Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ, not like those who do their work only when someone is watching —as people-pleasers—but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart.
Ephesians 6:5-6 NET
If Jesus were to come and spend the day with you, how much of a difference would it make? Would you work a little bit harder and take fewer breaks? Would you be more careful about your speech, both in the words you used and what you talked about? Are there maybe some things you might ordinarily do that you would skip? Are there friends you might try avoiding when Jesus hangs out with you?
Paul’s words in this passage were directed at slaves who were believers, encouraging them to do their best whether their master was watching or not. To serve as if they were serving Christ. You are probably not a slave, but you could be working for someone else. And what Paul said to slaves is just as applicable to anyone who is employed. Do your best regardless of who might be watching you. Work as if you were serving Christ.
But his words about being people-pleasers are about more than just when we are on the job. How much of what I say and do when off the job is impacted by the people I find myself with? Are there words I use or attitudes I verbally express with certain friends that I would not dream of sharing with my pastor or mother? Is what I watch and read in private different from when I am with other believers? Am I consciously or unconsciously trying to please the people I am around?
There is indeed one person I should consciously seek to please in everything I think, say, and do. And that is Jesus. The opening paragraph asked how spending the day with him would change what I said and did. The truth is, if you are a believer, you are spending the day with him—every day. Seek to please him each day rather than yourself or the other people you encounter during the day.
