18/06/2014 - INSTRUCTIONS TO SERVANTS

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Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Colossians 3.22

The apostle Paul used usual attitudes as examples during his days to give valuable instructions to the people of God. This was also a way used by Jesus to give us instructions about eternal issues. The relation is useful once God is Lord and we are servants. In the next three verses, the author of the text will give instructions that will make all servants – both earthly and the Almighty servants – agents who please the Omnipotent in all senses.

Servants are supposed to obey their masters in all things; and this message suits us as well once we claim to be servants of God. Therefore, all our issues and desires should be pleasant to the Lord. The order we have been given must be obeyed wholeheartedly; thus, our work will be accepted and as a result there will be a reward. We must pursue the acceptance of the One who is faithful, righteous and perfect.

Those people should not only serve apparently; after all, when there is nothing hidden in someone’s heart, the divine presence dwells in this individual. Take care not to let bad thoughts and worldly ideas dwell in you. It’s good to remember that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Lk 6.45). God looks at our spirit, which, according to the Word, is your lamp (Ps 119.105). The divine presence does not dwell where there is deceit.

Those who serve God care about pleasing him, not man. Whoever does not pass on the divine message in order not to offend someone else might be blamed for the eternal lost of that person. Besides, a servant must please the Lord even with their way of dressing. If inner clothes are dirty, the fellowship will be cut off. But why do we despise sanctity if, in doing so, we bind ourselves to the devil?

Paul instructed us to do everything wholeheartedly, as for the Lord and not for man so that we would blameless. Take effort to have nothing with you from the enemy, otherwise condemnation is inevitable. So, examine yourself right now because if a lie is found in your heart or something you judge unspeakable, you won’t be safe and protected by the Almighty. Close the door to the devil.

Finally, the apostle declares they should be aware of the reward´s existence; which is, no weapon forged by devil against them would prevail (Is 54.17). Besides, they would also condemn in judgment every tongue that accuses them. The most important thing in our obedience to God is to be found faithful according to the instructions and boundaries established by the Lord of both the dead and the living (Rom 14.9).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares