January 29 2026

Thursday January 29

The Workplace: Christian Servants

Ephesians 6:5–8

5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

Today we continue in Ephesians chapter 6, looking at verses 5 through 8, where the Apostle Paul turns his attention from the home to the workplace. The word "servants," or in this translation, “bondservants”, undoubtedly refers to Christian slaves, but we may certainly apply these words to the Christian employee today. There were probably 6 million slaves in the Roman Empire in that day, and slavery was an accepted institution. While the New Testament does not launch a political attack against slavery, the Gospel itself undermines it from the inside. Paul’s mission was not to overthrow governments, but to transform lives through Christ. History shows us that when hearts are changed by the Gospel, societies eventually change as well.

The principles Paul gives here apply directly to us today as Christian employees and workers. The workplace is one of the most important mission fields God has given us. Paul gives several reasons why Christian servants—and Christian workers today—are to be obedient and faithful in their work.

First, we are really serving Christ. Paul reminds these servants that although they have “masters according to the flesh,” their true Master is the Lord. When a Christian goes to work, he does not leave his faith at the door. He carries Christ with him into the office, the factory, the classroom, or the job site. Being a Christian employee means showing respect, diligence, and integrity. The fact that an employer and employee may both be Christians is never an excuse to do less work. Instead, it is a reason to be even more faithful. The Christian worker should give full attention and energy to the task at hand, working with what Paul calls “singleness of heart.” Paul specifically warns against “eyeservice”—working only when the boss is watching, or trying to impress people rather than being genuinely faithful. The best testimony on the job is not just what we say, but how we work. A good day’s work done with integrity speaks volumes for Christ.

Second, doing a good job is the will of God. Paul says we are to be “doing the will of God from the heart.” Christianity makes no distinction between sacred and secular work. Any honest job can be an act of worship when it is done for the Lord. Some of these servants were assigned tasks they disliked or found difficult. Yet Paul tells them to do their work wholeheartedly, as long as it did not require disobedience to God. The key issue is the heart attitude. When we work “from the heart,” we are acknowledging that our labor ultimately belongs to the Lord.

A Christian does not work merely for a paycheck or for human approval. He works to glorify God. When Christ is our true Master, even ordinary tasks take on eternal significance. It is also good to remember that our vocation or job is God’s means of supporting the ministry God has called us to. Our first ministry is our family and after that is our church and other believers. It also gives us the opportunity to support our responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission of reaching the lost people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To bear fruit that glorifies God (John 15:8 & 16) “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

Third, we will be rewarded by the Lord. In Paul’s day, slaves were often treated as property, regardless of their abilities or character. A Christian slave might even suffer unjust treatment because of his faith. Yet Paul assures them—and us—that no act of faithful service goes unnoticed by God. He says, “Whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.” God is no respecter of persons. Earthly status does not determine heavenly reward. We serve Christ, not men, and our ultimate reward comes from Him. This truth is especially comforting when our work is unappreciated, misunderstood, or unfairly criticized. God sees. God remembers. God rewards.

In summary, the Christian workplace ethic is built on three great truths: We work for Christ, we work according to the will of God, and we work with the assurance of eternal reward. When Christians live this way on the job, they bring honor to Christ, strengthen their witness, and demonstrate that Jesus truly is Lord of every area of life.

God bless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.