READ: Col. 3:22–4:1: Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh … in sincerity of heart, fearing God … as to the Lord and not to men … from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance … you serve the Lord Christ … he who does wrong will be repaid … Masters … you also have a Master in heaven.
In all kinds of relationships with other people, believers must sincerely fear and serve the Lord. This also applies to relationships of authority, such as that between a servant and his master or employer, and vice versa. Both must give account of their deeds. Have they treated the other in a way that is right in the eyes of the Lord?
The obedience required of the servant toward his master—unless this conflicts with God’s Word—is a matter of obedience to Christ Himself.
This requires honesty, sincerity, and reverence for the Lord on the part of the servant. Self-interest or flattery must have no place. 1 Pet. 2:18 says that this also applies to servants whose masters act wrongly. That may require much self-denial from a servant. But servants may know that the Lord sees their conduct, and that He will reward their obedience in the life to come.
On the other hand, the Lord will also one day punish injustice. The Lord shows no partiality, whether one is servant or master. The only thing that counts before the Lord is whether one has acted out of love and reverence for Him as Lord.
The masters, the employers, are now also addressed. These will here be believing masters, who know the Lord. They may not provoke their servants by threatening them with excessive punishments. In their dealings with those under them, they must realize that the other person also belongs to the Lord. They may not misuse their position for their own honor or gain. The Lord will one day repay this, and He will not spare them if they regard themselves as better than their servants. God is merciful, but also strictly just.
The rule Paul speaks in Christ’s name applies to all relationships, from those in higher positions to those in lower positions and vice versa, but also between people of equal standing. Our entire earthly life must stand in service to Christ our Owner.
Does the same now apply to employees and employers?
Singing: Ps. 123:1