After being called into question at work, ON MY DAY OFF, I had to go in, to explain myself. Sunday, God had said, "
Above Reproach" and the Sunday before "
Do Not Lose Heart".
After showing them I am indeed above reproach, and standing in defense of the real thieves, and suffering the the emotional pistol whipping, I figured I'd better get some scriptural foundations for this mess.
I ran to this scripture-
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but
I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 NASB
Ya! I can stand right up on my pride, beat my chest and misuse that scripture out of context and all my facebook buddies will know just how spiritual I am...
Maybe not.
What does the Bible say about "slaves" and their "masters"?
Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh,
with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will
render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. Ephesians 6:5-8 NASB
That wasn't what I wanted to hear.
Slaves,
in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do,
do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Colossians 3:22-25 NASB
That still isn't helping.
All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.
If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness actually is a means of great gain when
accompanied by contentment. 1 Timothy 6:1-6 NASB
Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,
not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:9-14 NASB
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but
also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But
if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For
you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:18-25 NASB
So, I have to not only endure, but patiently endure.
In so doing, I will find favor with God.
I... " have been called for this purpose"
hmm...
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