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In Eph. 6:5-9, God gives His instructions to establish the work ethics of Christians. The teaching can be presented as God being: “Head Master”, “Discipline Master” and “Pay Master”.

Head Master: God is the ultimate Master. The employee who dutifully carries out his tasks at work is not just producing the deliverables for his boss but is serving a higher cause, the will of his heavenly Master. By persevering in obeying a boss, difficult or otherwise, the employee is doing the will of God from His heart (Rom. 12:14, 17). The employer who pushes his employees at work must remember that he is not just serving his own end, for God will hold him to account in his role as an employer and He does not show favouritism.

Discipline Master: God has expectations. What are God’s expectations? For employees, He expects obedience and whole-hearted service. Obey as you would obey Jesus, not reluctantly but with respect, fear and sincerity of heart. Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving Jesus, not men. Uphold integrity at work and do not practice eye-service (people pleaser). For employers, treat your employees “in the same way”. Treat your employees with respect and take care of their welfare with love and sincerity. Whole-heartedly execute your role as a godly employer.

Pay Master: God Rewards. Employees seek rewards in the form of promotions, recognitions, etc. Employers seek rewards in the form of higher profits, growth and expansion, etc. While all these are not wrong in themselves, remember that the reward that is lasting and satisfying is that which you will receive when you meet God the Judge who knows all your deeds and intentions at work. Employee or subordinate: What negative attitude do you need to correct? Are you guilty of practising eye-service, slip-shod work or being stubborn and unteachable? Have you, in scrambling for promotion and higher pay, thrown away your Christian work ethics? Are you always asking “What’s in it for me?” instead of “How can I contribute or be more effective?”

Employer or superior: What might you need to keep in check? Is it a tendency to “bully” your employees or subordinates through unreasonable demands, threats or verbal abuses? Are you short-changing your employees with unfair remuneration (Jam. 5:4)? Are you neglecting your employee’s safety and welfare? Are you making a slave out of your helper? Reflect on your Christian work ethics and make changes as God shows you.