1 Timothy 6:1-2 - Our Testimony in the Workplace

From Pastor Mike Impact Ministries · 00:06:10

Show by Michael L Grooms

Have you ever considered that the way we conduct ourselves at work caneither strengthen or weaken our testimony for Jesus Christ? Sometimes we thinkof our Christian testimony primarily in terms of what we say about the Lord.But the Bible reminds us that our actions often speak just as loudly as ourwords. As we begin the final chapter of 1 Timothy, the Apostle Paul addresses asubject that might seem unusual at first. He speaks about servants and masters.But behind these instructions is a timeless principle concerning ourresponsibilities, our attitudes, and our testimony before a watching world. In verse 1, Paul addresses those who are under the yoke of slavery and instructsthem to regard their masters as worthy of honor. Then he explains why: so thatGod's name and His doctrine would not be dishonored. We need to remember thehistorical setting. Slavery was widespread throughout the Roman Empire. Someslaves performed household duties, while others worked in agriculture,business, education, and various professions. The slavery of the ancient worldwas not identical in every respect to the race-based slavery that later existedin America. Nevertheless, Roman slavery involved human beings being owned byothers, often without basic freedoms or legal protections. Paul was writing toChristians living within that social system. His instructions concerning theirconduct were not an endorsement of slavery. Rather, he was teaching believershow to honor Christ even in difficult circumstances. And notice his primaryconcern: the reputation of God's name and the truth of His Word. That is apowerful thought! Our behavior can influence how others view the God we professto worship. A Christian employee who is dishonest, disrespectful, lazy, orconstantly complaining can damage his testimony. On the other hand, a believerwho demonstrates integrity, diligence, kindness, and respect can bring honor tothe Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:23reminds us that whatever we do, we should do it heartily, as unto the Lord andnot merely unto men. What a difference that perspective makes! When weunderstand that our ultimate Master is Jesus Christ, even ordinaryresponsibilities take on eternal significance. Then in verse 2, Paul addresses another situation.Some Christian servants had masters who were also believers. You might thinkthat would automatically make everything easier. But apparently some servantswere tempted to take advantage of their shared relationship in Christ. Paultells them not to despise their believing masters because they are brethren. Instead,they should serve them even more faithfully because those benefiting from theirservice are fellow believers. Here is anotherbeautiful principle. Our spiritual equality in Christ should increase our loveand service toward one another, not diminish our sense of responsibility. Galatians3:28 teaches that believers are one in Christ Jesus. Our standing before God isnot determined by social position, wealth, nationality, or earthly status. Andyet, being equal in Christ does not eliminate our responsibility to treat oneanother with honor. Think about how this applies in our homes, our churches,and our places of employment. Sometimes people are more courteous towardstrangers than toward those closest to them. We may take advantage offamiliarity and forget the importance of showing appreciation and respect. But Paul reminds usthat our relationship with other believers should motivate us to demonstrateeven greater kindness and faithfulness. And there is something else worthnoticing. At the end of verse 2, Paul tells Timothy to teach and exhort thesethings. In other words, these were not insignificant matters. They wereimportant enough to be included in the instruction of the church. The Christianlife is not merely about what we believe on Sunday. It is about how we liveevery day of the week.

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