SATURDAY July 20, 2024

Christian Work Ethics

Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
Ephesians 6:5-8

Paul turned again to the subject of relationships. He had already addressed husbands and wives, instructed fathers in their relationship to their children, and exhorted children to obey their parents. Now he addressed working relationships––employers and employees.

When Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesians, Rome ruled the world. It has been estimated that Rome enslaved about 5,000,000 people. Men, women and children were owned by the Roman Empire. However, Roman citizens living in an affluent Roman society were encouraged to seek freedom from labor. It was considered below their dignity to work. This concept led to the expansion of slavery.

Rome enslaved many different people during their conquests. Although many were unskilled, others were of high class, and some even held high- level political positions. Those found guilty of any crime were enslaved. A family in need of money could sell a family member as a slave. This was an accepted form of credit.

A slave became the sole property of his master. He could either be treated as one of the household members with certain privileges, or he could be beaten, abused or killed. A master had the power of life or death over them. If they ran away and were caught, they were branded for life.

Paul spoke to Christians who were both slave and free. He taught them good, Christian work ethics. They were to be obedient to their masters. Paul referred to himself as a slave of Jesus Christ (Philemon 1) and was able to relate to their position of servitude, but he wanted them to view themselves in the light of being a slave of Jesus Christ.

The only freedom that man ever has is when he becomes a slave to Jesus Christ.
~R.C. Sproul~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!