Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would

obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,

doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not

people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether

they are slave or free. (Ephesians 6:5-8) 

In Ephesians 6:5-8, Paul addresses a relationship deeply embedded in the social fabric of his time — that

of slave to master. Though the concept of slavery is abhorrent to our modern sensibilities and the

societal context has greatly changed, the principles laid out in this passage transcend time and can be

applied to modern work relationships. 

The call to obey with respect, fear, and sincerity of heart sets a high standard for personal conduct

within the workplace. Respect suggests a recognition of the position and authority of those we work for.

Fear, in this context, is not about being afraid but about a reverential awe of God's overarching

authority. Sincerity of heart implies a genuine commitment to our responsibilities, free from duplicity or

ulterior motives. 

Paul emphasizes that this obedience is not to be superficial or contingent on oversight. Workers are

encouraged to internalize their work ethic, performing their duties diligently whether or not they are

being watched. This reflects a deeper motivation — serving as "slaves of Christ," which means doing the

will of God from the heart. The idea is that in every task, believers are ultimately serving the Lord. This

perspective elevates work from a secular transaction to a spiritual act of worship. 

The passage concludes with a promise: that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,

regardless of their social status. This underscores the biblical truth that all work done in faithfulness is

seen and valued by God, who is the ultimate judge and rewarder of our efforts. 

So, how does understanding your work as service to Christ change your attitude and approach to your

daily tasks and responsibilities? What are practical ways you can demonstrate respect, sincerity, and

wholehearted service in your workplace, even when it feels like your efforts go unnoticed by others? 

In our last devotion of this series, we will delve into the responsibilities of those in leadership and

authority, exploring how they are called to reflect Christ's love and fairness in their dealings with those

under their supervision. 

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of

JesusIsLordBlog.com