The passage of Colossians 3:22-4:1 gives some very important details in regard to the employee and employer relationship. It is also great parallel to Eph. 6:5-9. It deals with the subject of the world’s economy and the solution in the workplace is spiritual, not economic. While this passage is dealing with slaves and their masters, it is still very applicable to today.
First of all, there is the role of the employee (3:22-25). This passage gives great advice in how an employee should work in the workplace. First, the employee is to be obedient in “all” things. What is meant by being obedient in “all” things? It means that the employee is to work hard not only when people are watching, but more so when people are not watching. It has been said that “The true character of a man is shown when no one is looking.” It also means that the employee is to work with singleness of heart. This means that an employee is to work with sincerity and honesty. A honest day’s work for a honest day’s pay. Lastly, The employee is to work in fear of the Lord. He should work knowing that a Sovereign God is watching.
Two Key Thoughts: Thought #1-Diligent work will be rewarded by Christ. 1 Cor. 4:2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (KJV) Thought #2-Lazy work will be judged by Christ. 2 Cor. 5:10 says “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Secondly there is the role of the Employer (4:1) how does God’s word say how the employer should treat his employees? It is very simple; the employer is to be just and fair with his employees. He is to be just and fair in his wages, work assignments, production and goals, expectations and demands and promotion. The employer should never demand anything from his employees that he is not willing to do himself. If not, the employer will be held accountable by the Lord in how he treats his employees. Ephesians 6:9 says, “Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Masterand yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.” (ESV) May God help us to work together as employees and employers for His Glory!
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