“Knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free” (Eph. 6:8).
In the matter of relationship between employer and employee, Paul now looks to the matter of future reckoning. Christians sometimes make the mistake of living this life like it is all of life. Truth is, we are created for the Kingdom to come and therefore, every behavior and activity in this life must ultimately be evaluated by its impact on the Kingdom to come.
Thus the believer has two motivations for integrity and hard work. In this life, he/she serves to please the Lord, and in the one to come, he will receive back from the Lord. In many passages concerning the final judgment, both good and bad rewards are mentioned (Col. 3:24, 1 Cor. 3:14-15, 2 Cor. 5:10, and Matt. 25). In this context, Paul only mentions the good for his primary goal is to encourage workers.
It is encouraging to know that nothing well done on earth is ever done in vain since the Lord views and rewards all. A man or woman may reap only misunderstanding and criticism for his/her labors from their earthly boss, but he/she can know that God will reward fairly. The last phrase “whether slave or free” reminds us that God’s judgment applies to all alike, rich and poor, slave and free.
Prayer: Thank You that You are the Righteous Judge. Amen.