Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Zephaniah 1-3; Colossians 4
Devotional Thought:
The laborer is worthy of his pay according to the work that he does. If he is a good worker who is fulfilling the labor required and asked of him, then he should be compensated for his submission and service. However, if the laborer is not faithful to the expectation, then he is not entitled to the compensation or “reward” for his labor. Masters [employers] are to remember that we are answering to our Master in heaven who has a requirement for how workers are to be treated. Therefore, we should treat them consistent with the way God treats us. God does not reward laziness, disobedience, or disloyalty, but He does reward diligence, obedience, and faithfulness. This is the teaching of giving to your servants that which is “just and equal.” Employers must remember that “in Christ,” the employer and employee are equal. The only difference is a God-given authority structure for which there will be an accounting one-day. Just like “in Christ” husbands and wives, parents and children, pastors and people, bosses and laborers are equal. Therefore, we are all to continue praying to, watching for, and thanking Christ for who He is and for what He is like. We should be striving to be a gospel witness and let our “speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (vs. 6) God’s great plan includes people who will be our encouragement and edification in the ministry. I cannot begin to express the gratitude that I have for men and women that God has brought into my life to encourage me in the work God has called me to do. We need one another and therefore must be investing in one another. Paul mentions many people, under inspiration, who “have been a comfort unto me.” (vs. 11) Who is God using in your life to help you live the Christian life and fulfill the will of God in serving Christ? Do you name them to God and thank Him for them? Do you take them for granted and forget to thank them as well as thank God who has provided such people in your life? Will you take a moment this morning and thank God for those special servants, who encourage, edify, and exhort you in your Christian walk. Please remember the important part of praying for one another. Paul says of Epaphras, “…always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect [mature] and complete in all the will of God.” (vs. 12) Who are you going to pray this prayer for today? Who is it that you pray this prayer for regularly during your private prayer time? What a challenge to remember that it is God’s design that we would need each other as we serve the King of Kings together.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to be an employer that operates according to the will of God. May I reflect the person of Christ as I interact, expect, and inspect the work of those who answer to me.
• Lord, thank you for the myriad of people who you have sent into my life to help me be what you desire of me. Thank you for those who pray for me, invest in me, encourage me, challenge me, and confront me when necessary.
• Lord, please help me to be faithful to pray for all the special people of Faith to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.