1 Timothy 6:1-2

1 Timothy 6:1-2 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are your brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.

Work is hard. Working is compared to being under a yoke of slavery. Masters in those days, and employers today, may not always be wonderful people all the time and the demands of work that are put on employees may be burdensome. But regarding the relationships between employers and employees, they are to be respectful. Disrespect is not an option. An employee with a believing boss is not to show less respect for him or her because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and are dear to them.

The requirement for Christians, including for me in ministry, is very high.

I will pray for those in leadership, like it says in 1 Timothy 1:1-2. We are to make petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for all people-for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. It is such a good example to read this and to be reminded to pray for those who lead the country of my birth, the country of my wife’s birth and this country in which I now live. Furthermore, it is merely good to be reminded to do these on behalf of kings and those in authority, it is commanded of me to pray for them. This also extends to people in authority in work, ministry and even family.

Application: I will show respect in my words, in my service, in my actions and in my work. How I serve is an opportunity to show love and respect. Ephesians talks about mutual respect. But the onus is on the one in the lower position to show respect. Often when respect is shown by the lower serving person it is reciprocated. But as it says in Philippians, equality is not to be grasped as it is something we see in Jesus’s relationship with the Father. Mutual Glory, Son glorifies the Father, the Father glorifies the Son. Regardless of those above us, we are to obey Jesus who is worth of all respect and glory.