Growing in HopeSample

Relationships and Work

Yesterday, we looked at the relationship between husbands and wives. Now we move to the relationships between children and parents. Paul teaches children to “obey your parents”. He is not the first one to say this in the Bible. When God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, number five was “Honor your father and your mother.” (Ex 20:12). If you are a child and you disobey or dishonor your father or mother, you have not only sinned against them, but also against God. 

To the children: When your parents tell you to do something, you are obligated by God to obey them. An exception to this would be if they told you to do something that is harmful to you, others, or contradictory to the Bible. Most often, parents have their children’s best interests in mind. They may not always make the best decision and you may not always agree with them, but as a child, you are commanded by God to obey and respect your parents. 

In Ephesians 6:4, Paul tells fathers (and mothers) to “not provoke your children to anger”. When you are leading your children, it is your responsibility to always have their best interest in mind. You should never command them to do something out of revenge or spite. You are called to love and forgive them.

Next, Paul teaches about slaves and masters. Something that should be made very clear here is that God does not condone slavery as we know it. Slavery is a consequence of sin. There will be no slavery in Heaven. There will be no injustice, racism, hatred, poverty or cruelty either. The Bible teaches we are to “Love our neighbors as ourselves,” so we should never intentionally mistreat one another. We are all equal in God’s eyes and He loves each of us just the same. We apply this to our daily lives by recognizing when we are in a position of authority over another. As Christians, we have an even greater responsibility to care for and look after those who are placed under us. Likewise, when we are in a position where people have authority over us, it is our responsibility as followers of Jesus, to respect and obey them, even when we don’t feel like it. Paul taught in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

In the Bible is a book entitled Philemon. It is a letter Paul wrote to a man named Philemon about his runaway slave, Onesimus. While Onesimus was with Paul, he became a follower of Jesus. In the letter, Paul wrote that he would like to have Onesimus stay with him so he could minister to him. However, Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord”.  

In the times of the New Testament, the Roman Empire was the most powerful empire in the world. They invaded and conquered many nations and people groups, often forcing them into slavery. However, there were also many people who willingly gave themselves to serve as slaves, and in return for their work, their masters compensated them. Paul instructs both slaves and their masters how they, as followers of Jesus, should now treat one another, which is with love and respect.

We must all respect one another, no matter what position in society we are placed in. Our character is often revealed by how we treat those who we have authority over. Jesus said in Matthew 25, that whatever we do for the lowest ranking people, He would consider that we did it for Him. He also said in Luke 6:31, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”

Prayer:
God, You are holy and good!  Thank You for Your love! Fill me with Your Spirit that I may treat others how You want me to treat them. Help me create a culture of honor and respect at home and work. I want to honor and respect those whom You have placed in my life. Teach me Your ways, Lord, and forgive me where I’ve failed You. Be honored in my life today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.