In this passage, Paul talks about the relationship between slaves and their masters. This does not mean that he was justifying slavery; but unfortunately, slavery did exist in those days. And so Paul was addressing how to live under such a system. Thankfully, in our culture, we live under the light and liberty of the grace of God.
Paul was telling his audience that they might be slaves, but they were free in Christ! Even if they never had the opportunity to buy their freedom, they must still live the life in which they were placed. And their service must not be "eye-service" -- the kind of work that some people do well only when the boss is present, or when they are trying to ingratiate themselves; and not the sort of work which is the result of a desire to be pleasing to Christ.
These words are still applicable to our lives today! We are not to do our work just to please men; but rather, we are to work in such a way that we please the Lord. No matter what work we are doing, it is holy work! Distractions will slip up on us easily, and try to keep us from doing our jobs. But we must strive to live in such a manner -- "unto the Lord" -- that our employers speak well of Christ because of our actions.
On the other hand, masters/employers are to treat their workers differently than the manner in which they would handle a mere tool. The Lord redeemed His people when they were slaves in Egypt, and He showed no partiality. Masters are called upon to do the same.
We were once slaves to sin, but now we have been set free! Our God brought us out of that slavery; and now, no matter who our boss is, we can serve him "unto the Lord!"
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