Thursday, November 15, 2012

Ephesians 6:8


Copyright Ó 2012 J. Neely
Ephesians 6:8

8 Knowing [eido] that [hoti] whatsoever [hos] [ean] [tis] good thing [agathos] any man [hekastos] doeth, [poieo] the same [touto] shall he receive [komizo] of [para] the Lord, [kurios] whether [eite] he be bond [doulos] or [eite] free. [eleutheros] KJV-Interlinear

8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. NASB

And here is the great equalizer among people.

The world categorizes us all.  Some are rich. Many are poor. Some are bosses and many are subordinates.

In ancient times there were slaves and masters that stretched the gamut of the social spectrum.  In our current day, there are the very rich and the very poor.  That has of course been true throughout history.  But we have many categories of people. We have been studying the roles of wives and husbands, of parents and children, of employers and workers, and these only point out examples of the many categories of relationships that occur where authority and subordination roles exist.

In the world there are many inequities.  Many are real and many are imaginary.  But in every case and situation, there is always the role of God that will balance out the inequities.

In the spiritual life all are equal.

The billionaire and the peasant are no different.

Each can study the Bible.  Each can learn.  Each can confess. Each can grow up.  And in similar fashion, each can ignore their spiritual obligations.

The slave that obeys his master, the wife that obeys her husband, the worker that follows instructions, and when they do these things within the scope of their spiritual life, are given credit by God for their production, which in this case is spiritual production.

The peasant of today can become a multi-trillionaire in heaven simply by being obedient to Gods commands and minding some earthly master and such.  The billionaire can be a jerk and end up with nothing in heaven.

Your earthly status is irrelevant with regard to your spiritual progress.  God alone controls that.  No one on this earth can control your thinking but you, so your spiritual success is up to you and no one else.

We have said many times in the past, that before you were born into this world, you had no say as to the life you would have.  But in this life, you have every opportunity to define the outcome of your destiny in the next life.

Want to be poor in heaven, then ignore doctrine.

Want to be successful beyond your dreams in heaven, then pursue doctrine.

And remember that God placed you in a role here in this life.  You have what you have because it is the best opportunity for you to succeed in your spiritual life.   Do not insult God, by being bitter about your life.  Instead pursue doctrine and your life will function as it should. 

You have responsibilities and obligations so abide by them as well.

Comply with Gods will, do not feel insulted at your status, whether king or peon.