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HOW TO SERVE A BAD BOSS

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WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY

Ephesians 6:7–8

“Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.”

REFLECTION

NO FAITHFUL SERVICE OFFERED TO THE LORD WILL BE IN VAIN

“Consider these five things from Ephesians 6:7–8 in connection to your job.
1) A call to radically Lord-centered living.
This is astonishing compared to the way we usually live. Paul says that all our work should be done as work for Christ, not for any human supervisor. With good will render service “as to the Lord and not to man.”
This means that we will think of the Lord in what we are doing at work. We will ask, Why would the Lord like this done? How would the Lord like this done? When would the Lord like this done? Will the Lord help me to do this? What effect will this have for the Lord’s honor? In other words, being a Christian means radically Lord-centered living and working.
2) A call to be a good person.
Lord-centered living means being a good person and doing good things. Paul says, “With a good will [render service] . . . whatever good anyone does.” Jesus said that when we let our light shine, men will see our “good works” and give glory to our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
3) Power to do a good job for inconsiderate earthly employers.
Paul’s aim is to empower Christians, with Lord-centered motives, to go on doing good for supervisors who are not considerate. How do you keep on doing good in a job when your boss ignores you or even criticizes you? Paul’s answer is: stop thinking about your boss as your main supervisor, and start working for the Lord. Do this in the very duties given to you by your earthly supervisor.
4) Encouragement that nothing good is done in vain.
Perhaps the most amazing sentence of all is this: “Whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord.” This is amazing. Everything! “Whatever good anyone does.” Every little thing you do that is good is seen and valued and rewarded by the Lord.
And he will pay you back for it. Not in the sense that you have earned anything — as if you could put him in your debt. He owns you, and everything in the universe. He owes us nothing. But he freely, graciously chooses to reward us for all the good things done in faith.
5) Encouragement that insignificant status on earth is no hindrance to great reward in heaven.
The Lord will reward every good thing you do — “whether he is a bondservant or is free.” Your supervisor may think you are a nobody — a mere bondservant, so to speak. Or he may not even know you exist. That doesn’t matter. The Lord knows you exist. And in the end no faithful service will be in vain.”

  • By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation.

HOW TO SERVE A BAD BOSS

NO FAITHFUL SERVICE OFFERED TO THE LORD WILL BE IN VAIN

THINK ABOUT IT

As followers of Jesus Christ, we should view our work as service to God, not just to human employers, which means maintaining integrity, diligence, and excellence in all tasks (Colossians 3:23). Our attitude should shift from mere obligation to a heart of gratitude, seeing work as an opportunity to glorify Christ. We must replace complaints and resentment with humility and patience, treating coworkers and superiors with love and respect (Philippians 2:14-15). Achieving this requires daily prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength, and renewing our minds through Scripture to align our work ethic with God’s will (Romans 12:2).

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the work You have given me and the opportunity to serve You through it. Help me to work with a humble heart, free from pride, resentment, or selfish ambition. Teach me to see my tasks, no matter how small, as acts of worship to You, and to serve my employer and coworkers with patience, kindness, and integrity. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my attitude reflects Christ, working diligently and joyfully as unto You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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