When the Bible uses the word "slaves," it usually corresponds to our word "employees." Thus, we may find five commandments for employees in today's first reading.

1. "Obey your human masters with the reverence, the awe, and the sincerity you owe to Christ" (Eph 6:5). This applies not only to the good and reasonable bosses, "but even those who are harsh" (1 Pt 2:18). This is not possible naturally, but is a "work of grace" (1 Pt 2:19).
2. "Do not render service for appearance only and to please men" (Eph 6:6). Paul said: "If I were trying to win man's approval, I would surely not be serving Christ!" (Gal 1:10)
3. "Do God's will with your whole heart as slaves of Christ" (Eph 6:6). Because we love Jesus with our whole heart (see Mt 22:37), we work with our whole heart.
4. "Give your service willingly"(Eph 6:7). "Everyone must give according to what he has inwardly decided; not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7).
5. Do "it for the Lord rather than men" (Eph 6:7).

The Bible tells us Who to work for, how to work, how not to work, and how to relate to our bosses. If we work accordingly, not "for perishable food but for food that remains unto life eternal" (Jn 6:27), we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as our reward (Col 3:24). Work for love of the Lord.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 24, 2014

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