We live in a generation where the individual asserts his or her rights without regard to taking responsibility for the right conduct. Any society built on such an attitude robs itself of order because of the pervasive sense of entitlement. Since life in such a society abounds in complaints, there is hardly a sense of gratitude robbing itself of divine blessings.

Paul’s treatise in our text for today addresses what the believer’s conduct must be, whether within the family or in employment circles

—Children, if you want to be wise, listen to your parents and do what they tell you, and the Lord will help you. For the commandment, “Honor your father and your mother,” was the first of the Ten Commandments with a promise attached: “You will prosper and live a long, full life if you honor your parents.” Fathers, don’t exasperate your children, but raise them up with loving discipline and counsel that brings the revelation of our Lord. Those who are employed should listen to their employers and obey their instructions with great respect and honor. Serve them with humility in your hearts as though you were working for the Master. Always do what is right and not only when others are watching, so that you may please Christ as his servants by doing his will. Serve your employers wholeheartedly and with love, as though you were serving Christ and not men. Be assured that anything you do that is beautiful and excellent will be repaid by our Lord, whether you are an employee or an employer. And to the caretakers of the flock  I say, do what is right with your people by forgiving them when they offend you, for you know there is a Master in heaven that shows no favoritism. 

Serving myself is not the goal, rather serving others as I would serve the Lord. This requires transforming from natural behaviour to learned behaviour; from naturally negative to positive; from naturally fearful to naturally courageous and from naturally selfish to naturally generous. Such a transformation is only possible when we are convinced that our heavenly Father is always looking out for each of His children and is our ultimate rewarder for whatever we do.

More still do we go looking for opportunities to bless others or must they come to us to beg; Galatians 6:10 (TPT)—Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others, especially to our brothers and sisters in the family of faith!

Philippians 2:4 (TPT) commands us to abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.

As we end the first trimester of this year, can we reflect on these things and make the changes needed with the help of the Holy Spirit. Selah.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele