Scripture to Read: 1 Timothy 6:2
As God uses Paul to speak to Timothy (and to all of us today), we read more about how we are to submit to the authorities God has placed in our lives. God actually has Paul specifically tell Timothy (and us) in 1 Timothy 6:2 that anyone who has a master (boss, supervisor, authority) who is a believer must make sure they do not treat that master with any disrespect. God clearly states that the reason we do not treat Christian authorities with any disrespect is that they are family, brothers, and sisters in Christ. God goes on to say that we should serve our Christian brothers and sisters in authority over us even better and work even harder. Again, the reason we are to go above and beyond in our work ethic is that as we serve these authorities, we are helping them and other believers to benefit from our service. God has called all of us to serve as unto Christ because that is who we truly serve. We also see this in Colossians 3:17, Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Again, we see it in Colossians 3:23, Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. God never wants us to forget that our service, our work, and our work ethic must always honor Him no matter who may be the earthly authority in our lives.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about how you serve the authorities in your life, especially Christian authorities?
2. How are you currently making sure that all the work you do is done as unto your Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!