Day 18: January 22, 2026

As Unto The Lord

Devotional: 

“Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either’”

Matthew 25:45 (HCSB)

One of the most difficult, yet rewarding callings of the Christian life is to embody the gospel. To love God fully and to treat people, who are made in His image, with dignity, patience, and grace. What we do, and what we neglect to do, is never neutral. It is always done unto someone.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that our lives are lived before God, not merely before people. David understood this when he confessed, “Against You and You alone,

I have sinned” (Psalm 51:4a). His failure involved others, but he recognized that all sin is ultimately committed in the presence of God.

Jesus said, “I was hungry and you didn’t feed Me… naked and you didn’t clothe Me… sick and in prison and you didn’t visit Me.” When the people asked, “When did we see You?” He replied, “When you did it, or failed to do it, to the least of these, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:42-45). This means our obedience is not about applause, approval, or recognition. Even the unseen acts of loving a difficult spouse, showing patience when mistreated, or choosing integrity when no one is watching are acts of worship unto the Lord. This perspective sustains us when others don’t reciprocate, when obedience feels costly, and when doing good goes unnoticed.

It also helps us deal honestly with regret. When we realize that our actions are always before God, we become more aware and awakened to purpose. Past failures no longer define us, but they teach us. Regret becomes a guidepost, reminding us to live intentionally, lovingly, and faithfully from this point forward.

Living as unto the Lord creates holy awareness. It shapes how we speak, how we serve, how we forgive, and even how we treat our enemies. When we know God sees, we choose love. When we know God is near, we choose obedience. And that awareness keeps us doing good even when others do not.

Reflect

How would my daily choices change if I truly lived with the awareness that everything I do is done before God?

One Step Forward

Choose one ordinary action today (how you speak, serve, eat, forgive, or respond) and intentionally do it as an act of worship unto the Lord.