Eph 6:9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

As Paul instructs us in the book of Ephesians in how we as husbands, wives, children, and servants are to live, he doesn’t forget to give serious instruction to the master as well. Being believers in Christ doesn’t change the structure of worker to boss or slave to master, it simply gives a sense of harmony when it comes to the matters of the heart. We all, regardless of our position under or over others, should be motivated to seek and please Christ and not our own desires.

If a boss, or master, has the expectation for his worker to perform at a certain level, then he too must provide the same standard on himself that he expects from his worker, not exploiting them or threatening them. We are all to serve the Lord in heaven as there is no distinction in his eyes between master and slave.

Often we are employed by organizations who do not have Christian leaders at the top. In addition, the ones who oversee our day to day work life aren’t followers of Christ either and this can make for some very challenging work environments. Positive motivation from our leaders is a far better way to motivate than the discipline we often experience, but it is rare at best in todays culture. Men and women who are put into a position of authority can learn much when they follow the scriptures.

Colossians 4:1 tells masters to treat their bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven. When the person in charge is gracious and kind, the response he receives will generally be in kind.

So, as those who come under authority, how are we to respond in our day to day life when we are not being treated fairly and justly? How do we go to our workplace each day when we are under a challenging person or even one who is a bit tyrannical?

First thing is to do the right thing. Regardless of the way you are being treated, responding back in a sinful manner is not the answer. The story of Joseph comes to mind when he was falsely accused of making advances towards Potiphars wife. Rather than retaliate and get angry, he responded in a godly manner to the false allegations.

Next I see from the book of Romans that all authority that is placed over us is instituted by God. Whether it be a political leader or a boss at work, God knows who is over you and how they behave is not a surprise to Him. Submitting to the authority God has placed over us is truly a display of where our heart is. When we find ourselves simply performing correctly when they are present and complaining about them when they are away it says a lot about our heart.

Lastly, don’t take it personally… There are a lot of different personalities out there that we are going to encounter. Some are more challenging than others, but our security and identity is rooted in who we are in Christ and not in how we are being treated. Knowing that God is over and in all things brings us the confidence to know that in Christ we are able to overcome the challenges and obstacles that come our way through the difficult people that are placed over us.