Right Takes Time

You say you’re a good man—but are you God’s man?

Too many Christian men are going through the motions, doing “good things,” but missing the point—because they’re doing it for the wrong person. This devotional is for every man who wants to put his pride to death and pick up the work God actually called him to do. Christian manhood. Shepherd leadership. Daily obedience.

God’s Word for Today
Colossians 3:23 (ESV), “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

I hear it a lot. “He was a good man.” “She went to church every week.” “He was right with God.” And I hear that usually after someone passes away. And every time, I think: what does that really mean?

Men, that’s not just a casual question—it’s a gut check.

Is my life really right with Jesus, or have I settled into some kind of prideful rhythm where I’m serving my own reputation instead of God’s glory?

Oswald Chambers once wrote that we all have a “high place” in our lives—something we’ve set up as more important than God, even when we claim we’re doing it for Him. That truth hits hard. Because too many of us are proud of our progress, blind to our idols.

For me, it’s pride. I’ve looked back on years where I thought I was doing the Lord’s work. Truthfully, I was doing some good things—but for the wrong reasons. It was more about what I was getting than what I was giving. More about being seen as a servant than actually serving.

Even as I wrote this devotional, God showed me something. He brought to mind some big moments in my life—times I had the chance to truly honor Him. I might’ve even brought Him some glory. But deep down, the spotlight was still tilted toward me. That’s not shepherding. That’s self-promotion dressed up in a church suit.

Men, let’s get this straight: we are called to be knights of the Shepherd, yes—but we are still sheep. We are under His care, His authority, and His name. That means we lead with our eyes locked on Jesus, not on applause or titles. We serve our wives, our children, and our communities with a heart set on Jesus.

And it’s not easy.

This isn’t a one-day fix. It takes time. Obedience isn’t a checkbox—it’s a lifelong grind. That’s why today’s message is simple, but not soft:

Whatever you’re doing—does it bring glory to God, or glory to you?

That’s it.

Whether you’re pumping gas, teaching math, working a night shift, or saving lives in an ER—your role doesn’t define the glory. Your focus does.

Are you doing your work with your eyes on Jesus? Are you using your gifts and strengths in the assignment He gave you, or just working for the next compliment, raise, or nod from society?

Paul makes it clear. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23, ESV)

We’ve got to stop feeding our pride. This world is addicted to it. Likes, followers, platform, paycheck—it all feeds that old self. But we’re not called to lift up our name. We’re called to die to it. We are not the point. Jesus is.

And that truth—if you let it get in deep—will break something open in you. It’ll strip down your false identity and rebuild your manhood on the right foundation: Jesus, the Shepherd. The only one worthy of the glory.

So today, check your mission. Look at the work you’ve been given. Ask yourself—who is this really for?

Because if it’s for Him… then every act becomes sacred. Every job, every task, every quiet sacrifice nobody else sees—He sees it. And He’s the one we answer to. Not the crowd.

Let’s be men of the Shepherd. Eyes up. Head down. Heart right.

Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value
Focus — When we focus on Jesus, our work, our roles, and our leadership become acts of worship that reflect our true calling as shepherds.

Reflect / Apply / Share

1. Reflect – Is there something in your life that you’ve been doing more for yourself than for God? What does that reveal about your heart?
2. Apply – What is one specific area of your daily work where you can shift your focus fully toward Jesus today?
3. Share – Who’s one man you know that needs to be reminded that obedience isn’t about perfection—but about direction? How can you encourage him?

Bible References (ESV)

• Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Personal Prayer
Father, show me where I’ve been working for myself instead of for You. I want to put my pride to death and make my life one that gives You glory.

My Personal Journey & Engagement Call
These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus.
If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.
To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.

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