Ephesians 6:5-6

"Servants (slaves), be obedient to those who are your physical masters, having respect for them and eager concern to please them, in singleness of motive and with all your heart, as [service] to Christ [Himself]." Ephesians 6:5

It's hard for many to imagine this Word still applicable today, but not all of the world has stopped using slavery and even our need to make a living for ourselves puts us in a situation similar to relations that Paul describes here, because often we must work "for" and "under" others... a boss, leader, owner... and yes, for some, a master! We aren't trading this verse for the ones we've come through, already... he's said that we are to obey and respect God first... and to obey and respect one another, and now we add to those, "obey and respect" our masters.

Paul is talking to the "Christian" servant, employee, inmate, etc., whom must work for someone who may or may not be a Christian... he doesn't say. Because we must add this thought to what God has already taught us a few verses back, we must continually evaluate how to obey and respect our earthly master, without disobeying and disrespecting our Heavenly Master, or our husbands, wives, and family. This will force us to continue staying very close to God. To also help us achieve this, the next verse is important...

6. "Not in the way of eye-service [as if they were watching you] and only to please men, but as servants (slaves) of Christ, doing the will of God heartily and with your whole soul."

We don't labor to please man, although doing what you agreed to do for them should... but, no matter who the Christian finds God has him or her working for, serving, laboring, or enslaved too, "we should remember that God is always watching", and that, ultimately, we are "we are serving God and what He wills for us". If you came to Christ after you started working where you are now... it may be that God's will is for you to go somewhere else... it will be very important for you to obey and respect God first, and say good-bye to your boss. We are doing the will of God heartily and with your whole soul... because we "love God with all of our heart and soul"... Amen?

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:7 next time.

I love you.