Often slaves would work for the approval of their masters, something known as eye service (see Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4). In that case, the obedience of slaves is actually self-serving: they obey in order to avoid punishment. They do the minimum needed in order to impress others, making it look as if they have worked hard when in reality they have not.¹ Instead of such labour, slaves are to consider themselves as working for Jesus Christ. In their diligent obedience to the instructions of their masters they are obeying Christ. Thus slaves must work well, they must work in a manner that adorns the gospel (Titus 2:9–10).