READING: Eph. 6:5-9: Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
In these verses, both slaves and masters are instructed regarding their position in relation to the Lord Christ. The obedience required here is also about what Christ asks of both parties. Obedience to the master is first and foremost obedience to Christ.
When carrying out a task, it matters that you sincerely want to do God’s will and serve Him. This requires honesty, sincerity, and reverence for the Lord, and thus towards the master as well.
Moreover, your effort should not aim to impress people. When you work under your master, you are working for the Lord. Therefore, you should not engage in sinful work, work that goes against God’s command. In all of this, the Lord asks for love, obedience, and dedication. He will reward that!
The question is whether we always put this into practice towards those whom God has placed above us. What do we see of this in various violent protest actions?
Also masters and employers, are addressed. These would be believers who know the Lord in heaven. They must not provoke their slaves by threatening them with excessive punishment.
The Lord will repay them if they think they are superior to their slaves. God does not show partiality. God is merciful but also strictly just.
Why should you not work to please people? Singing: Ps. 119:47