“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord” (Col. 3:22).
The verse is talking about how to be a faithful, responsible servant. It tells how to get favor with your boss if you’re an employee, or with your parents in your home.
Responsibility is doing the right thing even without being told. You know it’s the right thing to get dressed so you do it, even though there’s no one to tell you every day to get your clothes on.
One way of showing maturity and demonstrating how well you handle responsibility is by doing what you’re asked to do or what you know is right even no one’s eye is on you.
A mark of maturity as a Christian is being responsible for your actions and doing the right thing when no one else is around.
I want you to be honest with yourself and write down a few things that you have done when no one was looking that you knew weren’t right. When you get to this point as you continue to grow in the Lord, you shouldn’t be dealing with huge things like, “I had sex when I thought I wouldn’t get caught.” Hopefully you have already dealt with those kinds of actions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Write down things that you have done recently. Now repent and ask the Lord to forgive you. Make a commitment to do things the right way whether your boss or anybody else is looking or not. You’re on your way to maturity as a believer.
Memorize Colossians 3:22 right now. Say it out loud or to yourself whenever you’re tempted to do wrong when no one is looking.
Excerpt permission granted by Teen Mania
Ron Luce was the co-founder and president of Teen Mania Ministries from 1986-2015. Ron and his wife Katie dreamed to raise young people who would change the world.
Ron received his bachelor's degree in Psychology and Theology from Oral Roberts University and his master's in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tulsa, along with an honorary doctorate from Jerry Falwell of Liberty University. He is a sought-after speaker who has traveled to more than 60 countries and has made numerous media appearances, such as Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family radio broadcast, CNN, The O'Reilly Factor, ABC Nightline, The 700 Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, and the Sean Hannity Show. Ron has also written 35 books for teens, youth pastors, and parents and continues to speak at leaders' conferences helping parents and pastors understand the plight of today's youth and showing them how all of us can be part of the solution.
Ron and Katie currently live in Garden Valley, Texas, with their son Cameron. They have two daughters, Hannah and Charity.