You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
The New Testament was written at a time when slavery was normal although many of the servants were treated well and became respected as part of the household. When these slaves became followers of Jesus, how were they to demonstrate their faith? They should show their faith in the way they worked. Christian workers should be willing to obey their masters, to serve gladly without resentment, rudeness or stealing. Indeed, they were to go further than that; they should see what pleased their employer and make every effort to achieve that. It was important for the credibility of the gospel that Christians were known as people who could be trusted.
Trustworthiness demonstrates somebody's character. Yet those servants who had previously been in the habit of serving grudgingly, arguing and stealing needed to be taught that those things did not honour Jesus. Although, in one way, Titus and the church elders in Crete would have nothing to gain from teaching slaves to change their behaviour, there was much to be gained for the gospel's sake. If people could see the difference that Jesus Christ made to a person's life, then the teaching about Jesus would be much more attractive.
This still applies to those people who work for others. We do not primarily work well because somebody pays us, but because Jesus has already paid the price for us to enter His household. Paul expanded on this teaching in Colossians 3:22-24: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." So, if you work for somebody and you are trusting in Jesus ... you should now know what to do!
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You for being my Master, for having purchased me with the precious blood of Christ away from slavery to sin so that I might serve You. Help me to see my daily work as part of my service to You. May I please my earthly masters to the best of my ability, with Your help, however difficult it might be. I am sorry when I have resented what I had been asked to do, argued with my employers or taken what did not belong to me. Please help me to do my work with integrity so that I can be fully trusted and be a good witness to Jesus Christ. In His Name. Amen.
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