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 like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do no threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him (Eph. 6:5-9, NIV).
Paul is speaking to a context where slavery was fairly common. Slaves were people who hired themselves out to a benefactor for some reason (like debt or education), or they were people who had been forced to work for another person for some reason (like war, ect.). Social contracts where an individual agrees to work for a certain amount of money are similar enough to situation Paul describes that we can draw out some important implications.
First, in light of the gospel, we need to realize the there is more at stake than a paycheck. The way in which we live our lives either confirms the gospel or it denies it. We might not ever consider saying the gospel isn't affective with our mouth, but if we fail to live out the good news we might practically deny it by our actions. We labor because work is part of God's good creation. We labor because our Father is always at work, and we are trying to follow his example. We labor because in doing so, for the glory of God, we are rewarded.
Second, we have to work as if we are working for the Lord. We may serve a person or corporation that couldn't care less about us. However, the reality is that God, in his providence, has provide us with that job opportunity. Ultimately, we work for him.
Third, we have to work with a sincere heart. Our labor should be about making us look better. It should be about glorifying God through our obedient service. We should not just play the part when someone is looking, rather we should work hard whether we get noticed our not. We must also work with an undivided heart. We work wholeheartedly when we work with enthusiasm and focus.
Fourth, we must give respect where it is due. Thus, we should respect and honor our earthly voices, because they reflect the glory of the Creator. We walk in fear--fear that we might dishonor Christ through laziness or inability. As we grow in ability and skill, reflect God's glory back into the world.
Fifth, Employers should treat their workers in the same way. Paul reminds employers that those under their charge are really God's servants. He also reminds employers that they too are God's servants. God is not a respecter of persons. He gives to each what his work deserves.
Finally, we need to labor hard for the glory of God. God created us to work, and through that work he will bring forth his glory. We need to be the best at what God has called us to, so that we might honor him. Employees--work hard. Employers-- take care of those who work for you. Any thing less and Christ's glory is diminished.
Evening: (5 pm) We had our last VBS clinic tonight centered on the question: "What to I do now?" (6 pm) We looked a Philippians 4:4-9. In this passage, Paul urges us to live out the gospel with joy, gentleness, an abiding knowledge of God's real presence, prayerfulness, and gratitude. He also urges us to strive for purity of mind.
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