Working Through the BibleSýnishorn

Our boss is the most important professional relationship we have. Much of our work life is influenced by that individual. Consider what people frequently complain about at work. When you ask someone about their day, what issues do they bring up? Most people will ultimately mention their boss. Many challenges we encounter relate to the person or organization we work for. It’s the authority above us that stirs something in our hearts. That’s how we sense that God might want to do something through that relationship.

The apostle Paul discusses this relationship in the book of Ephesians. He uses the terms slaves and masters because that was one of the most prevalent professional environments of his time. However, we can adapt that language to our own context as bosses and employees.

He says, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you but also as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord.” You may be familiar with this passage, but notice the intensity of the language! The apostle sets an incredibly high standard for how we treat those in authority over us.

He uses words like “respect,” “fear,” “sincerity of heart,” and “serving wholeheartedly.” How many of us can honestly say that these are the words that describe how we treat our boss? However, Paul isn’t merely instructing us on how to behave at work. He is connecting our relationship with the boss to our spiritual lives. This relationship is not only important professionally; it is also one of the ways our discipleship to Jesus is expressed.

We must recognize that this goes beyond simply being nice. The apostle Paul isn’t just telling us how to be kind to our bosses or ensure our compliance. His intention is to help us grasp how God operates through that relationship. In your next interaction with your boss, pay attention to the presence of Christ. He is there with you and is actively working through your relationship with your boss.

For the next week, allow the New Testament letters to give practical instructions on the theme of work.