Just as Paul had instructions for the relationship between children and parents, he also gave instruction for the relationship between slaves and masters, which we can apply to our relationships on the job or the ministry teams we work on.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites (Eph. 6:1-9).

Serve them sincerely…with all your heart…as though you were working for the Lord. We looked at very similar instruction from Paul to the Church at Colosse when we studied Colossians earlier this year.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has not favorites.

Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master – in heaven (Col. 3:22-4:1).

Serve them sincerely…as though you were working for the Lord…the Master you are serving is Christ.

God calls us to have a servanthood attitude in everything we do and in every relationship – whether we are the child or the parent, whether we are the leader or being led. It all comes down to the fact that we all have the same Master – God.

Scott and I are working at Kids Camp on NWIL District this week and there are examples of Christ-like servant attitudes all around us. There are incredible people here who have taken a week’s vacation to be with a cabin of 8 kids 24 hours a day in 100 degree temperatures. There are more who are here working as Directors. They have spent months preparing for this week so that the kids will have a good time and grow in their relationship with God. They will sleep very little this week. They are serving sincerely…with all their heart…as though they are working for the Lord.

Whatever God has called you to do today, wherever He has placed you – serve God today with your whole heart. Consider every task ahead of you as if you are doing it for the Lord. Remember that the Master you are serving is Christ.