Word@Work Eph74 - Ephesians 6:7-8
Published: Fri, 01/16/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SLAVING AWAY - WITH JOY
Ephesians 6:7-8 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.(NIV)
This is addressed to slaves, but it is also a great Bible principle for all. What is the difference between slavery and service? The slave is bound to do it, the servant is contracted to do it. Slavery offers no 'get out clause'. Western Christianity has for too long been the comfortable option rather than the commanded obligation. Our relationship with the Lord has never been contractual: like marriage, it is a bilateral covenant ... a solemn pledge to love and serve all our days. It is neither 'Sunday only' or 'when you please': to be a Christian is to be a bond-slave of Jesus Christ.
But God is not unjust, he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him (Heb 6:10). He rewards those who love and serve Him. Although the Bible does not elaborate on the nature of the reward, it is clear that its centre-point is God's personal expression of pleasure and delight - which is infinitely more treasurable than a knighthood or other civil or military awards. Whatever joy we may receive in serving the Lord during our lives, it is His eternal reward that matters; and He will be exceedingly generous.
Wise Christians go into every working day with the conviction that they are serving the Lord, and that they are primarily accountable to Him. Nothing of value escapes His notice, even if nobody else can see it. Even as employees, who can break our contracts (with the appropriate notice!), we are still bound to Jesus. Our covenant with Him never expires and must always be honoured. The key is in wholeheartedness. It is not so much our duty to our contract but our love and devotion to our Lord, that keeps us bright for work each day. And His reward far exceeds our salary or pay packet.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please help me to see my tasks for each day as Your commands which I can achieve gladly with Your help. May the riches of my pay and benefits never deflect me from working wholeheartedly for Your reward; or the poverty of my pay tempt me to cut corners so that I do not do my best, because I know You are monitoring what I do and why I do it all the time, and You will abundantly reward my devotion to you. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
This is addressed to slaves, but it is also a great Bible principle for all. What is the difference between slavery and service? The slave is bound to do it, the servant is contracted to do it. Slavery offers no 'get out clause'. Western Christianity has for too long been the comfortable option rather than the commanded obligation. Our relationship with the Lord has never been contractual: like marriage, it is a bilateral covenant ... a solemn pledge to love and serve all our days. It is neither 'Sunday only' or 'when you please': to be a Christian is to be a bond-slave of Jesus Christ.
But God is not unjust, he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him (Heb 6:10). He rewards those who love and serve Him. Although the Bible does not elaborate on the nature of the reward, it is clear that its centre-point is God's personal expression of pleasure and delight - which is infinitely more treasurable than a knighthood or other civil or military awards. Whatever joy we may receive in serving the Lord during our lives, it is His eternal reward that matters; and He will be exceedingly generous.
Wise Christians go into every working day with the conviction that they are serving the Lord, and that they are primarily accountable to Him. Nothing of value escapes His notice, even if nobody else can see it. Even as employees, who can break our contracts (with the appropriate notice!), we are still bound to Jesus. Our covenant with Him never expires and must always be honoured. The key is in wholeheartedness. It is not so much our duty to our contract but our love and devotion to our Lord, that keeps us bright for work each day. And His reward far exceeds our salary or pay packet.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please help me to see my tasks for each day as Your commands which I can achieve gladly with Your help. May the riches of my pay and benefits never deflect me from working wholeheartedly for Your reward; or the poverty of my pay tempt me to cut corners so that I do not do my best, because I know You are monitoring what I do and why I do it all the time, and You will abundantly reward my devotion to you. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@WEph74 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2009 | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on