Ephesians 6:5-8 (JDV)

Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ.

Ephesians 6:6 Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s preference from your heart.

Ephesians 6:7 Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to humans,

Ephesians 6:8 knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord.

the secret to service

In Paul’s world, slavery was woven into the fabric of daily life. Nearly half of the Roman economy depended on it, and most households and businesses were connected to it in some way. Paul was not attempting to dismantle the institution—something that would eventually collapse under the long, slow pressure of the gospel’s influence. His concern was pastoral and immediate: how should a believer live faithfully when placed in a position of enforced subordination? How does mutual submission work when one party has no social power at all?

Paul’s answer is surprisingly dignifying. He does not tell slaves to accept abuse as fate, nor does he tell them that their worth is tied to their status. Instead, he reframes their service entirely. He calls them to serve “respectfully” and “sincerely,” not because their earthly masters deserve such devotion, but because their true Master is Christ. Their work, however menial or unjustly demanded, becomes an act of worship when done with the awareness that Christ Himself receives it.

This principle carries forward into modern life, even though slavery is rare today. Many believers still find themselves in situations where they must follow the direction of others—employees under supervisors, workers under managers, students under instructors, soldiers under officers. The question remains: how can a Christian serve well when not in charge?

Paul’s two adverbs still speak with clarity. Respectfully: with an attitude that honors Christ, refusing to slip into bitterness, sabotage, or quiet rebellion. Sincerely: with integrity, not merely performing when watched or doing the bare minimum required. These qualities do not arise naturally. They are not the product of personality or upbringing. They flow from a deeper awareness.

The secret to respectful and sincere service is the Lord. When the heart remembers that every task is ultimately done for Christ, resentment loses its grip. The believer is no longer working for the flawed human authority directly overhead but for the One who sees, rewards, and dignifies every act done in His name. This transforms even the most difficult assignments. It turns obedience into worship, labor into offering, and daily work into a quiet testimony of faith.

Paul’s teaching does not sanctify oppressive systems. It sanctifies the believer within them. It shows how Christ’s presence can transform even the lowest position into a place where His light shines.

Lord, make us servants who bless our masters, because we want to honor you in everything.