Colossians 1:9 That is why we keep on talking to God about you since the day we heard about you. We ask him that you may know everything he wants you to do. We ask him that you may be very wise and that the Spirit will help you to understand.
10 We ask him that you will live the way the Lord wants you to live, so that you will please him in everything you do. We ask that you will do everything that is good. We ask that you will see the fruit from what you do. We ask that you will know more and more about God.11 God has wonderful power. And we ask him to give you all the strength you need to go through all your troubles, to be very patient in them, and to be happy.
12 Thank the Father who has made us ready to be with the people of God who live in his light.
Day 15—There are Kingdom Principles for those who employ others. |
|---|
In the passage that follows in Colossians 4, Paul gives admonition to masters. Here we apply it to those who employ others. It is given in the context of slaves and masters, but the principle applies well to business people who employ others. Here is Colossians 4:1—Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
A quotation from Matthew Henry, written about 300 years ago, has much in it of value for us today. I feel it right to quote him at this point as he has written with regard to Paul’s comment, give unto your servants that which is just and equal. Henrysaid:
“Show not only strict justice, but equity and kindness. Be faithful to your promises to them, and perform your agreements, not defrauding them of their dues, nor keeping back by fraud the hire of the laborers, (James 5:4). Require no more of them than they are able to perform; and do not lay unreasonable burdens upon them, and beyond their strength. Provide for them what is fit ...and allow them such liberties as may fit them the better for cheerful service and make it the easier to them, and do this though they be employed in the meanest and lowest offices, and of another country and a different religion from yourselves. ...A good reason for this regard: Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. You who are masters of others have a Master yourself, and you are servants of another Lord. You are not lords of yourselves, and are accountable to One above you. Deal with your servants as you expect God should deal with you, and as those who believe they must give an account. You are both servants of the same Lord in the different relations in which you stand, and are equally accountable to him at last. Knowing that your Master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him— (Ephesians 6: 9).”
My DEAR MASTER in Heaven, as I have people in my hire, please keep a close check on me. Convict me where I am unjust, or where my character does not reflect Who You are in my life. Let our place of work be a place of peace and happiness. Let any who come in our midst as visitors have a sense of being among people who are honorable, happy in their work and gracious to those who are of lesser means or education. May this begin with me.
—Romans 3:21-23
Berean Ministries
PO Box 38
Elk Park, NC 28622-0038
© Berean Gospel Fellowship. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Permission to reprint in part or in whole is usually granted.