Bible Thoughts January 17, 1999
What Paul is teaching the slaves of his day involves principles that apply to all Christians, whatever be one's position in life. Even though these disciples were slaves to others, Paul told them that they were to serve in a manner that would be fitting for someone who wears the name of Christ. What a lesson for those of us today.
It is not easy in a world that is ruled by those who have little or no respect for the principles set forth in the word of God. One can become discouraged and disheartened at the attitudes and treatments one receives from employers, fellow employees, customers, associates, and many other
people with whom Christians have contact. It can become so depressing that a person might ask, "What is it all about? Why should I suffer like this? What is the point?" Paul answered these type of questions in his instruction to those disciples who were not only servants of God, but servants of men as well.
One does not perform his/her role in life in order to be a "man-pleaser." Our work, our play, our relationships with others, and whatever be our lot in life, it is to be done in service to the Lord. The Christian may be recognized by people of the world for their enthusiasm and dedication in the work place, but the disciple of Christ does not live and labor to earn the praises of men. The Christian dedicates himself to the tasks of this life because what one is doing it ultimately "unto the Lord."
There is a "singleness of heart" in the mind of those who follow Jesus Christ. Each day they work, each place they go, and each activity in which they engage, disciples do such with a desire to please the Lord. In the effort to please the Lord, every task and every action will be with the intent of doing what a righteous person is to do. There is no divided loyalty in a Christian. Seeking the kingdom and His righteousness comes before everything else. When this is evident, our acquaintances will be able to see Christ living in us.
Coupled with this single-mindedness, one is "fearing the Lord" while fulfilling the responsibilities of this life. When the burdens seem "too heavy to bear," the child of God knows how to lighten the load. Knowing the Lord will not place on the faithful more than one is able to bear(I Corinthians 10:13), the disciple learns to face life, accept what happens, overcome the problems, and put one's faith in the Lord and His way. Another source of help and encouragement comes from fellow disciples. Paul said it, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
When one has the attitude of a Christian, he/she will "work heartily, as unto the Lord"(v. 23). Realizing that all service as a Christian is an effort to please God, the follower of Christ devotes himself fully to meeting a task or challenge. Enthusiasm for right makes seemingly unpleasant tasks
bearable. Did you ever dread something you knew that you must do? Determine that you were going to "get with it" and found that it was not as bad as you thought? When disciples of Christ live each day with this kind of attitude, they can conquer practically any situation that arises. The end result of dedication, determination and devotion to working in life, and living as a disciple is to "receive the recompense of the inheritance"(v. 24). When one can see beyond the ordinary tasks and frustrations of this life, when one can see something better in the future, and one can keep the heart focused on the future, the difficulties and problems of this life become smaller.
Envision those slaves of which Paul is speaking. In this life, they were in servitude and would probably be all of their lives. The one hope they had in their hearts was the promise of eternal life. They gladly endured the hardships of slavery because they looked to a better life in eternity. That is why Paul said, "Ye serve the Lord Christ."