Living for Jesus in Family, Work, and Faith

Nov 16, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Living for Jesus in Every Moment

To follow Jesus is not just about Sunday mornings or public acts of faith, but about how we live in the ordinary, unseen moments of our lives. Whether at home, at work, or in our relationships, every word and deed is an opportunity to honor Christ. Even the most mundane tasks become sacred when done for Him, because God sees what others may not. Our calling is to live purposefully, letting Christ be at the center of all we do, transforming the ordinary into holy ground. [28:36]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reflection: What is one ordinary, everyday task you can intentionally do for Jesus today, even if no one else notices?

Day 2: God’s Design for Marriage: Submission and Sacrificial Love

God’s vision for marriage is not about power or value, but about trust, order, and mutual respect. Wives are called to submit as an act of worship, not out of weakness but out of strength and trust in God’s design. Husbands are called to love their wives with a self-sacrificing, Christ-like love, laying down their lives for their wives just as Christ did for the church. This radical love and respect reflect the humility and strength of Jesus, and when lived out, create a beautiful harmony in marriage that honors God and blesses both partners. [31:07]

Colossians 3:18-19 (ESV)
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Reflection: If you are married, what is one way you can show Christ-like love or respect to your spouse today, even if it feels difficult or goes unnoticed?

Day 3: Building Up the Next Generation with Grace

Children are called to obey their parents, not simply for the sake of rules, but because it pleases the Lord and shapes their character. Parents, especially fathers, are warned not to provoke or discourage their children, but to nurture them with patience, encouragement, and grace. True discipleship in the home is not about control or criticism, but about building up children in love, creating an environment where they can grow in confidence and faith, knowing their value is not tied to performance but to God’s unconditional love. [45:18]

Colossians 3:20-21 (ESV)
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Reflection: Whether you are a parent, child, or mentor, how can you use your words today to encourage and build up someone in your family or community?

Day 4: Working and Leading as Unto the Lord

Our faith is not compartmentalized; it extends into our work and how we treat others in every sphere of life. Whatever our role—employee, employer, leader, or servant—we are called to work with integrity, diligence, and joy, knowing that our true reward comes from the Lord. Leadership is stewardship, and people are never to be valued less than profit or possessions. When we see others as image bearers of God, our work and leadership become acts of worship, and we honor God by honoring people. [50:13]

Colossians 3:22-24 (ESV)
Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Reflection: In your work or daily responsibilities, what is one way you can honor God and others today, especially when no one is watching?

Day 5: Inviting Jesus into Every Role and Relationship

When we invite Jesus into every aspect of our lives—our homes, our work, our relationships—He transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. Faithfulness in the small, everyday moments opens the door for God to lead us into greater purpose and unexpected opportunities. By seeking to live for God’s glory right where we are, we become vessels of His love and grace, impacting those around us and discovering the incredible journey He has prepared for us. [53:51]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Reflection: Where is God inviting you to shine His light today—in your home, workplace, or community—and what step can you take to respond to that invitation?

Sermon Summary

Colossians 3 calls us to a radically Christ-centered life, not just in the grand gestures of faith, but in the ordinary, everyday moments—especially within our homes, families, and workplaces. The heart of following Jesus is not limited to Sunday mornings or public acts of service, but is most powerfully displayed in how we treat those closest to us and how we approach the mundane tasks of life. Every word and deed, whether seen or unseen, is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, transforming the ordinary into the sacred.

Paul’s instructions begin not with public ministry, but with the family. Wives are called to submit to their husbands, not as an act of inferiority, but as a voluntary trust in God’s design—a submission that mirrors Christ’s own submission to the Father, which led to our redemption. This is not about coercion or control, but about willingly choosing respect and trust, even when it’s difficult. When done rightly, submission is not weakness, but strength under control, reflecting the humility and meekness of Jesus.

Husbands, in turn, are called to love their wives with a self-sacrificing, Christ-like love—agape love that lays down its own interests for the good of the other. This was a revolutionary command in Paul’s day, and it remains deeply challenging. The standard is not cultural norms or comparison to others, but the sacrificial love of Christ for His church. This love is not conditional, but steadfast, even when it is not reciprocated.

