Spirit-Filled Worker Series – Lesson 6

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Spirit-Filled Worker.”

Spirit-Filled Worker Series – Lesson 6

Christians in the Workplace – Part 2

Ephesians 6:7-9, “With good will doing service, as to the LORD, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the LORD, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”

We have all heard the saying “good jobs are hard to find.” For the most part, good jobs are hard to find because employers are basically self-centered and self-serving. They do not often put their employees’ interests first. And so it is rare to find a job where the employer genuinely cares about your welfare. Paul says that the Christian is to serve their employer, as unto Christ, doing service, as to the Lord. The employee is to consider their service as being rendered directly to the Lord. Anyone who takes this passage seriously and demonstrates it will have a good work ethic.

“With good will doing service…” (Ephesians 6:7). With good will means being helpful in your service. The employer or manager expects at least two things from his workmen and that is diligence and loyalty. The believer should be helpful to their supervisor by the way they perform their duties. Service obligations in the secular realm must be done by the believer as the will of God. This service must be done primarily as unto the Lord. This will help the service to be holy, not poor in performance. Christians can glorify Christ by working willingly. Paul encouraged a cheerful and glad service. He said that the believer should serve with a good attitude, not with a begrudging spirit. He told them to put their heart and soul into their work because, after all, they are doing God's will.

Christians can glorify Christ by working eagerly. "…the same shall he receive of the Lord…" (Ephesians 6:8). Paul reminded them that the ultimate reward is coming. No act goes unnoticed. Men may not always give you proper compensation for your work even though you are following the Lord's directions regarding doing the work. But whether man compensates you or not, God will compensate you. Believers will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ and be rewarded based on present faithfulness (Matthew 16:27; I Corinthians 3:14; II Corinthians 5:10). Think about how this perspective would change the way one could work. Keep in mind, that you do not work primarily for your employer. You work primarily for Jesus Christ, Who sees your every motive and action, even when your earthly boss is not there.

Employers also have an obligation to see to that they treat their employees right. If you have people that work for you, treat your workers the way you would treat the Lord. As you desire to please the Lord, desire to be a blessing to those who work for you. Employers, too, will answer to God for their action and their respect of persons with him. In His time, God will reward you beyond anything you can imagine. Just remember, Spirit-filled employees respect their supervisors and do great work. Christian employers should treat their employees as the employer would want to be treated if he were an employee. He should be fair, reasonable, and understanding. He should not play favorites, because his Master in heaven does not show partiality.

God originally gave these commands to slaves who had no rights, no health insurance, no paid vacations, and no salary. So, think how much more binding they are today for us, who, in comparison, labor in a worker's market. However, maybe you work in a place where your good work and Christian attitude goes unappreciated. If so, you shouldn't get discouraged because of what promise is found in Galatians 6:9? God records, remembers, and will reward you for your service for Him. Remember, your labor is not in vain (I Corinthians 15:58).

Prayer: Lord, I want you to be glorified in my life and in this place of business that I may be a living witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Guide me with your wisdom and help me to work through every challenge and conflict. Let me be a beacon for you and a blessing to my coworkers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Thank you for reading Lesson 6 of Spirit-Filled Worker Series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Lesson 7 of Spirit-Filled Worker Series.