June 20th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

A CHRISTIAN EMPLOYEE – PART I

Ephesians 6:5 “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.” 

(I am taking the liberty to include in this and the next several devotions “employees” as I believe an employee is included under the word “slave.”) 

The world of employee-employer relationships has in many cases become adversarial. Employees believe their employer is taking advantage of them, paying them as little as possible and the employer demanding unreasonable productivity. Ephesians 6:5 says to the Christian employee to “obey” their employer with “respect and fear . . . as they would obey Christ.” Peter goes a step further exhorting: “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” (1 Peter 2:18)   

For the Christian employee, Paul and Peter’s words focus upon submission to their employer out of respect and awe for God. Even when the employer does not respect his or her employees, the Christian employee is to take the high road, giving their best effort and obeying what their employer asks them to do. This approach to the employee-employer relationship is not the world’s way and does not sit well with sinful human nature. 

Jesus says whatever you do, do it as if you are doing it to Him. (Matthew 25:40) As an employee, today’s devotional verse says your employment gives you the opportunity to give your Christian witness to your “boss.” As unpleasant as that individual might be, Jesus lived, died, and rose again for them. Through you and your witness to them you have the opportunity to tell them this good news. They, like you, have a soul that Jesus gave His life to redeem.   

The “key” words of Ephesians 6:5 and 1 Peter 2:18 is “as you would obey Christ” and “in reverent fear of God.” In everything you do and in every relationship you have you have an opportunity to put your relationship with Jesus Christ front and center. For you to live is Christ! (Philippians 1:21) 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, lead and guide me in all of my relationships, but especially in those with difficult people, to love with the love You have given me for Jesus’ sake. In His holy name. Amen. 

Rise, shine, you people! Christ the Lord has entered
Our human story; God in Him is centered.
He comes to us, by death and sin surrounded.
With grace unbounded. 

See how He sends the pow’rs of evil reeling;
He brings us freedom, light and life and healing.
All men and women, who by guilt are driven,
Now are forgiven. 

Come, celebrate, your banners high unfurling,
Your songs and prayers against the darkness hurling.
To all the world go out and tell the story
Of Jesus’ glory. 

Tell how the Father sent His Son to save us.
Tell of the Son, who life and freedom gave us.
Tell how the Spirit calls from ev’ry nation
His new creation.  (LSB 825)