It’s easier for me to think of a boss/employee relationship here, but I believe the same principles apply. I’ve had many jobs where I felt unappreciated or mistreated, and I’m sure many of you have as well. A bad boss can make life miserable, but Imagine God is your bosses boss or the owner of the company. I think that’s what this scripture is saying. You may feel undervalued, unappreciated, or even mistreated at your work, but God is the ultimate judge and the ultimate rewarder. Therefore, we are to do our work with a heart of sincerity as if we were serving him directly.
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”
Ephesians 6:5-8