Morning Moments

1 Timothy 6:1-2 (HCSB)
1 All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and His teaching will not be blasphemed.
2 Those who have believing masters should not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but should serve them better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Teach and encourage these things.

SHOW RESPECT

What kind of employers and employees (masters and slaves) should Christians be? Paul gives us the foundation for our Christian work ethic. The Christian faith is never to be used as an excuse for poor work habits and a bad work ethic. We should be the purest and most productive of all in business or ministry.

Entirely too much criticism is justified by workers who use the faith of their employers and fellow workers as an excuse for taking advantage. It is a sad thing when a Christian employer says he/she would rather work non-Christians.

Respect and hard work go hand in hand with the Christian faith. We are told "whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God." At sometime in your life, God will place you in a work situation in which your faith will be tested. It is easier to quit than to work hard together for the glory of God and the good of those with whom and for whom we work.

The Position - "under the yoke"

I have always love Cades Cove outside Gatlinburg, Tennessee. In one of the old barns there is a large yoke that was once used for ox teams. The picture is that of teamwork. Two oxen were placed in the yoke for the purpose of "pulling together" under the yoke. It is a position of submission and service. For an employee (slave) to do a job that exceeds expectation always honors the employer (master), as well as honoring our Lord.

The Scripture teaches us that whatever we do, we are to do it heartily as unto the Lord. That is what He expects and that is what He rewards. (Read the story of Joseph who because of his submissive faith and obedience, moved from slave to master. There s no place for laziness or carelessness for the Christian.

As Christians, we are obligated to live and work according to the principles found in the Bible, and with actions and attitudes that are characteristic of the Name and Nature of Jesus. Otherwise those unbelievers for who and with whom we work begin to blaspheme of speak ill of the Lord and the Word.

Being a Christian employee (master) demands that we demonstrate the presence of Christ in our lives by disposition, demeanor, and deportment. It means that we are willing to go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, and do unto others as we would have them do unto us. THAT is the way Christians are to live, work, worship, and witness. We must not give unbelievers reason to seek ill of the Lord and His Word by the way we live and speak.

Blessings!