Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as THEMESSAGE//REMIX: PAUSE: A DAILY READING BIBLE ( THE MESSAGE ). Colossians 3:22-4:1 read as follows:
"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work. And masters, treat your servants considerately. Be fair with them. Don't forget for a minute that you, too, serve a Master-God in heaven."
Knowing what the Holy Bible teaches about the master-servant relationship will show us the truth ( see 2 Timothy 3:16, for example ) regarding the proper attitude and conduct in the workplace.
To begin with, the servant does what his or her master tells him or her to do: the servant does not tell his or her master what to do. Failure to do this is based either on ignorance, or a lack of respect for authority. In the context of this passage from the Holy Bible, insubordination ( which indicates a lack of respect for authority ), for example, is a sin ( see Psalm 119:65-73, 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), and 1 John 3:4, for example ). Titus 2:9 reads as follows: "Guide slaves into being loyal workers, a bonus to their masters-no back talk, no petty thievery." A servant who talks back ( "back talk" ) to his or her master may have his or her employment terminated.
Secondly, a Christian ( see Acts 11:26, for example ) servant will not do just the minimum amount of work possible. Such a servant will give his or her best effort. If we all would understand that the ultimate Master we're serving is Christ, then we will work accordingly ( see Ecclesiastes 9:10, for example ).
Finally, earthly masters must treat their servants considerately, realizing that they have a Master in heaven. Ephesians 6:9 reads as follows:
"Masters, it's the same with you. No abuse, please, and no threats. You and your servants are both under the same Master in heaven. He makes no distinction between you and them."
Treating others the way you want to be treated applies to the master-servant relationship as well ( see Matthew 7:12, for example ). See also Psalm 22:22, 25; 40:9, 10; 119:13, 142, 151, Matthew 28:18, John 1:1, 14; 3:16, 17; 5:26, 27; 7:16; 8:26; 10:30; 14:6; 17:17, Romans 1:16; 1:20 ( see Romans 1:20 ( KJV, for example; with center-column references, for example ) to get the equivalent translation for the word "Godhead" ), Colossians 2:8, 9, Titus 1:1, 2, 1 John 5:6-8, and Revelation 2:10, for example.
If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:
<rewillis1_1@juno.com>
<Russell E. Willis>
