Colossians 3:22
“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Servants are to obey their earthly masters in everything, not merely when watched to win favor, but sincerely, out of reverence for the Lord.
What Does Colossians 3:22 Mean?
Paul addresses servants, the largest group in many ancient households, and grants them full moral dignity by speaking to them directly. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh -- their earthly masters, whose authority is real but only earthly.
He probes the heart: not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, not the hollow diligence that works only when observed, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. Their true service is rendered to the Lord, so it should be sincere whether or not anyone is watching. Paul lifts ordinary, even lowly, work into the realm of worship. For the Colossians in service, this transforms drudgery: every honest task done sincerely is done before God. Integrity that does not depend on a watching eye flows from reverence for the Lord, who sees all and rewards faithfulness.