Questions for Discussion:
1) What is true submission? When (if ever) is it okay for a wife NOT to submit to her husband?
2) Does the “slaves obey ... your earthly masters” mandate apply today? If so, how?
3) How can we line our attitude up with our actions, even when we don’t feel like it?
4) Do you think verses 23 to 25 are universal, or that they apply specifically to the slaves (reference verse 22)?
Observation:
In this passage, instructions are given to multiple categories of people, telling them what they are to do and how they are to do it. They are to fulfill the role God has given them with all their heart, to not be concerned about what other people are or are not doing, and to leave it to God to judge (actions and motives) and grant rewards or punishments. And, the passage reminds us, there is “no partiality” (no favoritism).
Wives are to submit to their husbands, husbands are to love their wives. Children are to obey their parents, Fathers are not to provoke their children. Slaves are to obey their masters with a good attitude, masters are to treat their slaves equitably and justly.
Interpretation:
I can’t help but notice the balance here. When husbands love their wives, wives find it easier to submit. When wives submit to their husbands, husbands find it easier to show them love. Children find it easier to obey their parents when they are not treated harshly by their parents. Parents are less likely to treat obedient children harshly. Slaves would likely have found it easier to obey equitable and fair masters. Masters would likely have found it easier to treat slaves well when the slaves were serving with a good attitude. That certainly makes sense...It’s human nature to be “nice” to those who are “nice” to us, first.
BUT our responsibility for our actions is NOT reliant upon the decisions of others.
Application:
The commands to submit and love, for example, are not intertwined. I am responsible for my own actions. And my choices are not to be dependent on the actions of my husband, but on the expectations of my Lord. He metes rewards and consequences, to me, and to everyone. And that is why I’m to work as if I’m working for Him. Because I am. And He knows my heart. Everything we do, we are expected to do with a sincere heart. Attitude matters!
No comments:
Post a Comment