Ephesians 6:7
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Ephesians 6:7
This verse emphasizes the attitude that accompanies service: “with good will.” In Paul’s instruction about household and workplace conduct, he pushes beyond the external act to the inner disposition with which service is performed. The phrase “doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men” mirrors the earlier call to serving “the Lord Christ.” In a world where workers could be motivated by fear of punishment or hope for reward from human masters, Paul redirects the source of motivation to a higher allegiance. The cultural setting included a spectrum of labor arrangements—from slaves to free workers—and this command is radical in its universality: every act of service is ultimately accountable to Christ. It also counters transactional religion by insisting that even ordinary chores—ditto for chores in households—are acts of worship when done for God.
Theological core: Christ’s lordship reframes motivation. When service is rendered to the “Lord,” it becomes an expression of faith, worship, and loyalty, not merely a means to secure a favorable relationship with a human superior. This undercuts the tendency to compartmentalize faith, showing the gospel’s reach into ordinary life. It also champions human dignity; all service, regardless of status, can become sacred when offered to God. By tying good will to acts of service, Paul cultivates a lifestyle where love, integrity, and generosity become the default posture in all work.
Practically, this means cultivating a cheerful, proactive spirit in tasks large or small. Examples: cleaning a shared space with care, helping a coworker without being asked, or taking extra steps to ensure a project is finished well, not just on time. It also calls for humility: serving with a willing heart even when you don’t receive recognition. In team settings, you can model good will by actively seeking to support colleagues, apologizing when you miss the mark, and giving credit where it’s due. For managers, the principle guides leadership style—treating team members with respect and fairness, not just when it benefits you but because they are serving as unto the Lord. The result is a work culture oriented toward worshipful, sustained effort.
Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17; Romans 12:11; 1 Peter 4:9-11; Titus 3:1-2