’s due, get back, recover fully what is promised or even to receive by way of retribution. This receipt can thus be good or bad news, depending upon how we live our Christian lives. But to the first-century Christian slave this was largely good news, because under Roman law a slave could inherit nothing.

It is interesting that apolambano also conveys the thought of receiving back something which one had previously possessed. What did we possess at one time that we lost? In Hebrews 2:8 which in context most likely refers to mankind, not to Jesus we read...

But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him. (mankind)

Adam lost the right to rule planet earth to the squatter and deceiver Satan, but the day is coming when our Kinsman-Redeemer, our Blood Avenger will avenge the "murder" of mankind by Satan (Jn 8:44) and redeem the land from the curse and we will rule and reign with Him. That future day would certainly be one aspect of what we "will receive back" from the Lord something we originally were given dominion over.

THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE: ten antapodosin tes kleronomias:

The reward is called “the inheritance.”

The reward (469) (antapodosis from antapodidomi [word study] = give back in return for something received in turn derived from antí = in turn + apodidomi = render) describes the action of recompensing, repaying or rewarding and stresses the action of giving back an equivalent. It is a recompense given to someone on basis of or in exchange for what has been done and can be positive or negative. In the present context it is used in a positive sense.

Inheritance (2817) (kleronomia from kleros = lot + némo = give or distribute) (Click for in depth study of kleronomia) is literally that which is distributed by lot and so refers to a portion which one receives by lot in a general distribution and then, in a more general sense means to possess oneself of, to receive as one's own, to obtain. In other words it can refer to a property already received as well as one that is expected.  Although kleronomia is an inheritance which one receives by lot, in the NT the idea of chance associated with the lot is not found. Kleronomia becomes the portion or heritage which one receives by virtue of birth and in the present context by virtue of the "new birth". 

What a paradox that a slave who was owned and owned nothing is pictured as receiving the reward of an inheritance because the slave is the freeman of the Lord and, therefore an heir of God. What wonderful grace, and how remarkable a reversal of fortune!

A believer's inheritance consists of eternal life which to be sure an endless existence but is even now received in part as a quality of life, Christ powerful life lived in and through us (Gal 2:20 cf. 1Jn 5:20). As alluded to above our inheritance also includes the earth for in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus promised

"Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." (see notes on Matthew 5:5, cf Hebrews 2:8)

This beatitude focuses a the future aspect of our inheritance, when we will rule with Christ in the millennial kingdom (Rev 20:6). The knowledge that we will inherit the restored, rejuvenated earth (see the geographic, political, spiritual descriptions of the millennium) should free us from the present pursuit of material possessions. Someday we will receive far more than we could ever gain in this life. Finally, we inherit all the promises of God, by being “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb 6:12).

Slaves must not be the kind of servant, who, as C. F. D. Moule puts it, does not dust behind the ornaments or sweep below the wardrobe. He must remember that he will receive his inheritance. Here was an amazing thing. Under Roman law a slave could not possess any property whatsoever and here he is being promised nothing less than the inheritance of God. He must remember that the time will come when the balance is adjusted and evil-doing will find its punishment and faithful diligence its reward.

Being a diligent servant, pleasing your Master, rather than be a man pleaser may open doors of opportunity & witness you never dreamed of...as this story from Reader's Digest in 1981 suggest: John Kenneth Galbraith, in his autobiography, A Life in Our Times, illustrates the devotion of Emily Gloria Wilson, his family’s housekeeper: It had been a wearying day, and I asked Emily to hold all telephone calls while I had a nap. Shortly thereafter the phone rang. Lyndon Johnson was calling from the White House.

“Get me Ken Galbraith. This is Lyndon Johnson.”

“He is sleeping, Mr. President. He said not to disturb him.”

“Well, wake him up. I want to talk to him.”

“No, Mr. President. I work for him, not you."

When I called the President back, he could scarcely control his pleasure.

“Tell that woman I want her here in the White House.”

Exhibiting integrity may lead to opportunities we never dreamed of...witness the life of one of the pinnacles of integrity, the man Daniel. (God gave him leadership roles in 3 different regimes, not to mention the role of scribe of one of the most outstanding prophetic writings in all of Scripture.). And we think of Joseph in prison. The point is whether we are ever made prime minister or simply stay on as the household servant, the Lord's eyes move to and fro to strong support those whose hearts are fully His no matter where they are employed (2Ch 16:9).

