100 Ephesians: Working Relationships

For many, this is a tough passage because Paul is discussing a topic that, understandably, hits a raw nerve: slavery.  Some might even go so far as to dismiss these verses as being short-sighted if not bigoted.  But to draw that conclusion would be to make a mistake and to miss the apostle’s point.  

Paul’s purpose was not to offer a commentary on changing the social structures of that day but to give instruction on how believers were to live in the structures in which they found themselves.  

In Ephesians, Paul was writing to a church in which there were slaves and masters who lived under the same roof.  Those who had much power worshiped next to those who had little to no power.

What can we take away from Paul’s words to those believers?  

One place of parallel for us today would be the marketplace where there are unique issues between those who have much power and those who have little power. Employees and employers. Teachers and principals. Union and management. Call them “Working Relationships.”

As we do, we must consider our ultimate model when it comes to workplace ethics: Jesus. Before He began his itinerate ministry, Jesus was a tecton – a craftsman. As such he would have been an employee, and likely a supervisor. 

How would Jesus have acted as an employee?  How would He have handled Himself as an employer? I believe Jesus would have been…

• morally distinctive

• relationally gracious and

• professionally excellent.

As followers of Jesus, EMPLOYEES should show these distinctive behaviors in their working relationships: 

• respect

• honor

• sincerity

These behaviors come from a distinctive motive: “As if you were serving the Lord.” (v. 5)

When it comes to EMPLOYERS, the role may be different, but the behaviors are not.  They too must show:

• respect

• honor

• sincerity

What is the distinctive motive to be that sort of a boss?

• “He (God) is both their Master and yours.” (v. 9)

The key to working relationships is a deep-seated conviction that Jesus is not only our model but our Master. He is the one who we work for.  And He should be the one we want to please when on the job.

Text: Ephesians 6:5-9

Originally recorded on July 3, 2016, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.