Slaves in Apostle Paul’s time had no legal personhood. They were treated like objects and animals. That was their state and condition. It is very different from what we have now, especially in Singapore. Nowadays, many employees indulge in self-pity, seeing themselves as recipients of every unfairness and injustice at work and murmur and complain about them. We must remember that we are first Christians, then employees. Instead of seeking to assert our rights, we must be ready to be “doormats” for Christ at our workplace.

• Remember our faith (Eph 6:5)

We must do our best to obey our employers. We are to be fearful of them and that will cause us to behave correctly at work. We do not want to tarnish the image of Christ by our laziness, pride or resentment. We must also not murmur or complain about our employers. We are not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think (Rom 12:3). In singleness of heart, we are to serve sincerely and joyfully. We give of our best for Christ at work. Our single motive in service must be for Christ. We must always be Christians first at the workplace.

• Remember our Master (Eph 6:6)

Some employees do things just to put on a show for their employers, or to seek their favour, believing that their promotion or status at work comes solely from their employers. As Christians, this is not what we believe (Ps 75:6). We are first and foremost servants of Christ, and He knows our motive in every action. We must be hardworking and diligent, doing all things from our heart as unto the Lord. Thus, we can do everything at work happily, without murmur or complain.

• Remember our goal (Eph 6:7-8)

What do we ultimately want out of our lives as employees? Material blessings from the world? Our goal must be to work hard in order to hear the praises of Jesus, our true Master whom we serve. When we see Him face-to-face, we want to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21). We must strive for rewards in heaven, not rewards on earth.

Learn from Joseph, how he served Potiphar as unto God. We must be willing to suffer injustice at work, even to receive it cheerfully. May we be such a Christian employee. Our life will then bring much blessings to those around us.