1 Timothy 6:2 – Sanctity in Station
And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 1 Timothy 6:2, New King James Version
The Saturday Evening Post observes around the turn to the 20th century in the Ken Burns Baseball documentary, "While baseball has magnates, they go unhung with our approval."
Having urged submission of believing workers, literally slaves, in the opening of 1 Timothy 6, Paul channels urgency through Timothy that believers in life's lower stations go beyond the Saturday Evening Post's benign neglect in their attitude toward their superiors who are also believers in Christ. Not only must the believer discipline resentment toward those more blessed with goods and influence so that they go un-hung, believing workers must see the entire relationship as something beyond a comparison.
Here, Paul says, is a dynamic which transcends adversarial tension. Here, when workers honor bosses especially because they are Christians, is a chance for the Kingdom to advance in the eyes of the world in the very transactional trade-offs which are usually a zero-sum game leaving a residue of bitterness. If we are blessed enough to work for those who also serve Christ, Paul insists that we not take advantage of the kindness, for instance, which is a fruit of the Spirit, but that we work all the harder so that our productivity gives a measurable aspect to the glory of Christ in ways the world might begin to understand.
Timothy, or those in his position who by virtue of the station in which the Lord has placed them have charge of and influence over others, need more than sullen surrender. If they are to follow Paul's lead and teach and exhort these countercultural values at risk to their energy supply and prestige, they need followers who are a joy to lead, as Hebrews 13:17 coaches. As we see even glimpses of Christ's goodness in the authorities He has put in place, responding with enthusiasm blesses Him and, Hebrews suggests, lifts the entire culture. In willing submission, we have the mind of Christ, encourages Philippians 2:5-8, seeing exaltation hereafter rather than grabbing for it in every Earthly interaction.
The Saturday Evening Post observes around the turn to the 20th century in the Ken Burns Baseball documentary, "While baseball has magnates, they go unhung with our approval."
Having urged submission of believing workers, literally slaves, in the opening of 1 Timothy 6, Paul channels urgency through Timothy that believers in life's lower stations go beyond the Saturday Evening Post's benign neglect in their attitude toward their superiors who are also believers in Christ. Not only must the believer discipline resentment toward those more blessed with goods and influence so that they go un-hung, believing workers must see the entire relationship as something beyond a comparison.
Here, Paul says, is a dynamic which transcends adversarial tension. Here, when workers honor bosses especially because they are Christians, is a chance for the Kingdom to advance in the eyes of the world in the very transactional trade-offs which are usually a zero-sum game leaving a residue of bitterness. If we are blessed enough to work for those who also serve Christ, Paul insists that we not take advantage of the kindness, for instance, which is a fruit of the Spirit, but that we work all the harder so that our productivity gives a measurable aspect to the glory of Christ in ways the world might begin to understand.
Timothy, or those in his position who by virtue of the station in which the Lord has placed them have charge of and influence over others, need more than sullen surrender. If they are to follow Paul's lead and teach and exhort these countercultural values at risk to their energy supply and prestige, they need followers who are a joy to lead, as Hebrews 13:17 coaches. As we see even glimpses of Christ's goodness in the authorities He has put in place, responding with enthusiasm blesses Him and, Hebrews suggests, lifts the entire culture. In willing submission, we have the mind of Christ, encourages Philippians 2:5-8, seeing exaltation hereafter rather than grabbing for it in every Earthly interaction.
Comments
Post a Comment