SERVANTS AND MASTERS

The LORD God Almighty, speaks to us through His written Word, the Bible. In it, God speaks about a whole range of subjects, that concerns human beings. One of the many subjects it speaks about is about work, workers, servants, slaves, bondservants, and the masters.

We find in Ephesians 6:5-9, the LORD speaking through the apostle Paul, some very significant words about the bondservants, and the masters. The words are significant because the Bible is speaking about rights and responsibilities, in a just and balanced manner, unlike the times it was written in. In simpler terms, it was radical and revolutionary thinking for its times. 
– “5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.” – Ephesians 6:5-9

The above text speaks about the heart of God, and His deep concern for justice, equality and fairness. God is speaking to His people, to both the servant/worker and the master/owner. 

SERVANTS
– obey your earthly masters
– with fear and trembling
– with a sincere heart
– as you would Christ

– not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers
– but as bondservants of Christ
– doing the will of God from the heart
– rendering service with a good will
– as to the Lord and not to man

– knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord
– whether he is a bondservant or is free. 

MASTERS
– do the same to them [treat the servants, as one would treat the LORD our God]
– stop your threatening
– knowing that he [the LORD our God] who is both their Master and yours is in heaven
– and that there is no partiality with him [God]

The words of David Guzik, commenting on Ephesians 6:5-9, sums up the essence of all that God has to say both to the bondservants and to the masters.
– “Bondservants, be obedient… as to Christ: The words “as to Christ” change our entire perspective as workers. It reminds us that our work can and should be done as if we were working for Jesus – because we are!” …”Masters are told to do the same things to them (their employees). Even as servants are to work hard and honestly for their masters, so masters are to do the same on behalf of those who work for them.” – David Guzik

What a transformation in the way one approaches the work, the workers and the masters and owners. We ought to remember that, these words were spoken in the context of bondslaves, who had no rights, whatsoever, except for what their masters allowed. In such a context as Christians, we are urged to represent the LORD our God, be it a bondslaves, with no rights, and as the master, with no overarching law to govern, how they rule over their slaves. What a radical and revolutionary way of approach to, what was taken for granted, and accepted by all parties concerned, as normal.

Whether we are employees, or managers, or the owners, the LORD clearly laid down, His heart and thoughts about, Christian work ethic, the principles that should govern us, and the heavenly value system. May the LORD help us to be good and faithful “bondservants” and “masters” working as unto the LORD, and bringing Him all the glory and honour. Even so the LORD help us.