1 Timothy 6:1,2
Eternity Online: John Edmiston (Editor)
Eternity-Inspiration for Friday 13th March 1998
1 Timothy 6:1,2
(1 Tim 6:1-2 NKJV) Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke
count their own masters worthy of all honour, so that the name of God
and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. {2} And those who have
believing masters, let them not despise them because they are
brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are
believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
The status of slaves in the Roman Empire was very varied. They ranged
from menial workers right through to "stewards" who were involved in
the management of large households. Conditions for slaves varied from
appalling to luxurious. Even so Paul tells salves to count their
masters as "worthy of all honour" because respect for employers is a
foundational Christian virtue which is to be taught and exhorted.
Without respect for employers the work environment quickly becomes a
battleground. Australia has strong and powerful unions that can at
times have so eroded respect for employers that now employers refuse
to hire people! My brother refuses to hire staff in his company
because of the hassles involved. Respect for employers because of
their position is necessary as a Christian and for a happy workplace.
While some employers seem to do their utmost to negate this the
Christian still should strive to give respect, to not pilfer, and to
work the full number of hours expected of them. There is a Proverb
that says (Prov 18:9 NKJV) "He who is slothful in his work Is a
brother to him who is a great destroyer." In other words laziness at
work and destructiveness are related - they both reduce productivity
greatly and lead to a reduction in prosperity.
Verse 2 tells us that we are not to treat Christian employers with
contempt - and unfortunately many do! People tend to arrive late at
work, take more time off and sit around and chat more when the
employer is a Christian because they take advantage of "grace". Rather
we should remember that we are benefiting a beloved brother in Christ
when we serve a Christian employer well. Christian employers may not
be able to motivate us as much with fear - but we ourselves should be
motivated by love.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus You have given us work to do "with all our might". Help us
to remember the dignity of work and the importance of respecting those
over us and to adorn Your name in our workplaces. Amen.
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John Edmiston ([email protected])
Editor - Eternity Online Magazine http://www.eternity-magazine.org/
Cults, exegesis, bible teaching, Christian life and leadership.
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