Note 5 at Eph. 6:7: The Lord said to do this service with good will. That means that we are to serve our employers (see note 1 at v. 5) without grumbling and complaining. It is not enough to just do a good job. The attitude with which we do it is important.

Someone might say, "I can't have a good attitude when my boss is a 'jerk'." Paul didn't make any comments about serving with good will as long as your boss is wonderful. It is implied that this is supposed to be our conduct even toward those bosses who are less than perfect. How can that be? It's because our attitude is not determined by others. This is a total shock to most people today but it's true. Others influence us and present us with opportunities, but it is our choice how we feel and how we act. We can choose to serve others with good will regardless of whether or not they deserve it.