Power in the hands of a person reveals their character. Give a person authority over others, and you’ll quickly discover what’s really inside them. Some lead with fairness. Others exploit. And in Apostle Paul’s day, the gap between a harsh master and a righteous and just one made a huge difference for those under them.

His instruction to those in positions of authority is short, just one verse, Colossians 4:1. But it carries enormous weight. “Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly…” Why? “knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” In other words, “Hey, boss, don’t forget you have a Boss.”

That little reminder changes everything for the Christ-following employer or supervisor. Before Christ, authority can easily become self-serving. I set the terms. I decide what’s fair. My profit, my comfort, my goals drive every decision. But when the Holy Spirit redeems a leader, the posture shifts from selfishness to stewardship. I’m not just a boss. I’m an under-manager, accountable to the One who owns everything.

The redeemed boss shows up differently. They pay fairly because God sees every paycheck. They listen because every employee bears the image of God. They lead with dignity because the same Christ who saved them also died for the person clocking in beside them.

Authority was never meant to serve the one who holds it. In God’s economy, it exists to serve others. And the boss who understands that they have a Boss will not only lead better, but will lead with the character of God.

Change begins in you!