Authority and Attitudes

1 Timothy 6-Part 1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the anme of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.  1 Timothy 6:1-2


LET IT GLOW

Throughout the thirty-eight years following high school, I have had many jobs. They have included: seemstress at 3 different sewing factories; researcher in a college library; teacher of preschoolers,  pks, transitional 1st, 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th graders, at Christian and public schools; seller of jewelry, of  home products; worker at a print shop. During those times I had Christian and non-Christian bosses. Looking back, I wonder what kind of witness I had as a Christian employee/worker. Did I show respect to those in authority over me? Did I honor them when they weren't around? Did I follow their instructions? If so, then I honored my God and His teachings, according to Paul.

Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus states:
The first six verses of chapter six can be divided into three distinct part:

• submission to a non-Christian authority (verse 1)
• submission to a Christian authority (verse 2)
• submission to the authority of God's Word (verses 3-6)

First, let's talk about the submission to a non-Christian authority.
The "yoke" was a powerful symbol of subjugation. Farmers laid a carved wooden beam across the shoulders of a abeast of burden, cinched it right with leather straps, adn harnessed it to a plow or some other kind of implement. In the context of slavery, however, the yoke illustrated dehumanizing servitude. Slaves were human tools, subject to the whims of their masters. Whereas citizens of the empire enjoyed remarkable protections and Roman suabjects lived in relative harmony with their government, slaves had few rights.
Paul calls on slaves to "regard"-that is, "to lead, think, believe"-their owners "worthy of honor." This is to be a choice on the part of the slave, a decision sourced within his or her will. Regardless of outside circumstances, slaves are encouraged to alter their thinking to accept that their masters are better than they actually behave.
In this case, of course, the honor is not monetary, but in the form of respect.

Take note of the apostle's reason for commanding this admittedly difficult attitude: to avoid giving influential non-Christians any reason to defame the Lord, or to discredit the gospel. Subversion is not the answer; godly influence is the best means of undermining the practice of slavery. The institution of slavery may persist throughout the world, but if one's own master becomes a brother, then in a practical sense, the goal has been reached.


LET IT GROW

Slave, bondservants, and servants are people in submission to others. They are used in connection with the Lord, serving the Father (Phil. 2:7), believers serving God (1 Peter 2:16), the Lord (Rom. 1:1), non-Christians (1 Cor.9:19), and other believers (Gal.5:13).
The phrase "under the yoke" is an expression describing submissive service under another's authority.
The Greek word for master refers to one with absolute and unrestricted authority.
All honor translates into diligent and faithful labor for one's employer.
How a believer acts while under the authority of another affects how people view the message of salvation Christians proclaim (Titus 2:9-10). Displaying a proper attitude of submission and respect, and performing quality work, help make the gospel message believable (Matt. 5:48).
(MacArthur Bible Commentary) *My emphasis

That sheds a new light on the subject. As I serve a non-believer, I'm actually proclaiming the gospel of Jesus. I knew there were scriptures telling me to glorify my Lord in all I do, such as Colossians 3:17, 23, but my serving is bringing the Word to life. They see that It can be applied and is true.
Whether it's in the home, church, or work place, I am to serve God by serving others.


LET IT GO

Treat others with love and respect.

Be obedient to those in authority over me.