“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something for the Lord and not for people.” — Colossians 3:23
Each year, as a church family, we choose a verse for the year — not as a promise to claim, but as a guiding principle to shape our life and discipleship. For 2026, our focus is Colossians 3:23, a call to wholehearted, Christ-centred living.
This verse invites us to reflect on four simple but profound questions: the what, the how, the who, and the who-is-not.
- The What — “Whatever you do…”
“Whatever” does not mean we pick and choose only what we like. Paul spoke these words to Christian households — reminding us that we are part of God’s household too. God has entrusted each of us with responsibilities and opportunities to serve. Just as God delights in His work, His people are called to work faithfully and joyfully.
In a Christian household, our calling always includes care for others — the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and the poor. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. So too, our lives must reflect a posture of serving rather than being served.
- The How — “Do it from the heart.”
Whatever we do, we are called to do it joyfully, cheerfully, passionately, and wholeheartedly. Paul also reminds us not to offer “eye-service” — work done only to impress others. Serving others can sometimes lead to pride or a sense of superiority, but this must never be the Christian way. We do not stand as “givers over receivers,” but as fellow servants of Christ. True service is joyful, humble, and sacrificial.
- The Who — “…as for the Lord.”
Ultimately, all our service is for the Lord. He is the One who has placed us where we are. We are the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. As Mother Teresa once said, “I wanted to give something to the Lord very beautiful and without reserve.” Let that be our desire too — to offer our very best to God.
- The Who-Is-Not — “…and not for people.”
We do not serve in order to please people or meet human standards — though Jesus does call us to a righteousness that surpasses outward religion (Matthew 5:20). Instead, we aim higher: we serve God Himself. And often, it is the “little more” we offer — the extra kindness, the unseen effort, the faithful consistency — that God uses to bring blessing and change.
As we journey through this new year, each of us will live out many roles — as parents, children, spouses, grandparents, employers, employees, church members, and ministry workers. All these roles are gifts from the Lord. Let us fulfil them from the heart — for the Lord — and not merely for people.
May the Lord graciously guide us through 2026 and bless us with a year that is joyful, meaningful, and fruitful for His glory.
God bless us all!