“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” — Ephesians 6:5–7
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21
There is a great difference between doing right to be seen and doing right because it’s right. Many serve well when eyes are upon them, but stop when attention fades. God calls His children to live and labor with a heart that serves Him — not man. “Eyeservice” pleases people, but “heart service” pleases the Lord. True obedience is proven when no one but God is watching.
Joseph in Potiphar’s House (Genesis 39)
When Joseph served in Potiphar’s house, his master trusted him with everything. Yet Joseph’s integrity was not dependent on who was watching. When tempted in secret, he said, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). Joseph’s character in private matched his conduct in public — that’s the mark of a true servant of God.
Paul and the Philippians (Philippians 2:12–13)
Paul wrote, “not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” The Philippians’ obedience wasn’t to Paul, but to God. They continued to labor faithfully when Paul was gone, showing that their motivation came from within — the Spirit working in them “to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
The test of sincerity isn’t how we act when people are watching, but when only God sees. True servants of Christ labor “from the heart,” doing His will because they love Him. As Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord…” — words don’t prove devotion, but consistent obedience does. “Serve when unseen — for the unseen God is the One who rewards openly.”