Ephesians 6:5-9 NIVUK
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him.
Modern-slavery is an appalling and all too real issue that can even touch us even in leafy Broxbourne. Like the historical slave trade, it can have a devastating consequences for those caught up in it. We should pray for and support those looking to tackle it. Paul, here, uses the imagery of slavery to speak into our work culture. Through his sacrifice, Jesus has bought us, we too are slaves, slaves of Christ. When we work, whatever it is, paid or not, ‘church work’ or ‘secular’ we should do it ‘wholeheartedly’ as we’re always working for him.
What’s your timetable for the day ahead, ask the Spirit to help you to do your best in all things as an act of worship today.
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