Ephesians

Counsel for Bosses

In Ephesians 6:9 we see that Paul again carries out the consistent reciprocity of Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” He has just told employees to obey their bosses—and now he turns around and commands bosses to treat their employees “in the same way.” What the apostle means is that bosses should be sensitive to the needs and feelings of their employees and hear their workers’ suggestions, complaints, and ideas. They should submit to their workers in the sense of really listening and noticing when a situation needs correcting.

In the parallel passage in Colossians, Paul puts it this way: “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 4:1). Christian boss, remember that you also have a Master, and He shows no favoritism toward a boss for being a boss. Before the Lord, masters and slaves are on an equal footing. He will demand an accounting from you as to how you have treated those He has entrusted to your care and stewardship. So listen to them and value them.

Paul also warns bosses not to threaten employees. That is not the way our Master treats us, and you as a boss should not treat your employees that way either. If someone is not qualified to do the job, then follow correct procedures and dismiss him, but don’t constantly threaten and intimidate him. The godly way of management is based on mutual respect and submission, not on fear and intimidation.

Paul’s counsel in this passage completely cancels out the comments so often heard today: “I don’t mix business and religion.” Or, “The church is one thing, but business is business.” Nonsense. Jesus is the Master of your work-week, just as He is the master of your worship. If you shut Him out of your business on Monday through Friday, then how dare you call Him “Lord” on Sunday?

Ephesians 6:5-9 calls all of us—master and slave, boss and worker, capital and labor—to a single focus: mutual submission under the authority of Jesus Christ. Whatever our status, whatever our title, whether we call the shots or do the grunt work, we serve the same Master. And the ground is level at the foot of the cross.

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