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1 Timothy 6:1
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1 Let [eisi] as many [hosos] servants [doulos] as [hosos] are [eisi] under [hupo] the yoke [zugos] count [hegeomai] their own [idios] masters [despotes] worthy [axios] of all [pas] honour, [time] that [hina me] the name [onoma] of God [theos] and [kai] his doctrine [didaskalia] be [blasphemeo] not [hina me] blasphemed. [blasphemeo] KJV-Interlinear
1 Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine may not be spoken against. NASB
The work ethic is brought into view in these verses. While believing employers are mentioned in the next verse, unbelieving employers are first considered in this first verse.
The phrase, ‘under the yoke,’ is an expression for work or employment. It does not carry the connotation of abuse or hardship, but merely of one who is employed and working for someone else.
‘As slaves,’ is a broadly defined word for employees, whether actual slaves or independent contractors, all people who are engaged in some form of employment are being referred to here.
We should probably review the concept of slavery in ancient times. Though it is outlawed today, what we consider as slavery, mostly from pre civil-war times, was not in fact what slavery was back in Pauls day.
Slavery was not outlawed or forbidden in the Bible. In fact, the Bible sets out many rules for slavery rights, and what could or could not be done with slaves.
Slaves could be acquired in different ways. Many were prisoners of war, Num 31:7-35, Deut 20:10-14. Slaves could be purchased, Ex 21:7; Lev 25:44-46. Some people sold themselves into slavery, Lev 25:39, Deut 15:12-17, others were sold to pay debts, 2 Kings 4:1; Neh 5:1-8. Slaves could be received as gifts, Gen 29:24, inherited, Lev 25:46, or they may have been were born to slaves and remained in that role.
Slaves could not be held for more than six years, Ex 21:2, unless they voluntarily chose to remain, Ex 21:5-6. Those who came into slavery with a wife and children could take them when they left. Those given a wife by their master, could not take her until her time was up. Slaves who were abused by their masters were to be set free, Ex 21:26-27. Their religious rights, were protected, Ex 20:10. Slaves had civil rights. The murder of a slave brought punishment, Ex 21:20. Foreign slaves seeking asylum in Israel were to be protected, Deut 23:15-16. Slaves had economic rights, including the right to own other slaves, 2 Sam 9:9-10. The nation had state slaves, similar to civil service employees, Josh 16:10; Judg 1:28; Ezra 8:20.
And while in our current day, people seem to pursue their creature comforts and pursuits of happiness, the work ethic seems to have faded into the background as some sort of necessary evil in order to maintain ones social pursuits.
However, Paul points out in these verses, that work is an honorable and necessary function in order to maintain ones spiritual growth and maturity.
While our first and foremost priority in life, is to advance to spiritual maturity, we are still a part of this world and as such must make a living using whatever talent or ability we have, through work, responsibility and accountability.
We are to work as unto the Lord, meaning that we are under constant evaluation before God, and our work and our effort and our motivations are always under review.
Whether you work on an assembly line, design rockets, or are a home parent, you have a responsibility to do your job and to do it well, and to do it to the best of your ability for your employer, no matter who that is.
You do not have an excuse or right for slacking off in your work, just because you are not interested, do not like your boss, or think that you are better than what you are doing.
God placed all people in the positions that they are in. You are no exception. You are there for a reason, and that reason is first to teach you obedience to your job, and responsibility to life and others.
By working well, and by being a Christian, you set an example for Christianity.
Remember that disinterested believers, and certainly unbelievers, have only your example with which to evaluate Christianity. And by setting a good example, you may very well influence others, even if only indirectly, in coming to Christ and/or doctrine.
People are not always saved or influenced by evangelism alone.
During your life, you will be watched by God and angels certainly, and family and friends to some extent, but what you do not know is that during your decades of living, you will be observed by many others whom you do not know, and in following a good work ethic, you may very well set into motion, infinite eternal blessings for others. And that is to your credit.
However the opposite is true as well, you could easily cause many to disregard God and doctrine, just because you are lazy or less than honorable in life. And that too goes to your discredit.
You will get a full accounting from Christ when you get to heaven. Lets hope that your scorecard is a good one.
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