Profundities From the Apostle Paul

Ephesians 6:5 "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free."

Each person needs an "atta boy" or "atta girl" every once in a while. Encouragement means a lot in the work of the Lord. There is enough criticism, skepticism and disparagement to go around for those who are sincerely and genuinely doing their best to serve the Lord.

Yet, there is that spirit, that attitude that gets a hold on a person that wants to see their name in lights, on the screen or written on the page with accolades. Further, when others are recognized or given commendation that attitude springs up with jealous feelings and, sometimes, even angry, vengeful feelings. Isn't it amazing how the fleshly, carnal mind becomes oblivious to the all-seeing eye of God? He does see, right down into the very depths of our hearts, motives, desires, delibertions, and contemplations.

"The Apostle Paul encouraged servants to serve their masters "as to the Lord, and not to men" and to "be obedient unto them as unto Christ." Whether he was dealing specifically with slavery or with the relationship between "employer" and "employee" is not critical. The critical point is, "Do we do what we do to be seen and lauded of men or do we do what we do to serve the Lord?"

Heavenly Father, forgive me when I have become jealous, angry and vengeful because someone received recognition and I didn't. "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." 1 Peter 2:20 It is when a person is done wrong and they take it with patience, love and forgiveness that you are glorified. Help me to serve you Lord and not serve with an attitude of wanting accolades and applaudes of man. Help me to encourage others and to encourage myself in you. . . .AMEN!