In this week's Text-Driven Podcast episode, we discussed how to think about work. Among the various topics discussed—choosing a job, pursuing raises and promotions, and working on Sundays—we also talked about how to work in a job you despise. It all came down to encouraging one to consider their work as an opportunity to be sanctified. In an attempt to continue the Episode 174 conversation, this article will unpack this concept a little further by studying Ephesians 6:5-8.
Whatever job you have, you have the wrong boss. Ephesians 6 tells us Who the right boss is and the response you're to have to that biblical Truth.
Be Obedient
"Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh,"
Ephesians 6:5 starts with a command to bondservants. The relationship between bondservants and masters was similar to indentured servitude. Bondservants were considered human but were under the complete authority of their master and could not be free unless they bought their freedom, or the master decided to set them free. In that system, Paul says that bondservants must be obedient to their human masters. Since we live in a capitalistic society now and, thankfully, slavery is now illegal, the way to principlize Paul's command is in the employee-boss relationship. Paul commands you to obey them. Within the realm of authority your boss obtains, you must obey them. This even includes the times when you think they're being unreasonable or illogical. Within your work, you may be allowed certain freedoms to push back, recommend different ideas, collaborate, or even persuade him or her to reconsider. However, when the boss makes a final decision, you have the responsibility to be obedient.
Do So with Fear and Sincerity, as to Christ
"with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;"
Paul continues, though, explaining the attitude with which you must obey. Obedience must be done with great reverence and sincerity of heart as if you were obeying Christ. You cannot obey your boss while disrespecting him in your heart. The level of respect and sincerity that comes with obeying a boss must be the same as if you were obeying Christ. Think of it like this: how you treat any authority figure ultimately represents what you think about all authority figures, including Christ. Therefore, when you obey your boss, you must do so respectfully and out of a sincere heart.
Don’t Be a People Pleaser
"not with eye-service, as men-pleasers,"
Paul continues by explaining that not only must our obedience be out of reverence, but it can't be sycophantic either. The attitude of a sycophant is just as wrong as the attitude of the rebellious. You cannot obey your boss to gain favor. This means going unnoticed at times. This means doing good work at a level of excellence, even if you're not praised for it.
An Employee of Christ
"but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,"
Rather than being a people-pleaser, Paul makes clear that you are to do your work as if Christ were your boss. In your work, just like in every other part of your life, you are to do the will of God from the heart. Ultimately, your real boss isn't your earthly boss. Jesus is your true Master. The freedom that we have in Christ means that whether you love or despise your earthly boss, that person does not affect your level of work. A bad boss may cause you to want to be lazy, but when you understand that Christ is your true boss, there is never a reason to be lazy or disobedient. The person you are trying to please with your work is Christ, alone.
Doing All Unto Christ
"with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,"
Further, according to Ephesians 6, your work is to be out of goodwill and service to the Lord. You should see your job as an opportunity to serve your boss in an attitude that reflects how you desire to serve Jesus. Ultimately, you should work this way because your work is a service to Jesus and He cares about the work that you're doing on this earth. Your work is worship to Jesus and must be treated as such. If the only way you could worship Jesus was through the quality of work you do in your job, would you be sufficiently worshipping Jesus?
The Lord Will Judge
"knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free."
Paul concludes that every deed that we do will one day be judged, and rewards will be given and taken away based on our work. You might find yourself working in a job that you despise and for pay that is far too small, but if you remember that the Lord will one day reward you for your diligent work, you can and should continue working hard with the right attitude.
Conclusion
Therefore, your problem isn't your job, it's that you have the wrong boss. You must work your job in a way that is for the pleasure of Christ, in obedience to Him, and seeking your rewards from Him. When you work in this manner, you've got the right boss. Therefore, it will fundamentally change your work.
Also, if your earthly boss is an unbeliever or just really bad, you can take security in knowing that Christ is a righteous and fair judge. If you're mistreated or forced to do illogical and worthless work, your boss will have to answer to Jesus for that one day. Nonetheless, every man and woman will have to answer to Jesus for their work. Therefore, we must have text-driven work.
Written by Klayton Carson
The "Text-Driven Work" series is also on the Text-Driven Podcast. You can listen to the Text-Driven Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at www.textdriven.org/podcasts. New episodes are released every Monday, just in time for your morning commute.
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