Christ-Likeness in the Workplace

“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 not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him” (Ephesians 6: 5-9, NIV).

In Paul’s day, slavery was commonplace, men owning others for work and even for trading, winning them in war or otherwise coming to own other persons. In our own country there was a time when this institution was widespread. How do we apply the teachings of this passage on slaves/masters to our day? What truth do these verses bear for us?

The passage deals with practicing justice to others and being kind to those in subservient positions. Personal justice is not the goal of Christian discipleship—not what is “fair” and “good” for me, but considering other persons with high regard and treating them with respect. If we are in a position in the workplace to supervise others, we are to do so fairly and justly. Likewise, employees are to render excellent service, not just when they are being watched, but at all times. Both the employee and the employer know that the ultimate supervisor is God. Christians need to realize that every action, job, and the quality of our work are by His standard, to glorify Him. This is the pattern for slave/master or employee/employer relationships. Position and status in the workplace are to be measured in the light of principles of justice and righteousness. We do our work “as unto the Lord.”

A good example from the Bible of how a master should treat a slave is contained in Paul’s brief letter to his Christian friend, Philemon. In that letter, Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus, his run-away slave, back again, but with forgiveness and regard, for while he had been with Paul, then in prison, the slave had become a Christian. He thus had become a brother to his Christian slave-owner, Philemon.

There is no favoritism at the foot of the cross. We all are received equally. And we should treat with kindness and respect all whom we supervise in the workplace or in our homes or in other relationships.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Friday, June 25, 2010