22 [a](A)Slaves, obey those who are your [b]human masters in everything, (B)not with [c]eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work [d]heartily, (C)as for the Lord and not for people, 24 (D)knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward [e]of (E)the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you (F)serve. 25 For (G)the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and [f](H)that without partiality.

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:22 I.e., slaves in first-century Roman culture
  2. Colossians 3:22 Lit masters according to flesh
  3. Colossians 3:22 I.e., working only when watched
  4. Colossians 3:23 Lit from the soul
  5. Colossians 3:24 I.e., consisting of
  6. Colossians 3:25 Lit there is no partiality

22-25 Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

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22 Bondservants, obey (A)in everything those who are your earthly masters,[a] not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 (B)Whatever you do, work heartily, (C)as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord (D)you will receive the inheritance as your reward. (E)You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:22 Or your masters according to the flesh