Do you ever have those days where it’s just really hard to stay focused and motivated? You know you’re trying to keep plugging away, but it’s hard to give that certain project or task your full effort, especially when you don’t see any initial results. It’s tempting to think, “I’ll just work on this later…when I feel more motivated.” But often that time never really comes, and you end up just giving a small portion of effort instead of everything you’ve got.

And then you read a verse like this…

“And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

Or this…

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

And you remember – even when you don’t feel like it, it’s important to give your best effort, just as if you were working for the Lord.

We may not always feel like giving everything our best effort, but it’s so important that we try to do so. We shouldn’t be working to please others, or even ourselves. We should be working to please God alone, and He is worth our full effort. He is worth the hard work, the sleepless nights, the extra motivation – He is worth it. And we need to remember that as we go about our daily routines.  We can find joy in even the most mundane tasks when we focus on pleasing Him through our actions.

Is there an area of your life that you need to put extra effort towards? Remember that you are working for the Lord, and just focus on pleasing him. The motivation you need to complete that task will come quickly when you begin to think this way.