Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
MUTUALITY
WITH COWORKERS
Colossians 3:22-25
Slaves,
obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is
on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for
the Lord. (Col.3: 22)
This
epistle written by Paul to the church at Colossae is one of the four prison
epistles. The passage involves the following four key aspects:
Obedience to authority: Human nature naturally tends to resent authority but the Bible clearly sets parameters of obedience to persons in authority. In our personal and professional lives we are required to work with integrity and honesty not just when we are in the 'public eye' but it should be part of the very fabric of our nature as Christians. Obedience in all aspects of our lives involves complete submission to the will of our Father. Do we compartmentalize our lives so that we are obedient when it suits our desires?
Sincerity: Is our attitude one of being Sunday Christians? The definition of sincerity from sincere is derived from the Latin sincerus meaning clean, pure. Our actions and behavior should not be for selfish gain but rather rooted firmly in the word of God and more importantly always only for HIS Glory. This involves doing our best at all times including when our actions are not 'publicly' visible. In our work life, this involves refusal to gossip or be judgmental regarding our co-workers. Working together for the mutual good should serve to be our motivation.
Serving the one true Lord Jesus Christ: In everything we do our focus should be on serving the one true Lord Jesus Christ. Our reward is not in this earth but rather in heaven. Remember always that we are only sojourners here in our pilgrimage to eternity. This realization should be the driving force of our lives.
Finally punishment: The word punishment naturally strikes fear in our hearts and rightfully so. The law of physics states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Disobedience without repentance warrants punishment as is clearly illustrated when the Israelites tried to conquer the city of Ai. The Israelites were able to defeat Jericho with a small army and with direction from God; yet the smaller city of Ai could not be conquered with 3,000 men! One amongst them disobeyed God and stole a Babylonian garment made of gold and silver. All the Israelites were punished (Joshua 7: 1-26) for this disobedience. Remember we cannot hide our true self from God.
Obedience to authority: Human nature naturally tends to resent authority but the Bible clearly sets parameters of obedience to persons in authority. In our personal and professional lives we are required to work with integrity and honesty not just when we are in the 'public eye' but it should be part of the very fabric of our nature as Christians. Obedience in all aspects of our lives involves complete submission to the will of our Father. Do we compartmentalize our lives so that we are obedient when it suits our desires?
Sincerity: Is our attitude one of being Sunday Christians? The definition of sincerity from sincere is derived from the Latin sincerus meaning clean, pure. Our actions and behavior should not be for selfish gain but rather rooted firmly in the word of God and more importantly always only for HIS Glory. This involves doing our best at all times including when our actions are not 'publicly' visible. In our work life, this involves refusal to gossip or be judgmental regarding our co-workers. Working together for the mutual good should serve to be our motivation.
Serving the one true Lord Jesus Christ: In everything we do our focus should be on serving the one true Lord Jesus Christ. Our reward is not in this earth but rather in heaven. Remember always that we are only sojourners here in our pilgrimage to eternity. This realization should be the driving force of our lives.
Finally punishment: The word punishment naturally strikes fear in our hearts and rightfully so. The law of physics states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Disobedience without repentance warrants punishment as is clearly illustrated when the Israelites tried to conquer the city of Ai. The Israelites were able to defeat Jericho with a small army and with direction from God; yet the smaller city of Ai could not be conquered with 3,000 men! One amongst them disobeyed God and stole a Babylonian garment made of gold and silver. All the Israelites were punished (Joshua 7: 1-26) for this disobedience. Remember we cannot hide our true self from God.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus in our pilgrimage here on this earth please guide us to be obedient in thought, word and deed. Direct every aspect of our lives so that we may obediently serve and love. Amen.
Lord Jesus in our pilgrimage here on this earth please guide us to be obedient in thought, word and deed. Direct every aspect of our lives so that we may obediently serve and love. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If you want to go quickly, go alone
If
you want to go far, go together
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar
Thoma Church