Ephesians 6:7
“With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.”
I don’t recall seeing this passage before. I assumed the concept was true, but couldn’t have placed it here. That is that God will reward us for deeds done as unto Him. Many think of their relationship to their boss. That certainly fits. But the disclaimer at the end, “whether slave or free” puts it in any context. Any time we are doing a service as unto God.
I’ve looked to Malachi 3:10 as a basic principal, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” This context is financial giving, but understanding how God works, it applies to any type of giving.
What does it mean to render service as unto The Lord? It’s to have the attitude that “this is unto Him”. This could be at work. In our hearts we are working unto Him. This should alter the quality of our work. Working unto God sounds special. Almost as if a craftsman was commisioned to create some of their wares unto royalty. Extra care would be put into that. Other jobs would be done on the side, but this task would keep one’s attention. So, we should do it as unto God.
What should our attitude be if we are “doing things as unto God”? Much better. We may not like our boss or a particular task. Doing it unto The Lord, should help us with our attitude.
How will God give back to us? He will reward us in Heaven, but He will reward us presently, also. He can replentish directly whatever resource was expended. The Malachi passage speaks of money. God will reward us, so that we have no lack. It may be our energy or time. He will bless us in those areas.
However, He isn’t limited to the immediate context. He will fill us in all areas. This is how the generous one has an overflowing life. It also applies to one’s joy. It will overflow as well.
This isn’t a natural concept. We instictively feel that we must acquire for ourselves. We often get anxious if we feel that we aren’t getting what’s deserved us. This often will lead to arguments. We do need to be responsible, but we should have the attitude that God will care for our needs. There will be enough.
Lord, thank You for this principle. Help us to have the faith to give of ourselves, even if we don’t think we have the resources. Help us to have the attitude that we are doing things as unto You.