In this passage, Paul neither endorses nor condemns slavery. Instead, he reminds slaves to serve with all their heart, for their reward will be found through an eternal inheritance. Consider the following questions…
What’s in your heart? Read Jeremiah 17:9-10, then Proverbs 3:5-6. We lose our way in serving when we lose our perspective on whom we are serving: Jesus Christ. Protect your heart from deceit by letting Christ direct your path.
Whose approval do you ‘know’? Re-read Colossians 3:23-24, then John 12:42-43. To ‘know’ in this passage is best translated as knowing or having a consistent awareness. All people have an innate desire to be cared for and appreciated. ‘Know’ the praises of God more than you know the praises of man by working unto the Lord.
Any motivation to serve not grounded in serving Christ will be temporary. In whatever you do, persistently seek the Lord with all your heart. Find your approval in the praises of God rather than the praises of man. In doing this, you will find the eternal inheritance God has for you, and you will become someone who refreshes others in everyday life (Prov 11:25).
Pastor Jason Marshall