Children are called to obey their parents, not simply for the sake of order, but as an act of worship to God. Obedience is about character and faith, honoring Jesus by honoring parents. Parents, especially fathers, are warned not to provoke or discourage their children, but to nurture them with grace, patience, and encouragement. True discipleship in the home is built on love, not fear, and shapes character for a lifetime.

Paul then extends this Christ-centered ethic to the workplace. Whatever we do, we are to do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Our work, no matter how mundane, becomes worship when done for God’s glory. Leadership is stewardship, and people are never to be valued less than profit or possessions. When we see others as image bearers of God, our relationships and responsibilities are transformed.

Ultimately, the call is to invite Jesus into every role and every moment—at home, at work, and in all our relationships. Faithfulness in the small things opens the door for God to lead us into greater things. The journey of living for Christ begins right where we are, in the everyday, and God promises to do something incredible as we surrender each moment to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Ordinary moments become sacred in Christ When Christ is at the center, even the most mundane tasks and relationships are transformed into acts of worship. The craftsman repairing a hidden cathedral window does so with care, not for human recognition, but because God sees. This perspective invites us to approach every aspect of life—family, work, daily routines—as holy ground, where God’s presence and purpose are found. [29:21]
2. Submission and sacrificial love reflect Christ True submission is not about weakness or control, but about willingly trusting God’s order and choosing respect. Likewise, sacrificial love is not conditional, but mirrors Christ’s love for the church—steadfast, self-giving, and unconditional. These postures, when lived out in marriage and family, reveal the humility and strength of Jesus, challenging our selfishness and calling us to a higher standard. [39:52]
3. Parenting with grace shapes lasting character Paul warns against provoking or discouraging children, urging parents to nurture with patience, encouragement, and grace. Fear may produce short-term compliance, but love and belief in a child’s potential foster long-term character and confidence. Like the story of Kobe Bryant, unconditional love from a parent can ignite a child’s true potential and shape their future. [48:54]
4. Work is worship when done for God Our faith is not compartmentalized; it permeates every area of life, including our work. When we work with integrity, diligence, and joy, even in unseen or unglamorous tasks, we honor God. Leadership is a stewardship of people, not just results, and we are called to see coworkers and employees as image bearers, treating them with dignity and respect. [50:30]
5. Faithfulness in small things leads to greater purpose God often leads us into unexpected and meaningful ministry when we are faithful in the everyday. Asking, “How can I live for your glory where I am?” opens doors for God to use us in ways we never planned. Whether coaching a team or serving at work, small acts of faithfulness can become powerful avenues for God’s work and blessing. [56:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:51] - Introduction and Setting the Context
[28:36] - Living for Jesus in Every Moment
[29:38] - Approaching Challenging Scripture with Humility
[31:07] - Reading Colossians 3:18-25
[32:30] - God’s Design for Marriage
[33:55] - Submission: Strength and Trust in God
[35:20] - Teamwork and Roles in Family
[37:04] - The Challenge and Beauty of Submission
[39:52] - Husbands: Sacrificial Love Like Christ
[44:51] - God’s Way for Marriage and Family
[45:18] - Children: Obedience as Worship
[47:17] - Parenting: Encouragement Over Criticism
[50:30] - Work as Worship and Stewardship
[53:22] - Seeing People Through Christ’s Eyes
[54:20] - Everyday Faithfulness and Ministry
[56:45] - Coaching as Family Ministry
[59:29] - Living for God’s Glory in All Things
[60:00] - Prayer and Communion Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Colossians 3 – Living for Jesus in the Everyday

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:18-25 (ESV)
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Observation Questions

According to Colossians 3:18-25, what are the specific instructions Paul gives to wives, husbands, children, fathers, and workers?
In the sermon, what example did the pastor use to illustrate how ordinary work can become sacred when done for God? ([29:21])
How does Paul connect the way we live at home and at work to our relationship with Jesus?
What warning does Paul give to fathers (or parents) in verse 21, and how did the sermon explain the impact of this on children? ([47:17])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul starts his instructions about living for Jesus with the family and not with public ministry or big acts of service? ([32:02])
The sermon says that submission is not about weakness or control, but about trust and respect. How does this understanding of submission challenge or affirm what you have seen or experienced? ([37:04])
The pastor shared a story about Kobe Bryant and his father’s encouragement. What does this story teach about the power of grace and unconditional love in shaping a child’s character? ([48:54])
What does it mean to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”? How might this change someone’s attitude toward their job or daily tasks? ([50:30])

