Ephesians 6:5-9

Ephesians 6

5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,

6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,

8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters… While culturally, the term bondservant at this time had specific meaning, I think this passage definitely applies to us in regard to the authority in our life. While society has painted authority as a negative term, God doesn’t view it this way. In fact, to God, our response to the authority in our life should be the same as how we respond to God.

This passage doesn’t just stop at obey your masters. It is about so much more than that. It says do it with fear and trembling- not that you are afraid, but out of respect for that person. It takes it even further, saying do it with a sincere heart- don’t just do it begrudgingly, but really want to do it, with a spirit of willingness- just as you would obey Christ.

The motive of your obedience and service is important to God. He says don’t just do it to be seen, or to receive the affirmation of people, but do it as a representation of your service to Christ- working as to God, not to man.

So… how does this apply to us? We are under the authority of many different people and sometimes it is hard to submit to their authority according to these guidelines. Your teachers, principals, school leaders; your employer, boss, manager, team leader at work; your parents, grandparents, head of your household; your pastor or church leaders; your president, government and local officials (even if you didn’t vote for them or affiliate yourself with their party)… This list can go on and on depending on your current life situation.

The point- your submission and attitude regarding submission to these people in your life directly reflects your attitude towards God. Disobedience or disdainful obedience is sinful and not what God wants.

And yes- there are guidelines for those in authority in this passage- God wants ‘masters’ to lead lovingly as a reflection of Himself; but even if the leaders in your life don’t do this, you are still called to Godly submission. Remember their example so that when you are a leader (as a parent, older sibling, boss, manager, etc), you commit to reflect the love of Christ to those you have authority over.

While this can be incredibly difficult at times, it is not free of a promise for your hard work- the Lord has your reward. Verse 8 says the good you do you will receive back from God. We don’t know how or when- maybe you will be blessed immediately in an earthly way, or by honor or crowns in heaven, but God’s promise is sure.