Paul

December 10

Ephesians 6:1-9

Relationships at home and at work

Paul wrote this letter to the church in the Greek city of Ephesus. He gives them practical advice on how to act in their relationships with others:

“Children, obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. Respect your father and mother. This commandment comes with a promise of a life filled with God’s blessing.

Parents, don’t treat your children in a way that will discourage them and make them resentful. Rather, bring them up with a loving discipline that pleases the Lord.

Workers, obey the person in charge and be eager to do your very best as if you were serving Christ. Don’t only work when someone is watching, but work gladly and honestly as if you were doing it for the Lord.

Masters, treat your workers fairly. Do not threaten them, since you also have a Master and Lord in heaven who has no favorites.”

Why is obedience so important?

Have you noticed how fair God is? God has given everyone rules and responsibilities, including parents, teachers and bosses. It isn’t only children who have to obey and do things for others. Paul tells us that we all need to respect one another, and we all need to obey God.

Your mom and dad have many things to care about. They may work for a grumpy boss, have difficult people working for them, and then come home to do all the things that parents need to do.

Let’s be honest, it isn’t easy to have the right attitude towards everyone all the time. But trying to get out of doing your bit usually ends up with everyone getting upset. By simply obeying your parents without questioning or grumbling, you will make their lives easier and you will please the Lord.

Obeying our parents willingly helps us to obey God willingly, and obeying God leads to a life of blessing (see the promise in Ephesians 6:3).

Verse for today    

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God… Philippians 2:14-15