CHRIST IN THE FAMILY AND AT WORK

Passage: Colossians 3:18~4:1  

Key verse: 3:23

First, Christian households (3:18-21). Now Paul instructs, 'Wives submit to your husbands.' For it is fitting in the Lord. For as Christ is the head of the church and as the church submits to Christ, so also wives to their husbands. To the husbands, 'Love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph 5:25). 'Do not be harsh with them.' Next, Children should obey their parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers should not embitter their children, or they will become discouraged.' In one word Christ is the standard and center in Christian households. Second, work for the Lord (3:22-4:1). 'Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; not only when their eye is on you, but work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord. It's because their reward will be from the Lord. To Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.' Here, both the slaves (employees) and the masters (employers) are accountable to the Lord who will repay accordingly.

Prayer: Lord, bless us in our family as well as at work as the Lord's people

One Word: Whatever you do, do it for the Lord!