Working

I Timothy 6:1-2

If I had to pinpoint the main issue I have had with bosses over the years, I think I would have to say "entitlement". Not theirs, mine. Issues arose when I felt entitled to have time off when I was scheduled to work. Issues arose when I felt entitled to do less work than was being asked of me. Issues arose when I felt entitled to not take orders. Issues arose when I felt entitled to promotions. I don't think I walked around like a brat all the time, but when I look back at my past employments, and I choose to be honest, this was the root of most of my conflicts with employers. This also cost me the privilege of realizing how good and Godly some of my employers were. In the end, they may have suffered by receiving some of my attitude, but it was I who truly suffered.

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“Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”

I Timothy 6:1-2

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The language here is pretty strong for our American palates. The word bondservant literally translates as "slave". Don't dismiss this passage though. Yes, we brag about our freedom in the U.S., but stay with me for a moment. To understand this passage, you must understand that there were two types of slaves in the Hebrew economy. There were those slaves who had been captured in war (gentiles) and there were those who had willingly submitted to slavery to pay a debt (Jews). Once a Jew "signed that contract" (figuratively speaking) yes, they surrendered their liberties, but in return a wage was paid. That's not so different from what military personnel, teachers, or others who sign contracts for employment do today; especially our military. Even others who do not sign a contract make a verbal agreement that they will surrender their freedom of time and choice to be employed and receive a wage.

I understand that some bosses are bad. I have had some. I also understand that employees do not all get treated the same. I have been there too. Paul addresses that in our passage. He does not say "only honor those who are worthy". He tells the one who is in the position of subordination to count their boss "worthy of ALL honor". We should also take note that this is talking about all bosses, including unbelievers. Verse 2 is contrasted with verse 1. We are to give EVERY boss our utmost respect. This is difficult because some bosses are not worthy of respect. Paul goes on to explain that it is not about the value of the boss. It is about the Name of God. We give them honor "so that the name of God and His doctrine" are not blasphemed. If people know we are Christians, and they should, every action we take, every word we speak reflects on Jesus. We should think about what we are reflecting. When we have Christian bosses, we should thank God and give them respect as well. These are our brothers and sisters in Jesus. If we have the bloodline of Christ in common, we should act like it. People should see the respect we have for one another and take note of it. It should be a witness of the Spirit that is within us.

Finally, because Paul is talking to Timothy, he tells Timothy to teach this. Pastors need to teach this. Parents need to teach this. Anyone who is in a position of authority, and is a Christian, needs to teach this. We live in a world that lacks respect. If we as Christians struggle with feelings of entitlement, how much more will the lost world. We are to be different. We must learn this and practice it.

Father, so many times I fall into the trap of "me first". I want what I want, regardless of what is best for my job. Help me to give my bosses the honor You have called me to give. May it be a witness of Your love and light in me. Finally, the trials will come anyway, help me to learn the lesson of selflessness in those trials.