Wow! I am just flabbergasted at the number of friends who are struggling with workplace or similar relationships. What is even more mind-blowing is how this was touched upon in the Sunday service at church last week. Im going to share what Ive been telling those Ive been asked pray and share from Gods Word. May it be a blessing to those God would have to hear. God places us with people we can serve for His glory; e.g., family, friends, co-workers, employers, and even those who appear to be against us. In fact, those who appear to be enemies are the ones we can have the greatest impact upon, because by returning kindness for evil, love for hate, we are demonstrating the very nature of Christ. We cant do this in our own strength. We must rely on Gods strength, because it is natural for us to want to lash out at those whove done us wrong. Jesus says we are to pray for them. Praying for them, really praying for them, does more for our attitude and peace of mind than anything else. We also must trust God will honor our obedience with His divine protection. Pastor Ricks message last Sunday from 1 Peter 2 (see at the end) would have been a blessing, I believe. He spoke about Gods authority over those in authority over us (e.g., presidents, governors, employers) and how we are to follow their rules, unless it conflicts with Gods commands. We may not agree with their rules, but need to obey them nonetheless, because these people are in authority over us only through Gods power. Even evil leaders are under Gods authority, because He uses them to bring about the purpose He has planned. The key to all of this is to remember we work for the Lord. Remembering this, we will always give it our very best and trust the outcome to Him. When we do need to take a stand, because theyve asked us to do something God has commanded us not to do, we must not do wrong to do right. In other words, we cant break other laws (e.g., violence, damage to property) to make our point. But, until they come to that line in the sand, we must submit to their authority over us...not because they say so, but because God has said so and Jesus underlined it with His very life. Please, feel free to pass this on to anyone, if you think it will help them. We cannot tell them what to do, but we can with Gods help show them what God has written about how we are to live, as we travel through this place toward Home. [1 Peter 2 (NLT)] 12 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world. 13 For the Lords sake, accept all authority -- the king as head of state, 14 and the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish all who do wrong and to honor those who do right.15 It is Gods will that your good lives should silence those who make foolish accusations against you. 16 You are not slaves; you are free. But your freedom is not an excuse to do evil. You are free to live as Gods slaves. 17 Show respect for everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the king. [READ THIS PART CAREFULLY AND PRAYERFULLY] 18 You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters. Do whatever they tell you -- not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are harsh. 19 For God is pleased with you when, for the sake of your conscience, you patiently endure unfair treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you. 21 This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. 22 He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone.23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. Trust all your ways to Him and you will be on the right path. In Christ, Dedra
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 22:11:06 +0000
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