Ephesians 6:6

Ephesians 6:6 offers profound guidance on the nature of Christian service and work ethic, primarily addressed to servants (or slaves) but with timeless principles for all believers.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader instructions on household relationships in Ephesians 5 and 6, where he provides practical applications of Christian faith within the social structures of the Roman world. Following directives to wives, husbands, children, and parents, Paul turns his attention to the relationship between servants and masters. In a society where involuntary servitude was common, Paul elevates the work of a servant from a mere human obligation to a spiritual act performed for God. This instruction challenges the conventional understanding of labor, transforming it into a sphere for demonstrating genuine faith and obedience.

Key Themes

• Integrity and Authenticity in Work: The phrase "Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers" directly condemns superficiality and insincere effort. It calls for a work ethic that is consistent whether one is being watched or not, emphasizing internal motivation over external pressure.
• Divine Motivation for Labor: Instead of seeking to please human masters or gain their approval, believers are exhorted to work "as the servants of Christ." This shifts the ultimate allegiance and purpose of work from earthly reward to heavenly commendation, transforming even mundane tasks into acts of worship.
• Heartfelt Obedience: "Doing the will of God from the heart" highlights the importance of sincerity and internal commitment. True Christian service is not merely outward compliance but springs from a genuine desire to honor God and obey His commands, reflecting a transformed inner being. This principle resonates with the call for working heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, as found in parallel passages.

Linguistic Insights

• "Eyeservice" (Greek: ophthalmodouleia): This unique Pauline term, also found in Colossians 3:22, literally means "eye-slavery" or "service rendered only when under observation." It vividly captures the idea of working only to impress or avoid punishment, lacking true commitment.
• "Menpleasers" (Greek: anthrōpareskoi): Refers to those whose primary aim is to gain human approval or favor, rather than doing what is right or pleasing to God.
• "Servants of Christ" (Greek: douloi Christou): The term douloi typically refers to slaves, emphasizing complete dedication and ownership. By calling believers "servants of Christ," Paul redefines their ultimate master and purpose, elevating their status and dignifying their labor by connecting it to divine service.
• "From the heart" (Greek: ek psychēs): This phrase signifies genuine, internal motivation and sincerity, contrasting sharply with the superficiality of "eyeservice." It speaks to the inner disposition and passion with which one performs tasks.

Practical Application

While originally addressed to servants, the principles in Ephesians 6:6 are universally applicable to all forms of work and service in modern life, whether in professional careers, volunteer work, home duties, or ministry. Believers are called to:

• Cultivate Integrity: Perform all tasks with diligence and honesty, even when not supervised. This builds a strong Christian testimony.
• Shift Perspective: See every task as an opportunity to serve Christ and glorify God, rather than merely fulfilling human expectations or earning a paycheck. This changes the very nature of work from a burden to a spiritual offering.
• Work with Sincerity: Approach duties with genuine enthusiasm and a desire to do one's best, understanding that true reward comes from God, who sees the heart. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of doing all things to the glory of God.

Ephesians 6:6 challenges us to examine our motivations and to ensure that our service, in every sphere of life, is characterized by authenticity, integrity, and a heartfelt desire to please our true Master, Jesus Christ.