Application Questions

The sermon said, “Ordinary moments become sacred in Christ.” Think about your daily routines at home or work. What is one ordinary task you can start doing “for the Lord” this week? ([29:21])
If you are married, how can you practice either submission (as trust and respect) or sacrificial love (as Christ loved the church) in your relationship this week? What would that look like in a real situation? ([39:52])
For parents: Are there ways you might be provoking or discouraging your children without realizing it? What is one thing you could do differently to encourage them with grace and patience? ([47:17])
For children or those with parents: How can you honor your parents as an act of worship to God, even if it’s difficult? ([45:18])
At your workplace (or school, or wherever you spend your days), what would it look like to see your work as worship? Is there a specific attitude or action you want to change? ([50:30])
The pastor shared about coaching his son’s team and how God used that as a ministry. Is there a “small” area of your life where God might be inviting you to serve Him or others? What step could you take to be faithful in that area? ([56:45])
The sermon challenged us to ask, “How can I live for your glory where I am?” What is one area of your life where you want to invite Jesus in more fully this week? ([54:50])

Sermon Clips

“Paul reminds us that following Jesus isn't just about Sunday mornings. It's about Monday living. It's about how we treat our spouse, our kids, our boss, our coworkers. It's about living for Jesus in the every moment. Even those moments when no one is looking or that no one cares. We do it because we do it for Jesus. You know, I heard this incredible illustration recently that imagine this craftsman repairing this cathedral window. And someone asks, why do you work so carefully at a piece that's 40 feet above anyone's head? No one's really going to see it. He smiled. Because God will see it.”

“When we come to passages that are challenging or countercultural, we don't want to skip it or twist them to fit our own comfort. We want to approach it with humility, seeking to understand what the author ultimately meant and what God ultimately meant. We want to understand why God would call us to this. And today's passage is going to challenge us to do just that. Seeing life through Christ's lens and not our cultures.”

“I find it interesting, not for what Paul says, but what he doesn't say. As we talk about living for God and doing everything for his glory. You would think it would start by saying, go, go and evangelize to the world. Or feed the poor, help the needy, start an orphanage, get involved in ministry or in your church. All those are great things, but that's not where Paul starts. He starts with our family, our marriage, and all those people we interact with every day.”

“I want us to understand that this isn't about inequality, ability, or value. It's about order and trust. Submission means to voluntarily place yourself under God's design and not under human dominion. Submission to God is a calling not to be forced, manipulated, or coerced. It doesn't say husband forced her wives into submission, although that's what the culture of the day said as it was written. And many religions still today practice that kind of submission. This isn't a submission to do sin.”

“Submission is choosing the respect as an act of worship. This isn't an exclusive call just to wives as we are all called to submit to God and to each other. It is through submission that one of the greatest acts in history is done, the redemption of humanity. When Jesus prayed, not my will, but yours be done. His submission took him to the cross to save you and I. And it's through his submission, redemption was accomplished. Submission according to God is not weak and passive, but strong and purposeful.”

“When we play our roles well, it doesn't just help us, but elevates all those of each other and reach new heights that we cannot reach on our own. This analogy can work for anything that requires a team. It is about us playing the role that we can best help each other and we can all win. A Christ-centered wife says, I trust Jesus enough to love and respect my husband, even when it's not easy. It's not about ability or value, but about the roles God has called us to.”

“Submission is a beautiful thing of God, but often is repulsive to us. It goes against our very desire to be the Lord of our own lives. And in Genesis 3, we see that in the fall, part of the curse was wives' desire to control their husband. Even more than that, I think the main reason why we have such a hard time with this word submission is because we've seen it modeled so poorly and we've seen it abused. But when submission is done right, it is not weakness, it is strength under control.”

