Friday 16 July, 2021

23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. 6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

Taking Paul’s lead on health advice in vs 23, I’m going to give myself a ‘servant-heart’ check. Firstly, who is it that I serve? Is it God, who gave all for me? Or is it my own wants and needs? Is it my past or a future I want to create? Chapter 6 vs 1-2 speak of slaves having full respect for their masters, especially if they are fellow believers. Although the concept of slavery is not endorsed in our culture, I’m left wondering who do I really serve? Have I allowed myself to become enslaved to a cause? What is my motivation every day? Do my actions and attitudes reflect that I belong to God?

Heavenly Father I give my life to you. Help me to live my every day reflecting your glory. Help me to honour you in all I do and in all I say. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Written by Christine Knight