Colossians 3:18-4:1 (NLT)
18 You wives must submit to your
husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 And you
husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 You
children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, don’t aggravate your children. If you do, they will become
discouraged and quit trying. 22 You slaves must obey your earthly masters
in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they
are watching you. Obey them willingly because of your reverent fear of the
Lord. 23 Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were
working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord
will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are
serving is Christ. 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back
for the wrong you have done. For God has no favourites who can get away
with evil. 1 You slave owners must be just and fair to your slaves.
Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.
The Apostle is
emphasising “serving” in relationships. Remember “Not a crown—but
a towel!”? This, of course, works best if everyone has the same attitude
of serving—wives, husbands, children, parents, labourers, employers etc.
But even if some do not obey Christ in the same way—the rest of us
should fulfil our own commitment—for ultimately, it is jesus that we are
doing it for [v23-24].
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Wives and husbands [v18-19].
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Think—How should I be better ‘serving’ my spouse?
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Parents and offspring [v20-21].
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Think—How can I better ‘serve’ my parents? How can I better
encourage and affirm my children?
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Slaves, masters, labourers, employers [22-4:1]
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Think—How can I develop a ‘servant’ attitude in the workplace?
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Pray about all these areas of your life.
Go to Day Nine
