Bible Thoughts

August 20, 2000

The life of a Christian is dedicated to the Lord. Whatever one does, it is in an effort to please the Lord. When one works, it is to be done as if it was to God, not men. When one pursues pleasure, it is to be done with one's responsibility to the Lord. Everything in which one engages should be done with the idea of serving Jehovah.

Paul is addressing several classes in the context of the quoted verse, including domestic responsibilities as well as the occupation in which one is engaged. The Lord desired that all of those who are Christians keep in mind that what one does is as to the Lord, "and not unto men." Proper motivation is the key to this passage. When we realize that all of our efforts are to be guided by the commands of the Master, we will be energetic in fulfilling our assigned tasks in our various roles in this life.

Paul points out that wives are to be in subjection to their husbands(v. 18). Husbands are not to hold animosity toward their wives, but love them(v. 19). Children are to be obedient to parents as this pleases God(v. 20). Fathers are not to discourage their children(v. 21). And the passage quoted above, servants are not to work as "men-pleasers," but as "unto the Lord." The Christian is to realize that in all of these relationships, if one is faithful, from the Lord will come the "recompense of the inheritance."

Do not be mistaken: The Lord is aware of our behavior in all areas of this earthly life. Paul would point out that with God "there is no respect of persons"(v. 25). When one serves God, the Christian is working each day to live a life that is pleasing to God. Wherever the disciple is found, righteousness is to be practiced. One does not divide his life into little compartments and conclude that it is all right to work heartily for my family, but fails to recognize the responsibility one has to God. Or, claim to be so religious that no time is left for the family or friends. Being a faithful disciple does not cause one to exclude the other areas of life. In fact, faithfulness to the Lord will enhance one's service in each area as one works "heartily as unto the Lord."

The original language can be translated "from the soul" for the word "heartily." What one does, in any relationship of this life, is to come from within. The joy of any task is that one pleases the Lord in his enthusiasm as he meets the obligations and responsibilities of life.

If you serve the Lord, do it "from the soul." If you have a family, guide and protect them "from the soul." If you work for an employer, give what you promised for what you are paid "from the soul." Let each of us be enthusiastic in our service to others, but more than that, our service to God.

Jesus often used an earthly story to tell a heavenly meaning, and the one that comes to mind when I read the above verse is the story about the three little pigs. Well, one fine day the three pigs decided it was time to leave home so they went and said good-bye to their mother. The mother gave them each a portion of her wealth and sent them on their way, hoping that no harm comes to them.

We, as saints, have been sent out into this world, and God has provided us with all we need spiritually: the Bible which gives us all the answers and shows us the way to the promised land.

The pigs each went separate ways, not wanting to share their possessions with the others. The first one did not want to spend much or work long hours so he bought straw to build his house with. He had soon finished his work and was relaxing in his new house marveling at how much money he had left. Then suddenly there was a knock on the door, up jumped the pig wondering who it was, a

loud voice came from the other side; it was the wolf. The wolf took a deep breath and blew the house right over and ate the pig right up.

We as saints often do not want to work and we look for the easy, fastest way out not realizing that Satan can come and blow us right over, and we are eaten up.

The second pig was a bit more careful and was willing to spend more time and money, so he built his house out of sticks, not logs but sticks. He built a strong looking house and was confident that it would hold up against just about anything, so he lay back admiring his strong looking house when there was a knock on the door, “Who could it be?“ he asked. Well, it was the wolf again looking for more food, he again took a deep breath and blew but the house stood firm, again he took a deep breath this time blowing with all his might, the house fell flat and the pig was eaten.

We as saints often have a strong looking faith and then we become relaxed, the only problem is that it is just strong looking; the inside is just as weak. It is even worse than the first because now you think you are prepared when you are really not and that is a dangerous position to be in.

The third pig had a good mind and was not afraid of work, he spent all his money and built out of stone and cement. He took his time and did a good job, built a house that was

strong on the outside just as the inside. As you would have guessed by now the wolf was at his door next, thinking that he could get another easy meal. He took a deep breath and blew with all he had but the house stood firm, he tried many times but still with the same results. He then decided that there was more that one way to get in, through the chimney. He started to climb down, not knowing what was waiting for him at the bottom, he fell right into the pot of boiling water and that was the end of him.

This is the way we should be: We need to build on a good foundation with good material so that when Satan knocks on our door we know that we are safe. Satan will try to find other ways to get in, but will suffer the same fate as the wolf.-Vaughn Clinton Botha