IT IS THE LORD CHRIST WHOM YOU SERVE (are continually a bondservant, a love slave): to kurio Christo douleuete (2PPAI): (John 12:26; Ro1:1-note Ro 14:18-note; 1Co 7:22; Gal 1:10; Ep 6:6-note; 2Pe 1:1-note; Jude 1:1)

"Lord Christ" is the only occurrence of this Name for Jesus in Scripture

Spurgeon asks...

To what choice order of officials was this word spoken? To kings who proudly boast a right divine? Ah, no! too often do they serve themselves or Satan, and forget the God whose sufferance permits them to wear their mimic majesty for their little hour. Speaks then the apostle to those so-called "right reverend fathers in God," the bishops, or "the venerable the archdeacons"? No, indeed, Paul knew nothing of these mere inventions of man. Not even to pastors and teachers, or to the wealthy and esteemed among believers, was this word spoken, but to servants, aye, and to slaves. Among the toiling multitudes, the journeymen, the day labourers, the domestic servants, the drudges of the kitchen, the apostle found, as we find still, some of the Lord's chosen, and to them he says, "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." This saying ennobles the weary routine of earthly employments, and sheds a halo around the most humble occupations. To wash feet may be servile, but to wash his feet is royal work. To unloose the shoe-latchet is poor employ, but to unloose the great Master's shoe is a princely privilege. The shop, the barn, the scullery, and the smithy become temples when men and women do all to the glory of God! Then "divine service" is not a thing of a few hours and a few places, but all life becomes holiness unto the Lord, and every place and thing, as consecrated as the tabernacle and its golden candlestick.

Greek: o gar adikon (PAPMSN) komisetai (3SFMI) o edikesen, (3SAAI) kai ouk estin (3SPAI) prosopolempsia. 
Amplified:  For he who deals wrongfully will [reap the fruit of his folly and] be punished for his wrongdoing. And [with God] there is no partiality [no matter what a person’s position may be, whether he is the slave or the master]. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
KJV: But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
NLT:  But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites who can get away with evil. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Wuest: For the one who is doing wrong will get back that which he did which is wrong. And there is no showing of partiality. (Eerdmans) 
Young's Literal: and he who is doing unrighteously shall receive what he did unrighteously, and there is no acceptance of persons.

FOR HE WHO DOES WRONG WILL RECEIVE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE WRONG WHICH HE HAS DONE: o gar adikon (PAPMSN) komisetai (3SFMI) o edikesen (3SAAI): (1Corinthians 6:7,8; 1Thessalonians 4:6; Philemon 1:18) (2Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 2:2)

The consequences of - This phrase is not in the original Greek but is added by the translators. The text reads more literally...

For he who is continually doing wrong will receive back what he did wrong

Does wrong...wrong which he has done (same verb is used twice) (91) (adikeo from adikos = unjust in turn from a = without + díke = justice) means to act unjustly (the first use of the verb adikeo is in the present tense = as their habitual practice), do wrong, be unjust, hurt, injure.

Receive (2865) (komizo  from komeo = tend, take care of) (Click for in depth study of komizo) means receive back, recover, receive back what is one's own, to be recompensed or rewarded.

As A T Robertson says

"This is a general law of life and of God and it is fair and square."

Komizo conveys the thought of getting something for oneself and carrying it off as wages or a prize. The verb implies, not mere obtaining, but receiving and carrying away for use and enjoyment or in the present verse one's discomfort as brought out by the Amplified Version...

For he who deals wrongfully will [reap the fruit of his folly and] be punished for his wrongdoing.

AND THAT WITHOUT PARTIALITY: kai ouk estin (3SPAI) prosopolempsia: (Col 4:1-note; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; 10:17; 2 Samuel 14:14; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 34:19; 37:24; Luke 20:21; Acts 10:34; Ro 2:11-note; Ep 6:9-note; 1Pe 1:17-note; Jude 1:16)

Partiality (4382) is from an interesting Greek word prosopolepsia which in turn is derived from a combination of 2 root words, prosopon = face and lambáno = receive, and so it literally means to “receive face”. The Oriental custom of greeting was to bow one's face to the ground. If the one greeted accepted the person, he was allowed to lift his head again. The accepting of the appearance of a person was a Hebraic term for "partiality". The idea behind prosopolepsia is that one judges on the basis of externals or pre-conceived notions, and shows partiality or favoritism.