Pleasing Christ vs. Pleasing Others

The New Creation in Every Area of Life

Ephesians 6 addresses slaves and masters, a relationship that may not seem directly relevant today. Yet, this passage provides invaluable principles for living as a new creation in Christ, applicable to every area of life. The new you affects everything—school, work, relationships outside the church. There is no exception, not even in socially challenging contexts like slavery in Paul's time.

Paul instructs slaves and masters to live as new creations, showing that Christian transformation permeates all relationships. If even slaves and masters must live this way, then no area of life is exempt. Youth, this means demonstrating God's glory in obedience to parents, submission to authorities, and every interaction.

Obey with Fear and Trembling, as to Christ

Bond servants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bond servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bond servant or is free.

The Greek term doulos refers to slaves, often those born into slavery. Paul commands them to obey masters with fear and trembling, not out of fear of punishment or to impress others, but with a sincere heart, as to Christ. Fear and trembling describes a worshipful, reverential attitude toward God, not people.

As new creations, slaves are distinct from others. Their obedience stems from holiness, prioritizing God's will over personal desires. They ask, "What does God want?" rather than "What do I want?" This cautious, God-centered living eliminates sin and pursues sanctification.

These principles extend beyond literal slavery. The semantic range of doulos and kyrios includes anyone pledged to serve under authority—bosses at work, teachers at school, policies in institutions. Obey unless it involves sin, not to please people, but to worship God.

People-Pleasers vs. God-Pleasers

A line is drawn: one side seeks praise from others through eye-service, doing good only for accolades. The other serves selflessly, motivated by God's glory. Youth often struggle with seeking approval—what do others think of me? Do they approve?

Instead, desire Christ's pleasure above all. Simplify motivations: serve because you love God, not for human praise. This sincerity is ongoing, generous, from a pure heart.

Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Masters, too, must avoid threats. All authority comes from heaven; both slaves and masters answer to Christ, who shows no partiality. Live with the same fear, trembling, and sincerity.

Rewards for Doing Good

Whatever good anyone does—sincere, worshipful service—they receive back from the Lord, slave or free. This is not material prosperity, but a quality of life: joy, satisfaction in pleasing God. It eclipses difficulties, bringing blessing now and eternally.

Hebrews 6 contrasts two groups: those who taste spiritual experiences but fall away under hardship, and true believers whose service flows from love for God. Their motivations convince others of genuine salvation—God first, others second.

Key Takeaways

Your motivations matter—do good to please God, not people. Attitudes and behaviors are known to God; every moment counts. Interactions should not seek human accolades. Focus on God's will in every area: workplace, school, authority. Your true Master is Christ. Expect rewards from Him alone, not others.

Motivations must be pure, simplified to God-pleasing. Serve generously, continuously. God disciplines sin because it matters to Him. Prioritize His opinion over others'.