Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord and not people.
Ephesians 6:7
Into the Text
We come to another passage within Ephesians that to a 21st century reader can be confusing. Remember, Paul is calling believers to exhibit Christ in all of their earthly relationships.
There are a few things that need to first be clarified in this passage. The slavery Paul writes about is not a slavery that treats another as property rather than a human being with value and dignity. Slavery during biblical times was very different. Many were servants and even chose to be while others worked to pay off debts. When Paul calls slaves to obey their masters with fear and trembling, he is telling them to respect and honor their masters.
Today, we can equate these relationships to that of a boss and employee. In our work environments, Christians are called to work to honor Christ and not simply to try to earn the approval or acclaim of their bosses or co-workers.
In some ways, this makes our work easier. When we’re not seeking to base our worth on the praises of man, it frees us up to work with joy, purpose, and faithfulness. It also frees us from prioritizing working up the ladder to reach the highest position.
Whether you’re in an office, hospital, school, or your home, your work has an eternal purpose and value. God has specifically placed you in your job to be a light to your co-workers. Jesus sees your work, and He is with you in your work.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for giving me the opportunity to work. I pray that I would work for your approval and not for the approval of others. Amen.