Col 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor,
When we have a new nature, it affects our work life as well as our family life. When Paul’s letter is directed to slaves we can apply these principles for all employees, who are under voluntary and paid arrangements for employment as people pay for your time and for your services.
Slaves in that day had very little rights, but they did have responsibilities to represent Christ even in their work, as a child of God. They were to be a witness to the Lord by working effectively.
Obedience seems like something a slave ought to do. When masters are in complete control, do slaves have any options? Some with cruel masters can be killed or beaten for not obeying. Fortunately, that is not the case any longer under the law. A good employee seeks to win the pleasure of his or her employer by following the rules and abiding by the guidelines of the company or place of employment. They would do well to reflect Jesus by having an attitude of wanting to do a good job. Christians should work differently. Obedience is part of being a good effective worker. The apostle Paul also adds, not just when the boss is looking at you, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
I remember working early mornings at the Farmer's Union Grain Terminal Association in St. Paul while I attended Bethel College. I was hired to work in the mail room. The personal director said, "We like to hire Bethel students because they are usually dependable."
When the boss was not around the other younger people employed in the mail room would have rubber band fights and sneak off to the coffee shop. When passing the mail around the building, rather than come back when they were done, they would find places to hide and cheat on their time. Sometimes I was surprised how little work was being done. It seemed some worked at getting out of work.
They are stealing from their employer. The employer or company is paying for your time and services which they are not getting.
We must remember our employer is really the Lord. We do not work out of fear lest He catches us loafing. We work out of love and by the strength of the Spirit because we love Him.
The quality of work we do because we are Christians does provide a witness to His kingdom people and is to honor to the Lord who in turn will honor us. The word we hope to hear is "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Application: Be conscious in God’s presence today. Honor Him in all you do.
Prayer: Faithfulness is what I long for, Lord. May I be faithful in all I do knowing that in it all, I honor You.
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