Eyeservice

The word anthropareskos is used twice in the New Testament, in the parallel letters of Ephesians and Colossians respectively. The word is translated as menpleaser, and refers to the lout who can be prevailed upon to work diligently only when the boss is watching. Servants are told to work obediently with fear and trembling, “not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6). Paul says the same thing to the Christian slaves at Colossae — they were to obey in all things, “not with eyeservice, as menpleasers” (Col. 3:22). Christian laborers are called to perform their vocational calling in the presence of God, and are not to do what they do “for show.” When appearances are the thing, corners are cut, lies are told, and slipshod materials seem like a great idea. But this is inconsistent with “singleness of heart, fearing God.”