Day 29: Do your work, and be happy to do it. Work as though it is the Lord you are serving, not just an earthly master. (Ephesians 6:7).
Work in pride of what faith life you live by living for the Lord and not the spite of others
Ephesians 6:7, NLT: “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
Ephesians 6:7, CSB: “Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people,”
What does Ephesians 6:7 mean?
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
With good will doing service
To their masters; not grudgingly, with an ill will; no otherwise, nor longer than when they are forced to it; but of a ready mind, and with a cheerful spirit, taking delight in their work, and reckoning it a pleasure to serve their masters; as an Israelite that is not sold, who does his work (wnwurb) , “with his good will”, and according to his own mind {b}; doing what they do
as to the Lord, and not to men;
not merely because it is the will of men, and they are commanded by them, and in order to please them, but because it is the will of the Lord, and is wellpleasing in his sight.
What does Ephesians 6:7 mean?
Paul adds additional traits for the servant in this verse and the next. Here, the emphasis is on a person’s attitude. The Christian servant must work with a godly attitude regardless of circumstances. Paul set a tremendous example in this area. Though imprisoned, he wrote encouraging letters to believers and shared the gospel while under house arrest. He did not let his bondage keep him from living with a godly attitude and instructed others to do the same.
A godly attitude is much easier when a servant views his or her work as “to the Lord.” We are to do all things for the glory of God (Colossians 3:17). With this perspective, we can respond with an attitude and life that honors God and shows love to others in the most difficult contexts.
This is even easier when the one we are serving also takes a godly approach, something Paul will refer to in verse 9. However, regardless of whether our boss is doing right, we as Christians are called to be good examples.
Context Summary
Ephesians 6:5–9 gives specific instructions for both servants and masters. Servants should give a good effort, more than just for show, in all things they are required to do. This shows respect for their master, but it also provides a good example of one’s relationship to Christ. At the same time, masters are explicitly told not to be abusive to their underlings. God sees masters as no better than those they command, and He is the ultimate Master of both.
Chapter Summary
Paul gives specific instructions to children and fathers, stressing obedience and patience, respectively. He also directs servants to serve with sincerity and good intentions, as if they were working for Christ. Masters are warned not to be harsh: the same God who judges all will not give them preference over those they supervised. All Christians are called on to use the tools given us by God for surviving the attacks of the devil. These are imagined as pieces of a suit of armor. Paul ends this letter in his typical style, with prayer, blessings, and news about his plans
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