An employer is someone who controls the lives of others by means of remuneration. His instructions to his employees will impact their behaviour.

The “masters” in Ephesians 6:9 are more than mere employers. The relationship here is that of the masters and their slaves, where the masters not only control the lives of their slaves, but also the lives of their slaves’ family members. As such, God gave laws to Christian masters on how to relate to their slaves, not only to protect the slaves, but so that the Christian masters would be different from the masters who are unbelievers. However, during the time of the Roman rule, these laws of God were no longer applicable as Israel was no longer a sovereign nation. The Roman laws benefited the masters as the slaves did not have any rights of their own, hence the masters could do whatever they liked with their slaves. As such, Paul had to remind the Christian masters how to be godly masters. And these lessons apply to today’s Christian employers.

The masters were instructed to “do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening” (Eph 6:9a). They were not to threaten their slaves in order to get things done or when their slaves disobeyed or made a mistake. Thus, employers are not to use mammon as a threat, and are not to practise favouritism. They are to treat their employees with kindness and gentleness, like they would their own family members. Treating their employees with Christlikeness (compassion, justice and honesty) will help their employees to see Christ in them. Similarly, in homes too where the employees are the domestic helpers. The Christian employers must be patient and longsuffering towards their domestic helpers.

Earthly masters must know that their heavenly Master is watching from heaven (Eph 6:9b). God is the Master of all masters and a just Retributor. Just as God is compassionate and loving towards us, we must do the same towards our employees. Do unto others what you want others to do unto you. Do not be afraid that your employees will take advantage of your kindness. As more is given, more is expected, so God will judge masters with a higher standard. God gave the slaves to the masters to work for them, hence He expects the masters to treat their slaves well.

Christians are called to be godly and holy witnesses of Christ in this world. We are to be Christians first and foremost. And as Christian employers, we are to display Christlikeness to our employees.