Commands for the Servants (Employees) | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:5-8

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:  Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Other verses for servants:

"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons." (Colossians 3:22-25)

"Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." (Titus 2:9-10)

Between these three passages, we find a list of Biblical instruction for servants:

- Obey masters

     ~with fear and trembling

     ~in all things

     ~not answering again (dispute, refuse)

     ~not purloining (sequestrate for oneself, embezzle)

     ~shewing all good fidelity (credence, moral conviction)

- Work in singleness of heart: to the Lord

     ~not with eyeservice (that needs watching)

     ~not as menpleasers (man-courting, fawning - the idea of flattery) but pleasing their masters

     ~fearing God

- Work as servants of Christ

- Work heartily

- Do the will of God from t

he heart

- Realize the testimony of the doctrine of God they hold

- Realize that reward comes from God (or in contrast, punishment if servants disregard these commands)

Today, these commands should not remain unheeded because we no longer have servants and slaves. Instead, we should consider these commands towards anyone who is in authority over us (i.e. boss, employer, managers, owners).

The matter begins at the heart: we must realize that in any job, work, or task at hand, our goal first and foremost should be to please God. We are His servants and the work we do are a testimony that reflect His work in our hearts and lives. Complaining, murmuring, backbiting, and disputing are not a characteristic of a servant of God. Likewise, stealing, embezzlement, "borrowing," etc. should never be a part of our life. We should show responsibility and be trustworthy. Instead of doing enough in man's eyes or judging our work against our co-workers, we should be working as pleasing God (doing the best we can, being diligent). Our attitude while working is a great testimony - is it positive or negative? Do we realize our influence as a worker? Not only are those over us watching, but also those around us (co-workers, others who might hang around the workplace). Do they see a reflection of Christ in us?