Eyeservice was a term used twice by Paul in the New Testament. It was a word directed toward slaves and servants who only worked when they were being watched. The motivation behind why they worked was to receive a reward from man, or simply to avoid punishment.
Paul’s advice was to work not with eyeservice as menpleasers, but to work with all your heart like you are working for the Lord, not for man. Whatever work you do, give it all you’ve got as unto the Lord, and it will be from the Lord that you will receive your reward.
Still Good Advice Today
These words of wisdom from Paul are still very relevant for today. Whether it be working for an employer on the job, or volunteering to work at the Church, it should always be done as unto the Lord. Those who only work to be seen by others have the wrong motives.
You perform eyeservice as a people-pleaser if you only work hard when the boss is watching. The same goes if you volunteer at Church only when you know you will be seen. One who works to please God will work hard all the time because they know he is always watching.
Eyeservice Scriptures
(Ephesians 6:5-8) 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: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. KJV
(Colossians 3:22-24) Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. NKJV
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