Your Best Foot Forward

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

When you start something new, you may hear or recall the phrase, “Put your best foot forward.” Shakespeare used the phrase, but it dates back to at least 1495 and relates to those who would bow or curtsy before royalty—the King or the Queen.

Today’s verse says that wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, your work is for the Lord. And since it is for the Lord, the Apostle Paul tells you that a certain quality of effort and excellence is appropriate. 

You don’t come before a King or Queen with any less than your best. Those who would come before their leaders in the past were taught to put forward their “best” foot, depending on whether they were left- or right-footed.  

Today the phrase indicates embarking on a journey or task with purpose and your very best effort. Why? When you work with all your heart, you honor the King.

This verse also offers you a promise: you can be assured that God will reward you when you serve Him. That means your greatest reward won’t come from a promotion or a paycheck–but from your heavenly Father. And it’s a guaranteed reward.

What’s the basis for your reward? The Scripture says there is one criterion–not what you are doing but who you are doing it for. That means no matter your employment status, income, or opportunity, the most important audience is the Lord, and not people.  

When you serve in your home, work in your community, or volunteer, your work is to be done “with all your heart”. That’s the kind of work that’s fit for the King. God doesn’t compare your work to someone else’s. He simply asks for your very best.

As you embark on your spiritual journey for the coming year, resolve to put your best foot forward in your relationship with Him. Let go of half-hearted efforts and give God your whole heart and worship. Give Him the best of your time, effort, and thinking. 

If you haven’t done this up until now, don’t worry. Now is the perfect time to begin.

Prayer: Father God, this year I resolve to put my best foot forward in my relationship with You. Guide me to use my best time, talents and resources to further Your Kingdom and Your purpose. May I be an example to my family and friends of a person who lives in close relationship with you each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.