One underdeveloped angle of the conversation is the relationship of work and Christian formation; that is, how our work forms us more into the image of Christ. We more naturally think of the inside-out dimension of faith and work as our commitment to Christ shapes our actions toward integrity, kindness, evangelism, and more in the workplace—and rightly so.
But there is also an outside-in dimension where the routine, rigor, and relationships of our work shape the soul and our way of being in the world. Paul illustrates this with his words to servants and masters in Ephesians 6:5-9. We will briefly consider four aspects of the formative nature of work drawn from Paul’s words.
Obedience to Authority
In Ephesians chapter five, Paul takes a familiar turn toward practical living, reminding his readers to “be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…” (Ephesians 5:1-2). He moves from this admonition to various life stations, including marriage, parenting, childhood, and even work (Ephesians 6:5-9). He addresses servants, instructing them to “obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling.” At a quick glance, some might draw conclusions of “servant” plus “obey earthly masters with fear and trembling” equals the chattel slavery of the 18th-19th centuries. But this is not the case.
While related to ancient rights and freedoms, the first century “servants” (douloi in Greek) may be understood as a rough equivalent to the modern-day working class; men and women who answered to bosses, boards, trustees, or investors like most of us today. Paul’s first point of instruction was to obey with fear and trembling. In brief, Paul calls his hearers to serve their earthly masters in the same manner that they serve the Lord—that is, humbly. This daily posture at work is easier said than done, especially when our “earthly masters” include unreasonable bosses, rude customers, or high-intensity investors. But, this is precisely where our work works on us. Taking on a daily posture of humility in the face of hubris and high-pressure honors God and forms in us a Christ-like character that blesses those around us.
Sincerity of Heart
While obedience is important, Paul’s way of work is more than outward behavior. He calls our actions to be accompanied with a sincere heart as though we were serving Christ Himself; not simply trying to look good for others or as “people-pleasers,” but from a sincere heart. How often have we completed a task at work with the mindset of, “I’ll do it, but I won’t like it!”? And, even if we didn’t say these words aloud, our attitude communicated this loud and clear.
Sincerity is a lost quality in our culture, I fear. The simple ability to look someone in the eyes and say, “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” “I love you,” or “You are doing great work” does not come as naturally as sarcasm and jokes. But the way of Jesus is sincerity of heart. All that we do, at work and beyond, let it be done with a harmony of hearts and hands—hearts of humility and lowliness and hands willing to wash feet, clean toilets, take out trash, or shake the hand of those who have mistreated us.
Service of Good Will
And, wouldn’t you know that Paul would take this sincerity of heart even farther. He insists not only on obedience with a sincere heart, but then he nudges us to wish the best for those we serve. “You’re pushing it, Paul!” we might say. After all, it is a high standard. But then we remember Jesus whose most crucial day of work was a day of suffering for us. A duty that he asked to be relieved from. And though the task remained his, he obeyed with the utmost humility, with sincerity of heart, and even prayed for the forgiveness of those who carried out his execution. Jesus wished good will on those who tortured and killed him.
I do not pretend to understand how difficult work is for you. People can be cruel, demanding, and abusive. And in such circumstances, it is often good and wise to seek other employment. For others, work may simply be tedious and boring. Regardless the circumstance, even in the face of difficulty, pray that God will give you the heart of Christ, the heart that wants the best for others, even the most difficult.
Good in Return
Finally, Paul reminds the Ephesians that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord. It is interesting that Paul did not mention this earlier in the passage. While it is true that God rewards us for good, God is working on us in the process, forming sincere hearts and wills that desire the good of others. Is it wrong for our work to be motivated by God’s rewards to us? Not at all. After all, for the joy set before Jesus he endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). But enduring the cross was still necessary, and “he learned obedience through what he suffered” (Heb. 5:8). We too, even in our most difficult seasons of work, learn obedience, sincerity, and good will amidst the grind. And, with God’s help, we come out the other side a little more like Jesus.
To be sure, obedience to authority, sincerity of heart, and wanting the best for others is easier said than done. But maybe the lyrics to “He’s Still Working on Me” will remind us that our jobs are for more than our work—they are where we are worked on.
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