Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart."
Text: Ephesians 6:6
AS BONDSERVANTS OF CHRIST
How does one cope with life as a “bondslave”, let alone consider serving as the apostle Paul admonished? The answer lies in the perspective we adopt of our life. Though Paul was born with great privileges, for he was born a Roman citizen, nevertheless, he made himself a “bondslave” to the Lord Jesus Christ. If a person truly sees himself as a “bondservant of Christ”, he will be able to offer service of the very best kind.
THE MANNER OF SERVICE
Paul must have been aware of the fact that some bondslaves were not giving to their masters their full due.
1. “Not with eye-service”
This word “eye-service” is made up of two words:-
a) There is a reference to the eye (“ophthalmos”)
The bondservant appears to be working hard when he is being watched by his master. However, if the master is not watching, the bondservant does not do his duty.
b) There is a reference to being a slave (“doulos”)
Admittedly, it is hard to be a slave. However, if one is found in the position of a slave, then one must be found faithful in the position, and in the work assigned.
2. “As men pleasers” (“anthropareska”)
This word is known as a “hapax legomenon”. This word is probably coined by the apostle Paul. It is not used anywhere else in the New Testament. The idea behind this phrase is as the translation suggests. The slave works with the motive of courting favour from his master. Perhaps he hopes to be “promoted” above his fellow slaves. Or perhaps, he hopes for a position in the household that is less menial or arduous.
3. Frowning on these approaches
Paul frowned on these approaches! These were not ways that were pleasing to the Lord!
DOING THE WILL OF GOD FROM THE HEART
Paul not only accepted that believers may be found in the position of being “bondslaves” but also added another thought. In whatever we do, we must ever remember that we are ultimately serving the Lord, and doing His will. And how should anyone do God’s will? Surely serving the Lord, and doing His will, must be performed “from the heart”.
What a tremendous challenge we have in this admonition! This great challenge still applies to us today (even if we are not ‘bondslaves”).