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.

— Colossians 3:22-24

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

— Galatians 5:13

As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

— 1 Peter 4:10

Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

— 1 John 3:18

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

— Romans 12:11

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Ezra’s leadership incorporated practical wisdom alongside spiritual priorities. Entrusted by God with people and treasures, Ezra implemented rigorous measures to steward his God-given responsibilities wisely. He recognized the need for careful practices to hold people accountable, visibly validating honesty and integrity among the leaders. Ultimately, he called others to view their duties as unto God Himself. Churches, governments, business, and family responsibilities should be stewarded in a way that honors God, upholds God’s standards, and strengthens believers’ witness before a watching world.

Serving God rightly is a spiritual matter with practical implications. When God entrusts us leadership roles and responsibilities, we consecrate our hearts to God in these matters. We see our work first as unto the Lord and then to others. We honor God and align with the guiding principles of His Word in the details of our work for Him. Let’s let God’s holiness motivate our faithfulness in serving Him and those under our care.