“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.” Ephesians 6.5-8
Some have read this and believe Paul is supportive of slavery. Because he tells his slave to “obey earthly masters” and not “revolt against your earthly masters,” that Paul endorses slavery. I believe this is the furtherest from the truth. Paul no more supported slavery then you or I do. The Spirit of God who was working and speaking through Paul does not endorse slavery either.
What Paul is doing is encouraging those who are slaves to be the best examples of Christ they can be. Would Paul wish freedom upon everyone? Absolutely! He wishes this upon himself when he is in chains for the sake of Christ. But Paul is telling them that in whatever state you find yourself, “obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.”
This goes for us too, who are free, who have the ability to submit to one another. We are all slaves for Christ. Not unwillingly but willingly. We are to submit to him and to others out of reference for the Lord. As Paul says in v.7, we are to serve others as if we were serving God and not people. No matter where we find ourselves, we are to serve with a whole heart and in so doing that many might be saved. In addition, our service to others will result in rewards from the Lord, for all the good we do (v.8)
No one said serving or following Christ was easy. But it is the right way to live. Following in the footsteps of Christ is the way of holiness. Serving all people, as if we were serving the Lord, is our command. Even when people get angry or do not appreciate our service. When the world is so filled with sin, happy servers make such a great difference.
“O Lord God, you are good. Help me to serve others today as if I was serving you. Help me walk in your way of holiness and find strength and help in my time of need. I praise you Lord and seek you face. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen