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Day 6 1 Timothy 6 1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickens all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. (The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chief city of Phrygia Pacatiana.) How many people grumble and complain against their employers? Doing so has cost many persons their jobs. Paul told Timothy to teach the people not to come against their masters, but treat them with respect, and to go a step further if their master was a believer. Paul also told Timothy to beware of those who were rich because their trust was in their riches and not in the gospel, stating that the love of money, not money itself, but the love of money was the root of all evil. As Christians, it might seem hard to give respect to employers who exploit their employees for monetary gain and unfair practices. However, you are to respect your employer and do your work to the best of your ability. Is it hard to work for a harsh employer? Yes, and many people seek other employment. Consider Joseph, the son of Jacob, whose brothers sold him into slavery. He didn’t decry his position as a slave, but worked for Potiphar to such a degree that Potiphar made him an overseer, though he was a slave. Genesis 39:1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. 2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. (KJV) Were his conditions ideal, no. Nor are many working conditions you might face. Yet Paul also instructed that you are to do your work as unto God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. When people know you’re a Christian, they will watch your work and your attitude towards your work and your employer. Don’t give your employer a reason to terminate you, but as Pharaoh did for Joseph, found him reliable even in prison and raised him up as the second ruler in Egypt. You could find yourself in a position of authority instead of terminated when you respect your position and your employer. Money isn’t everything. Working to the best of your ability and honoring God in the position given to you is the best thing you can do for yourself. Let’s pray: Father, help me give respect and honor to those in authority over me and do my work to the best of my ability. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 17 May 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay