Our new life in Christ is to be lived out in the everyday realities of a fallen world – it is not a passport to an easy and gentle passage through this world. The Lord warned his people that there would come testing times, but promised grace for whatever his providence brings us. Two important areas of life which are transformed by grace are family and work. We consider now Ephesians 6:1-9 Honouring God in family and work.
1. Patterns for family life
(a). Children. Paul gives a simple, direct command – ‘obey your parents’ (v1), and then adds a further explanation – ‘in the Lord’. Obedience is to be shaped and governed by the will of God revealed in Scripture. Our motivation flows first from our relationship with the Lord – our desire to serve him is expressed in obedience to parents. Paul assumes that children will be present in the congregation. Status as a ‘child’ is probably best taken as the time of dependency on parents. The time for obeying passes, but the command to ‘honour’ continues. Paul reinforces his call with reference to the 5th Commandment (Exodus 20:12). There is an extra incentive to obey – ‘with a promise’. Long life is promised ‘as far as it shall serve for God’s glory and their own good’ (Shorter Catechism Q66). There is one limit – ‘We must obey God rather than men’ (Acts 5:29), when we are sure that there is a conflict.
(b). Parents. The command is addressed to ‘fathers’ (v4), as those primarily responsible, but mothers too are included. The call is, ‘do not exasperate your children’ (see also Colossians 3:21). This can be done in many ways, including undervaluing and belittling children. Abuse of various kinds is possible even in Christian homes. There must be a relationship of loving concern – ‘bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord’. The truth is to be taught and also lived out, as an example to covenant children.
2. Patterns for working life
(a). Employees. The command to ‘slaves’ (v5) can be applied to the modern working situation. Note ‘obey your earthly masters’ – fulfilling our responsibilities as exemplary workers. This is not to be done grudgingly – ‘with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart’. There is godly motivation for Christians – ‘just as you would obey Christ’ (v7). Work is service for the Lord. The Lord accords dignity to work for his glory. Such work is never wasted – ‘the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does’ (v8) – note also ‘not in vain’ (1 Corinthians 15:58). He will reward in his way, not necessarily materially.
(b). Employers. Responsibilities are again mutual. ‘And masters, treat your slaves in the same way’ (v9). Slaves were to be treated well – a radical concept in a world where slaves were property at the master’s disposal. The Christian ethic is often at odds with the view of the world. ‘Do not threaten them’ – industrial relations often become a contest of who can produce the most convincing threat. Christian employers are to be willing to be different, but not easily manipulated. If tempted to abuse his workers, a Christian employer must remember ‘that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven’. He has a high motive for showing fairness. Here are sound principles for healthy working relationships.