Here the apostle laid down principles that carried out, would ultimately mean the end of slavery. This is now a matter of historic fact. The widespread failure to practice these standards for employer-employee relationships are the cause of conflict and distrust, and deterioration of workmanship. It further accounts for loss of productivity which plays its part in lowering of the standard of living for the majority of people. Let us study each of these important principles with the care they deserve.

Colossians 3:22 "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; ..."

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Full Obedience

Obedience means fully performing the work you were employed to do. Not to do so, is breaking your word to your employer, and shows disregard for morality. Living in a godly way requires that you carry out to the best of your ability the work assigned you. Anything less will be conduct opposite to the faithfulness of your Lord.

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Obedience To Your Heavenly Master

Obedience to your employer indicates a higher obedience to your heavenly master. (Colossians 4:1 ). Serving God involves serving our employer well, because our final accountability is to God.

Colossians 3:22 "... not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; ..."

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Thoroughness In The Performance

Our work should not depend on whether we are watched or not. Eye service only is dishonest service, at the least, inconsistent service, and to the one who works in that way, empty and worthless service, having a demoralising and depressing effect.

Colossians 3:22 "... but in singleness of heart, fearing God: "

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Sincere Service

Sincere service has as its motivation reverence for the Lord as supreme. It is service with singleness of purpose to receive the Lord's approval.

Colossians 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; "

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Enthusiastic Service

Enthusiastic service should be the only kind given to the Lord. Therefore all we do will have the stamp of quality as gladly done personally for the Lord. Is it obvious to all that the label on your work is done for Jesus? Enthusiasm will include the using of all your ransomed powers in His service.

Colossians 3:24 "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. "

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Payment For Services

Payment for services rendered may not reflect the true worth, but the Lord's reward will. All the wrongs done to us, that are kept from us by fraud (James 5:4 ) will be put right by the Heavenly Paymaster. We need to work keeping our eyes on the exceeding great reward, nothing less than:

	"the inheritance" of saints in the light (Colossians 1:12 );
	of adopted sons (Ephesians 1:5 );
	in accordance with God's will (Ephesians 1:11 );
	guaranteed (Ephesians 1:14 );
	that of joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17 ).

Lightfoot said for a slave to be heir, was "a paradox".

This is explained in Galatians 4:1,7 , and is shown to be a fact in Romans 8:15-17 , and demonstrated in the experience of Onesimus, no longer a slave but more than a slave - a beloved brother. (Philemon 16 ).

There is no doubt at all about your true recompense as among those of whom it is said, you "serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:24 KJV). There is another side to the recompense of the impartial Judge

Colossians 3:25 "But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality."

All will appear before the judgment seat of Christ where there will be no favouritism or privileged status (2 Corinthians 5:10 ).

Having given principles for employees, the apostle continues with those for the employer.

Colossians 4:1 "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; ..."

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Deal With Employees As Fellow Human Beings

Employers must deal with those who work for them as fellow human beings. Privileged status and management skills include greater responsibility for those being overseen. The worldly, carnal spirit that rejects personal involvement in brotherhood, is all too often witnessed (Genesis 4:9 ). The law of Christ springing out of love should motivate the Christian employer.

Romans 13:9 "For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.""

(Luke 10:27-28 ). No matter what excuses can be thought up for wrong dealing, it never makes the wrong done, right. The requirement expected is to care for others in the same way you look after your own needs. When you think about the work force remember you are thinking about real flesh and blood people, who, like yourself need an adequate standard of living. Certainly the state of the financial economy should not be the only or main guiding factor. Justice and fairness must also govern the Christian employer's decision making.

Colossians 4:1 "... knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven."

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Employers Are Servants Of The Heavenly Master

Employers are to see themselves as servants of the heavenly Master. To be called as a business man or woman is a great privilege. What some call secular becomes sacred when business is seen as serving the heavenly Master, which it rightly is for of you it is written you "serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:24 KJV), and that He is your employer. So don't covet another's calling nor exchange it. Rather purpose to fulfil your privileged calling faithfully.

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Employers Are Accountable To Their Heavenly Master

Employers are to conduct themselves as accountable to the heavenly Master. They are personally responsible for all their actions that affect others. A responsible Christian employer should, like king David, readily admit their wrongs (1 Chronicles 21:1-46 ). Confession will bring forgiveness (1 John 1:9 ) and grace to right the wrong.

There will be an accounting for the resources God has given, as to how they have been used or misused. Investing in people is according to God's intentions, and will be rewarded by Him. Remember, the heavenly Master will call to account all His servants, for the use of His resources (Luke 19:15 ). Make sure the profits are of the kind He wants.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Would you say that a wife submitting to her husband is evidence of practical sensitivity? (Colossians 3: 18 ).
2. What are the positive characteristics of the love a husband is to express to his wife? (Colossians 3:19 ).
3. Are you teaching your children all things that please the Lord? (Colossians 3:20 ).
4. As a father are you emulating your heavenly Father in the training of your children? (Colossians 3:21 ).
5. What are your standards of service practiced towards your employer? (Colossians 3:22-24 ).
6. Can you explain what it means for a christian employer to be just and fair in decision-making? (Colossians 4:1 ).