Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.
Summary: Expectations are a cruel master if we set them too high. Being realistic about who we are and what we do makes life much better and pleases our God.
What if my boss is a believer? Does that mean I can expect special treatment?
Good question!
“Hey boss, I’m sorry I’m late (again). I’ll try harder next time. You’ll forgive me, won’t you?”
It would be nice if it worked that way.
Unfortunately, very few people are what you might call the “Top Dog.” In the dog world, the Top Dog is the one that all the other dogs defer to. Nobody messes with the Top Dog because they know that they will get their butt chewed … literally!
When it comes to the world of people, even the “top dogs” in the people world have to be careful around others. Remember Caesar when he sadly looked into his friend’s eyes and said, “Et tu, Brute?” (And you, Brutus?) For all practical purposes, Caesar should have had nothing to worry about, but “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
If even Caesar had to keep an eye out for someone looking over his shoulder (or stabbing him in the back!), then who is safe? Your boss, or in ancient times, your master, had others to worry about over him.
A mature believer understands this. The boss (or master) has to answer to someone else. The difference between a boss who is a believer and one who isn’t is the fact that one serves God and the other does not.
A boss who is a believer lives by the Great Commandments —
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
At least he or she will try to be fair. You won’t have to live according to someone’s personal ideas of right and wrong. Nor would a believer take unfair advantage of an employee or servant.
As for the servant or employee… if they are a believer, then they, too, follow the same Great Commandments. They, too, love God above all else and love their neighbor as they love themselves.
Remember Jesus’ example. After washing the disciples’ feet, he said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).
So be it.
Application: Do everything with a servant’s heart.
Food for Thought: Why would God care how we do our job at work?
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