January 30, 2023

Colossians 3:18-4:1  (HCSB)
Christ in Your Home
18 Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and don’t be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won’t become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your human masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism. 4 Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.

Susan Jones
So much of this passage boils down to one thing in my mind-I need to out-serve others! I can’t base my actions toward my family or job on what others do, or don’t do, for me. There are not any “if” statements following these commands. Submit to your husband “if” he buys you flowers; love your wife “if” she cooks you a great dinner; obey your parents “if” they buy you a new toy; encourage your children “if” they make all A’s; work like no one is watching “if” they give you a raise. Verse 24 reminds us that the reward for our actions toward others is in eternity.... not here! So... keep putting others' needs before your own...it’s worth it! P.S. Husbands-HD is much more likely for me to submit to him when he loves me well... it just kind of works that way when you do this “life thing" God’s way.