Ephesians 6:7, New International Version

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people."

Ephesians 6:1–9 offers practical guidance for Christian households and workplaces, reminding us that our relationships with one another are deeply connected to our relationship with Christ. Paul begins with a call for children to obey and honor their parents, saying, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (verse 1). He then quotes the fifth commandment, emphasizing that honoring one’s father and mother is not only a matter of obedience, but it comes with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (verse 3). God values the structure of family, and He blesses the attitude of respect and honor within it.

But Paul doesn’t stop with children—he turns to fathers, urging them not to provoke or exasperate their children, but to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (verse 4). This verse speaks to the spiritual responsibility of parents, especially fathers, to disciple their children with both grace and truth. It’s a call to nurture, not to control—to guide young hearts toward Jesus, not push them away through harshness or frustration. Godly parenting reflects the heart of our heavenly Father, who is both just and kind.

The passage then shifts to the dynamic between bondservants and masters—a context that, in modern terms, can be applied to employees and employers. Paul encourages workers to obey their earthly masters with sincerity and respect, “as you would obey Christ” (verse 5). He reminds them that their work is ultimately for the Lord and not just for human approval. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people” (verse 7). This perspective transforms even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship.

Paul also addresses masters, commanding them to treat their servants in the same respectful way, without threats, knowing that they too are under authority—“There is no favoritism with Him” (verse 9). This levels the playing field, reminding leaders that they are accountable to God for how they treat others. Christian leadership, whether in the home or the workplace, is marked by humility, integrity, and a heart that seeks the good of others.

Ephesians 6:1–9 teaches that our everyday roles and relationships matter deeply to God. Whether we are leading, serving, parenting, or obeying, we are called to reflect Christ in all we do. When we live with honor, love, and respect in our homes and workplaces, we become powerful witnesses of God’s kingdom in a watching world.

(All scripture quotations in this article are from the New International Version)