January 25, 2019

TREATMENT OF OTHERS

Ephesians 6:5-8

Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

Personal Challenge

One thing that many people do not under­stand is that Christianity is not focused on changing the social structure in which it exists. Christianity has and can continue, to exist in a democracy, a totalitarian, a communist, and even a Muslim social structure. We are charged by both Jesus and the apostles to honor our leaders and to pray for them. We are supposed to work within those structures to do the right things, like help the widow, the orphan, and the poor, even the unborn children. This means that we behave differently than those who do not profess Christ as their Lord. Here we have Paul talking about the slave and master relationship. This is a common part of the social structure within which he lives. He is not focused on changing that structure, and he is not condoning or condemning slavery but he is telling his listeners who profess Christ, how to behave. His instructions are counter to the ways of the society and therefore life changing. Our society does not have slavery anymore. We have been able to do away with that, but the same principles can apply in instances such as employer and employee relationships or elected officials and constituent relationships, We are to treat others with love and respect, with sincerity of heart, so that we can demonstrate the love of God to those around us. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!