Prophecy is never a neutral entity, devoid of any relationship to life.

You might say, It is just a prophecy.

“ 23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Col 3:23-24 WEB

Paul tells us to do certain things. These are commands. In fact, these commands even apply to Slaves. In the verse just before these, it says,

“Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.”
Col 3:22 WEB

But the word translated a “Servants” here (and also in the KJV) is really the Greek word dulos, or slave. So these commands even apply if you are a slave. Also it includes a good reason for the command.

Prophecy is NEVER pointless sayings
about the future.

Paul says that the reason you should do good work, even if you are a slave, and act in good conscience not just as men-pleasers, is because you “will receive the reward of the inheritance.” Even if you are a slave, the present reality is that “you serve Christ.” These verses promise a heavenly reward for good service in your “secular” job.

And it goes beyond what we might do that is right.

“But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.”
Col 3:25 WEB

It is talking about what we “will” receive. It is like the prophecy in Romans 2.

“9 oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, on the Jew first, and also on the Greek. Rom. 2:10   But glory and honor and peace to every man who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.”
Rom 2:9-11 WEB

Naturally this has to be talking about the future, and it is. For this is surely not a present reality in this present evil age, is it? No, clearly in context this is speaking of the final “day of wrath,” Rom 2:5.

And it applies to Masters also

“Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”
Col 4:1 WEB

Notice that in context it implies that even a slave can be mistreated, something many down through history would not acknowledge. Still it is all in the context of coming judgement and rewards or punishments, and clearly indicates that any master who mistreats his slave, servant or employee will be in for judgment for his actions in the end! Many other passages speak of the same. Compare for instance James 5:1-6.

All of this is of future reality which SHOULD
alter conduct in the present

Prophecy has never been a neutral entity,

Test it. See if what I have told you is so.

WEB is the World English Bible, a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901