1 Timothy 6 v 1 - 2 - Work it out

So, the title doesn't suggest a high school musical song about what to do in summer, more about serving people.


v1
Says that anyone who is a slave should show respect to their masters so no one willl speak against God' name and the teachings of JC. So there was a alot of slavery in this kinda time, slaves who were christians were equal to other christians but as we know, at home slaves were treated badly. So regardless of whether this master was horrible, the slave has to show respect. and ofc there's cross references to go with this; 

Ephesians 6:5-8; slaves, obey your masters here on earth with fear and respect and from a sincere heart, just as you obey Christ. You must do this not only while they are watching you, to please them. With all your heart you must do what God wants as people who are obeying Christ. Do your work with enthusiasm. Work as if you were serving the Lord, not as if you were serving only men and women. Remember that the Lord will give a reward to everyone, slave or free, for doing good.

Titus 2:9-10; Slaves should yield to their own masters at all times, trying to please them and not arguing with them. They should not steal from them but should show their masters they can be fully trusted so that in everything they do they will make the teaching of God our Savior attractive

Colossians 3:22; Slaves, obey your masters in all things. Do not obey just when they are watching you, to gain their favor, but serve them honestly, because you respect the Lord.

So, its pretty obvious - serve master. 


v2
Then says that slaves who have masters who were believers shouldn't show their masters any less respect because they are believers. they should serve even betteras they are helping believers that they love. OKAAAAAAY, so here it's not saying that because they are christian masters the slaves were mistreating them, but some slaves were treating them as brothers rather than masters, and therefore didn't work as hard. The slave should work for his master out of love, not obligation, not because he has to, but because he wants to.


Application
We all have authority. We may like or dislike this but we do. And we need to show them respect, they are older and wiser and they are in charge of us. That means we should treat them well, not answering back, not being rude, listening and etc. Because ultimately non christians see our actions and reflect Christianity to how we act. Pressure, i know. We serve God as our master, whatever you do you are serving God and we wanna be showing him off, and working hard for him. And when you have a bad "boss" who may be out of order or hard to work with or whatever, try to love them more. Pray for them constantely, learn to deal with them and work alongside them. You can do it :)