Bondservants? Masters? These words are not in our vocabulary
– at least not in the sense of our current culture. So how do we apply this
today? Most of us, at least for part of our lives find ourselves as employees.
Some of us find ourselves as bosses. This is not quite the same thing, I know,
and it is never good when the boss starts thinking of himself as the master.
However, the principles are similar. Bondservant equals employee. Master equals
boss. Got it?
So then, employees should do their best at their job. No
pretending to be working when you are really surfing the Internet. No looking
busy just when the boss is coming by. Paul says that as an employee, we should
just give 100% effort to do the job we have been hired to do. But listen
carefully to Paul’s words as you read them out loud. You are not to do this to
gain acclaim but because it is the right thing to do. You are not to give great
effort hoping to be noticed so that you can get a promotion or a pay raise. You
made a commitment when you took the job, so Christian, honor that commitment.
Do your job, and if you get noticed, that’s great. “Oh, my job is hard,” you
say. “You just don’t know my boss!” Maybe not, but remember that Paul is
talking to slaves who oftentimes had cruel masters. Besides, I may not know
your boss, but I know our God, so instead of doing good for your boss, do it
for the Big Boss! And do it with enthusiasm. “Sounds easy,” you say, “but it’s
not.” Then remember this. Your paycheck may be dependent on your work ethic,
but eternal rewards come from God. Imagine how He will honor a life of
obedience and service, two of the character traits He values, and imagine
hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” For me, that’s enough.
Oh, and boss, do the right thing. Be honest. Be fair. Treat
your employee with love and compassion because while you may be their boss, He
is your Boss. And with what measure you pour it out on others, He will pour it
out on you!
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