We’re continuing through the book of Colossians. Paul is winding down to his conclusion. He has talked about relationships in the home. Now he goes to the workplace.
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
Colossians 3:22 NKJV
First of all, let me say a word about slavery. There are those who wrongly accuse the Scripture of condoning slavery. This is not an accurate view.
At the time this was written, slavery was a normal part of society. It existed either by forced slavery, or with some, a voluntary slavery to pay off a debt.
The Scripture acknowledges the existence of slavery. Here, Paul writes to show the attitude needed to serve Christ if someone found themselves in that position.
The teaching against this institution is found in the letter to Philemon. But I’ll get to that in some future posts.
For now, we can apply this teaching to the employer-employee relationship. In most cases, workers are under a contractual obligation to work certain hours for a certain amount of money. Like it or not, that’s a form of voluntary servitude.
If you notice, I didn’t use my normal translation for the above verse. That’s because it leaves out an important phrase that’s in the original.
That phrase is, according to the flesh. There’s a qualification to us obeying those over us in all things. If I’m ordered to do something that’s against my spiritual nature, I don’t have to obey.
That being said, there’s more to it than simply being disobedient. I should first try and reason with my boss about an alternative way to accomplish their goals. It’s all about attitudes.
That’s especially true as Paul talks about not just doing good work while I’m being watched. I need to understand that I represent Christ. I’m under the Lord’s watchful eye all the time.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Colossians 3:23-25 NIV
We live with the knowledge that ultimately, our rewards (or lack thereof) come from the Lord. Christ is the One that we’re truly working for.
There may be some things that I can get away with here on earth. My natural supervisor only sees so much.
But my heavenly Supervisor is on a whole different level. I know that He’s with me at all times, in all things. Christ is the person who I’m really trying to please. That knowledge should spur me on to my best work.
Of course, employers don’t get a free pass.
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Colossians 4:1 NIV
We all need to bring this understanding with us into the workplace. We are Christians not just at home or in church. We represent Christ in every environment or position we find ourselves in.
Question: How well do you represent Christ in your workplace?
© 2024 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 