praying effectively: Respect People at Work (Eph.6:5-9)

(Ephesians 6:5-9)  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; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

9 And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we sincerely respect our bosses and supervisors, etc., obeying them as long as it does not go against God's will (6:5)

- that in our jobs we should work diligently and obediently, realizing that God is ultimately our boss and supervisor, so consider ourselves employees of God (6:5-8)

- that if you are a manager or supervisor, etc. over anybody, treat them with respect, realizing that God sees all people as equals (6:9)

- that if you are a manager or supervisor, etc. you should work diligently and obediently, realizing that God is ultimately your boss and supervisor, so consider yourselves employees of God (6:9)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You are fair and just, and expect the same things from all people.  And if there are any "higher" expectations, it is for those who have more power and higher positions.  Help us to see all people as people whom You love.  Help us to love and respect all people.  And help us to realize that we are ultimately doing everything for You.  How we do our jobs at work will determine what kind of testimony we have to those around us. 

If and when an issue arises, help us to trust in Your will and Your guidance to reconcile things.  And if we are ever expected to do anything dishonorable, give us the courage to respectfully refuse.  May we trust in You to look out for us.  If such situations cannot be reconciled, and we have to leave a job because of that, You will honor those decisions and guide us to better jobs. 

May we look to You and go to You for every situation.  Thank You for being such a loving God who meets and fills all of our needs.  Amen.