1 Timothy 6:1-2
Historical Context
In this time most of the Christians would probably have been slaves. They would have had little control over their lives, their masters had legal authority over every part of their life. The master would have directed their effort and set plans for their future. This would have been a very difficult existence.
In applying these verses, I’ll be referring to the employer-employee relationship. We don’t live under the conditions the early church did. The moral argument against slavery in the US has been presented and has won. We do however have employers that we answer to every day. With the average American working between 45-50 hours a week, our employers have a great deal of control over how our time is spent, and we have the opportunity in this relationship to illustrate Christ-like character.
Working for an Unbelieving Boss
“Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.” 1 Timothy 6:1
The believing employee is to work for his employer like he is the best boss ever. Notice, this verse doesn’t say anything about how nice the boss is, how good the benefits are, or how skilled a leader the employer is. As far a the believing employee is concerned, they are worthy of our best effort.
What’s at stake here is the name of God and God’s teachings. How the believer handles work reflects on Jesus Christ, and His teachings. If our work ethic doesn’t match up with what they know of the character of Christ we do a disservice to the testimony of Christ. If our attitudes don’t match up with the teachings of God’s word we shine a bad light on the doctrine of God.
When a believer goes to work, works hard, and does it all with a good attitude he paves the way for the gospel to be presented with power.
Working for a Believing Boss
“And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.” 1 Timothy 6:2
For the believing employee-employer relationship, there should be no less honor given.
In the time when Paul wrote this, the slave and his master being a part of the same church could have made for some awkward workplace dynamics. Imagine a slave is also the pastor of the church and the master is one of the newly saved members. This is not an impossible situation. But what good would it do to the cause of Christ for the Christian slave to slack at his work just because his master was a Christian?
If you work for a believer, give them the day’s labor they are paying you for. Work in a way that shows unbelieving coworkers the character of Christ. You will do nothing for the “name of God and his doctrine” by slacking at work.
Your Turn
We live in one of the most mobile job markets in history. With this mobility comes the flexibility to choose different work, different workplaces, or even promotion within an organization that changes the relationship to people who were supervisors. However, this mobility does not change the teaching of these verses.
Go to work and work hard.
Punctuality and diligence will start you out on a great footing for being a testimony at work.
Serve your employer the way you would serve God.
How you work will reflect on God, so serve in a way that will reflect well on Him. This will need to be a constant focus and goal.