“Submission in its purest form reflects the meekness and humility of Jesus. It is through Jesus' submission that his power and strength is revealed. Some of the most powerful words my wife has ever said to me were, I trust you. She said this in our greatest times of challenge and change in our lives. When there was much at stake, there was just as much at stake for her as there was for me. You know, when I felt called to move to Oregon, we wrestled with God, processing together, leaving all of our family and friends.”

“Her trust in the Lord to support me gave me the courage to lead my family to where God was leading us when I was fearful. Submission is willingly choosing to lay down your will through trusting that God is working through his order for your good. Submission is greatly valued to God and is powerful. We need to see submission as the Lord sees it.”

“Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter towards them. It could also read, husband, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. The Greek word here is the word agape, self-sacrificing Christ-like love. Ephesians takes it a bit further. It says, husband, love your wives as Christ loved the church. It is not, I love you if you love me. It's, I love you even when you don't love me back. This command was revolutionary in Paul's day.”

“It meant laying down everything for her life and for her good. It meant treasuring her, protecting her, and valuing her as a gift from God. She is not property, but a treasure from the Lord and should be treated as such. It means not leading with an iron fist or manipulation, but with gentleness, kindness, and love. And then leading from a servant leadership, preferring others, preferring her above yourself, even when she doesn't follow your lead. Because that's what Christ did for his bride, the church.”

“Men, love your wives, not based on how she treats you, or whether you think she deserves it or not, but because Jesus has called you to it. Because that's what it means to follow Jesus. The church oftentimes has viewed very negatively in scripture, is viewed as a harlot, unfaithful, but yet Jesus is always faithful. I don't know about you, but when I read that, I'm convicted. Because even in my faithlessness, Jesus has always been faithful to me. And I'm sure glad he is.”

“Jesus is our example, and through his love that he has shown us, we need to love our wives as Christ loved the church. Our love needs to be independent of circumstance, but fully based on what we are called to and fully based on Jesus. It doesn't say love your wives only when she is lovable, but love her fully and deeply as Christ loved the church. Jesus is our standard. And every time I measure my love for my wife to the love Christ has for church, I fall short.”

“See, we aren't comparing ourselves to other men. We're comparing ourselves to Christ. You know, my eight-year-old son, he loves comparing. I don't know, you guys probably, you read your kids, probably the same thing. He tells me every day, you know, what this kid has and that kid has and how he needs it too, right? He tells me, tell me if you heard this one. Hey, everyone got to go see that movie. Can I go watch that movie? Or all these other kids get this amount of screen time.”

“Our measure for loving our wives in Christ is our standard. Jesus is our standard. We can and need to learn and be inspired by other godly men, but our standard is not people. It's Jesus. This is one of those verses that deeply convict me because I know I fall short. It also greatly inspires me because it challenges me to become the husband I know God is calling me to be.”

“If you have not seen submission or sacrificial love lived out in marriage before, I encourage you, find the godliest couple you know. A couple that puts God first and has the joy of the Lord and observe them, talk to them. Learn from them and you'll see it is beautiful. God's design is beautiful. God's way of marriage is so much better. God's way of marriage is far better than what the world does for marriage. And it's especially true in our world today.”

“Obedience isn't about control. It's about character and faith. Kids don't simply obey parent, mom, and dad because they said so, but because it honors Jesus. In the same way a husband in Christ now is called to love their wife sacrificially, a wife is called to submission as is fitting to the Lord, children are called to obey their parents because it honors Jesus. This obedience comes from the heart. It comes from doing what is right because you love God. It's seeking to please God by honoring your parents.”

“Paul warns parents, don't praise performers, raise disciples. Don't crush them with criticism, nurture with grace. Don't create a home where integrity is feared. A home that's filled with grace, where character is developed. Now imagine there's two coaches that shape their teams in two different ways. One yells, the other gently corrects. Over time, the players play harder for the encourager. The coach who always yelled taught his team to fear mistakes, so they played scared.”

“Parenting works the same way. Fear may produce short-term obedience, but love produces long-term character. Correction matters. But when it's delivered patience, compassion, and belief in the child, it transforms them. Love builds stronger disciples, stronger habits, and stronger hearts and lectures ever well. You know, a 12-year-old boy played basketball for the first time at a summer youth camp, or summer league in Philadelphia. That whole season, he didn't score a single point, not one.”

