1 Timothy 6: 1-2 (NKJV) Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
We need to understand how to position ourselves in good and bad times. To serve God well in the marketplace, we must have a solid relationship with Him because we will need His wisdom in our interactions with others, particularly with our bosses. We also need to maintain peace and ensure that we are physically and emotionally healthy to finish well.
First and foremost, we need to acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of His Word in our lives, allowing it to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness. Secondly, we need to acknowledge that God is the supreme authority over all authorities established by Him.
The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to teach the believers how to relate to their masters, whether they were Christians or not. Christian slaves were to be the salt and light of the world, and their attitude and conduct at work were a testimony to the Lord. Paul said that those in slavery should regard their masters with honour rather than harbouring bitterness and resentment toward them. That’s the attitude one should have toward the master.
Although we have expectations towards our Christian bosses, it is easy to stumble in our faith if we are not mindful that they are as human as we are, with both strengths and weaknesses. We should not expect Christian bosses to be so full of grace and mercy that they lack expectations for good performance or shy away from disciplining or giving honest appraisals when necessary. Christian bosses should treat both Christian and non-Christian staff with impartiality. Meanwhile, Christian staff should set an example by being exemplary workers. Honouring the master means we should never bite the hand of the one God uses to feed our families. Therefore, we should refrain from backstabbing or playing politics against our bosses.
As Christians, we believe our work is a form of worship unto God. Therefore, we should go the extra mile to help our employer succeed. When we have a spirit of excellence, wisdom and competence, take the right initiatives, and honour our superiors, we are worshipping God in the workplace. Moreover, when we intercede for the company and its leaders and actively support the organisation, we become a tremendous blessing to the team. When we align ourselves with the company’s vision and strategy, everyone will want us on their team. So, do you honour and respect your bosses? Is your attitude toward them a good testimony to the Lord?
Sermon Series: Hopefully Contented
检讨态度
提摩太前书 6:1-2 凡在轭下作仆人的，当以自己主人配受十分的恭敬，免得 神的名和道理被人亵渎。 仆人有信道的主人，不可因为与他是弟兄就轻看他；更要加意服事他；因为得服事之益处的，是信道蒙爱的。 你要以此教训人，劝勉人。
我们需要了解如何在顺境和逆境中安放自己。为了在职场中更好地服侍神，我们必须与祂建立稳固的关系，因为在我们与他人（尤其是上司）的互动中，我们将会需要祂的智慧。同时，我们也需维护和平，并确保身体和情绪健康，以求有个圆满的收稍。
首先且是最重要的，我们必须承认耶稣基督的主权以及圣经在我们生命中的权柄，让圣经教导、责备、纠正并训练我们公义。其次，我们需要承认神是至高的掌权者，超乎所有祂所设立的权柄。
使徒保罗指示提摩太教导信徒如何与主人相处–无论主人是否是基督徒。基督徒仆人要成为世上的盐和光，他们在工作中的态度和行为是对主的见证。保罗说，为奴者应以敬重之心对待主人，而非心怀苦毒和怨恨。这是对待主人应有的态度。
尽管我们对基督徒上司抱有期待，但若忘记他们与我们一样是凡人，也有优缺点，我们就容易在信仰上跌倒。我们不应期望基督徒上司如此满有恩慈，而对员工的表现毫无期待，或在必要时回避纪律处分或给出诚实的评价。基督徒上司应该对信徒员工和非信徒员工一视同仁；而基督徒员工则应该以身作则，成为模范工作者。尊敬主人意味着我们不可反咬那只神用来供养我们的家庭的手。因此，我们应避免对上司的背后中伤或阳奉阴违。
作为基督徒，我们相信工作是对上帝的一种敬拜。因此，我们应当竭尽所能帮助雇主取得成功。当我们以卓越、智慧和才干为追求，主动承担责任并敬重上司时，这就是在职场中敬拜神。更进一步，当我们为公司及其领导者代祷，并积极支持组织运作时，我们就成为团队极大的祝福。当我们与公司的愿景和战略同心同行时，人人都会渴望与我们同工。那么，你是否尊荣敬重你的上司？你对他们的态度能否成为对主的美好见证呢？
讲章系列： 希望知足
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