If we stood on a stage, in front of a large group of people, and received a standing ovation, how wonderful that would make us feel? Words would not begin to express that wonderful feeling.
As we live our day to day lives, the question comes, who are we trying so hard to please? There are a great many people who want the applause of men. And if recognition is not given for their efforts, they feel discouragement and despair.
In our text, the Apostle Paul tells us as Christians (in whatever we do) to do it: "heartily." But we are to remember who we are working for.
It is not "to men" but "as to "the Lord." Whatever we do, should not even be done, to please ourselves, but to please the Lord, and to glorify Him.
It may be an intimidating scene, to view the Lord watching all that we do, and wondering what He thinks about our actions in our Christian life and service. But I believe as the Bible tells us, that Jesus loves us, and knows our potential, and cheers us on, as we work hard, to live and serve Him.
What does He expect? As I remember my parents telling me: "As long as you do your best, that is all that is expected."
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58) GP
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