On the job!

Hello everyone, How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. The dictionary describes a slave as “a person who is the property of and wholly subject to another; a bond servant.” And a servant can be described as “a person employed by another, especially to perform domestic duties; a person in the service of another; a person employed by the government: a public servant.” (www.dictionary.com). 1 Peter 2v18 says: Primary Text “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” 1 Peter 2v18 (NIV) “[You who are] household servants, be submissive to your masters with all [proper] respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate and reasonable, but also to those who are surly (overbearing, unjust, and crooked).” 1 Peter 2v18 (AMP) The fact is that many of us are in one form of employment or the other or perhaps have others in our employ. We may not be slaves or household servants, but we do have some sort of employment. What is your relationship with your employer or employees? Ephesians 6v5-9 (NLT) speaks to this issue saying “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and He has no favorites.” If you are having difficulty working with enthusiasm, working from your heart, or treating your employees right, why don’t you take this to the Lord in prayer and let Him help you fulfill His Word even by His Spirit in you and with you? Supplementary Text “Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him.” Colossians 3v22 (AMP) Father, we thank You for Your Word and for our employers and employees. We pray that You will grant us the grace to serve as unto You not unto man, not only when their eyes are on us. We pray for difficult work situations. Your Word says that when a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Let there be peace in our work places, and above all let Your name be glorified through the work of our hands in Jesus name, amen.