“After the final game, he came home discouraged, embarrassed, and frustrated. But his dad didn't get angry. He didn't lecture him. Instead, his dad looked at him and said, Whether you score zero or 60, I am proud of you. That child is Kobe Bryant. That changed everything for Kobe. He realized that his value wasn't tight performance. It wasn't playing to avoid disappointing his dad. He was playing from a place of confidence and unconditional love. And that freedom lit a fire in him.”

“Paul then moves from home to work. Because faith doesn't clock out at 5 p.m. We don't compartmentalize our lives. Faith is part of all aspects of our lives. So whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not for men. That means integrity, diligence, and joy. Even when no one is watching. Brother Lawrence, in a 17th century monk, worked in the kitchen washing dishes. He said, I feel the Lord's presence among the pots and pans as I do in prayer.”

“But whatever you do, no matter how mundane of a task, it can be done for the Lord. Christians should be the most trustworthy, diligent workers out there. Because we're not working for a paycheck. Not just working for a paycheck. We're working for the glory of God. When employers hear we're Christians, they should see in our work ethic, our attitude, and our integrity.”

“Leadership is stewardship. Employees aren't tools for profit. They are also image bearers of God. We must never value material success over people. We must view those you lead as brothers and sisters created in the imago Dei in the image of God. They are image bearers, always remembering people above things. No matter how much we may treasure our possessions, we won't be able to take them to heaven.”

“Your real boss, your real audience, your real reward, it's all Jesus. At the last supper, Jesus washed his disciples' feet, even Judas'. The king of glory took up a towel. That is the humility that Paul calls us to. Christ in us, shaping how we love, serve, lead, and in how we see people. When you grasp the gospel, even the ordinary becomes holy ground.”

“So we want to invite Jesus into every role. We want to pray, Lord, be the Lord of my home, be the Lord of my words, be the Lord of my days. We want to see people through Christ's eyes. Family, coworkers aren't obstacles, they are opportunities. Serving faithfully even when unseen, because God sees you and he is with you. Whatever you do, do with your full heart and do it for the Lord.”

“There were three men that asked what they were doing. One said, laying down bricks. The other said, building a wall. And the third said, I am building a cathedral for the glory of God. That's what Colossians 3 is calling us to see. Our homes, our jobs, our relationships as an act of worship. So whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working unto the Lord, Colossians 3.23. Your calling is now.”

“Let's start to their family and then to everyone you see regularly. Be intentional and faithful in the everyday. Start by praying, reading God's word and asking, Lord, how can I live for your glory right where I am? And every day and every moment in my marriage and my family and my work and everywhere I go.”

“That's when I prayed, Lord, how can I live for your glory where I am in the everyday, the every moment? How can I be more than just a coach? What can I do to teach these kids about the love for this sport, but more important, the love for you? As I sought God, he challenged me bold and to pray with these kids before every practice and every game. Truthfully, I was terrified to do that. There's nothing scarier to me than an angry mom.”

“It was just so cool to see that God was leading our family into this incredible ministry that we never planned for. And as we continued growing, as we tried to ask the Lord, what more can we do? We started doing devotionals before practices. And last season, we would hand out Bible verses to every single kid at every week. And we also started to ask the other team at every game, would you like to come pray with us? And you know what? Every team brought their entire team to come pray with us at every game.”

“It was through coaching these kids for God's glory that I met so many of you. And every time one of these kids that I get to coach comes to Northside, it's the most incredible thing to me. It blesses me so much. It reminds me of the honor and the privilege that we have to live for Christ every single day. It was through coaching that I met the hoops that told me about Northside that I should come join them here. Ultimately, and ultimately where I got to meet all of you.”

“You just never know the incredible journey God will take you on when you start to live for Him in every moment. When you start to live for Him at home. This whole process grew me in the Lord. It gave me purpose. It gave me purpose. I believe God has called my family to invest in these kids. It's not something I planned for or purpose for. But being faithful, He has led me and my family to something incredible.”

“God has something incredible for us. God has something incredible for you. And it starts with living for Jesus in your home, your work, and in your everyday.”

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