Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Ephesians 6:5,6
Have you ever had a bad boss? An awful teacher? A terrible leader? What a stupid question, of course you have. We’ve all had earthly leaders that were difficult to get along with, impossible to please. They were overly demanding, short tempered, loud. They used language that you’d never use in front of your mother. In short, you’d never want them living next door or dating your child.
The good news is that God will make everything new and right[1]. He’s going to punish the wicked[2] and reward the righteous who are following God[3]. But it’s not all going to be put right until God establishes his kingdom.
So, what are we to do until then? Are we to lash out at these people who have hurt us and our families? Are we to return the favor and pour pain and misery back on them? A couple of things to consider.
Is it a mistake that they are your leader? Was God asleep when this happened? Was he distracted? Was God away on vacation when you were put under them? The short answer is no. He’s God, he knows, and is in control of everything. There’s no error or mistake here.
Are we to live by faith? This means not just reacting to what we see and experience. If God has seen this and has allowed it to go through his will and into our lives, then he has a plan and purpose in it. This means that we accept it even though we can’t see the reasons. That’s living by faith.
Who said it was going to be easy? If the words of Jesus mean anything to us, then we’d better sit down for his description of life in this world. He says that we’re going to be scattered[4]. He also says that while we’re in this world, we’re going to have trouble[5]. Our lives aren’t going to be filled with lollipops and rose petals.
Now there are some very close friends that I have given permission to unload their burden on me at any time. And that’s fine. I’m happy and honored to be of service to them. But then there are some people who seem to think that I’m just the right person to dump their conflicts and troubles on.
And when they talk to me about their jobs, I ask them how honest do they want me to be? They get this puzzled look on their face and quietly say, “Very.” So, since I now have their permission, here’s what I tell them. Hold onto your seats, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
First – Our assumption and attitude are to be one of constantly following direction to the people God has put over us, unless it is directly against God’s will. There’s no guarantee that they’re going to be super nice or anything like that. By faith, believing that God is watching, we obey him when it comes to the leaders God has gifted us with.
Second – With everything we do, it’s for God and not for the leader or organization. We are to put all our energy and creativity into what we do because it’s service to the one who loves us, who died for us. Getting rewarded, pleasing our leaders, recognition and advancement are nice, but they are not the motivation. Serving the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is.
When Jesus asked to be baptized, John flat-out refused. He was the one that Jesus should baptize, not the other way around. But what did Jesus say?
Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.
Matthew 3:15
Living by faith, living to please God is the primary thing. It’s Job-One. It’s the priority. Jesus says that putting himself under John the Baptists authority was the proper thing to do. Jesus is from heaven, he’s the creator, and he’s putting himself under John? What gives?
I’ll tell you what gives. This shows us what the heart of God is like. It’s not about what he deserves. It’s not about immediate results. It’s not even about winning right here and now. It’s about faith. It’s where we live under God and willing to do whatever he says. No matter the immediate results. No matter what others think. No matter the short-term pain and suffering.
It’s not what we think. Not our feelings. Not about our success. It’s not even about what we deserve. It’s laying our lives and everything we are at the feet of Jesus. Only there will we find peace great enough to watch over and protect us[6].
So, are you ready to put your rights down at the feet of Jesus? Even when it comes to your leaders?
Noodling Questions
Which is harder: respect, fear, or sincerity of heart? Why
Describe how faith is tied to your relationship with the worst leader you ever had.
How can this lead to peace in your life? In your home? With your friends?
Comments