Colossians 3:23

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

When I was teaching sixteen years ago in North Carolina, I had this verse on my classroom wall to remind my students that their work needed to be the best they could do because ultimately, they were doing it for God, not me.

After having my own children, it's a verse I've ingrained into them and say each morning to them before we start school (usually in our prayer, asking God to help us to remember that our work is for Him and that we do it to the best of our ability).

We also stress this verse and concept to our kids as they participate in activities like Scouts, 4-H, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Piano, & Guitar. In order to do well, they need to practice hard and give it their all. This verse in Colossians is a great motivator, as they are doing everything for God, not to impress us or anyone else. It also means that they don't do things half way, whether it's writing a paper or running down the soccer field. There is no slacking. This verse is a great reminder of that.