Discipleship Devotional, January 13th, 2025
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
– Ephesians 6:9 (NIV)
God is deeply concerned with how we treat those around us, especially those who work for us. The Apostle Paul guided masters in his time, urging them to be considerate and gentle with their servants. He reminded them that, like everyone else, they too have a Master in Heaven. God abhors oppression and maltreatment, which is exemplified in the story of Hagar and her son Ishmael. It is believed that God intervened in their lives because Sarah treated Hagar harshly.
How we treat those who work under us reflects our relationship with God. It is crucial not to use hurtful and harsh words. Regardless of how angry or frustrated we may feel, we should communicate in a way we would like to be spoken to. Resorting to name-calling and any form of abuse is not aligned with godly principles. We must treat even those who work under us with dignity and respect. This is the godly way.
Even in the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites instructions on how to treat hired servants. He stressed that they must not oppress them:
As a hired worker, he is to be with you and is to serve you until the Year of Jubilee. Then he and his children are to be released, and he will go back to his own clan and to the property of his ancestors. Because the Israelites are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must not be sold as slaves. Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.
– Leviticus 25:40-43 (NIV)
We must have the fear of God in how we treat people. We must not be ruthless and oppressive.
PRAYER
Help me, Lord, to be kind and considerate even to those who work for me or are subordinate to me.
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