We have been studying through the book of Titus. We have studied exhortations on becoming sound in our faith, exhortations to younger men, older men, women and now today we come to a study on the workplace. What is our attitude supposed to be toward our employer? God's Word has the answers to all areas of our lives. We will go through two verses only in this study. So let's begin by going to Titus chapter 2 verses 9 and 10.
Titus 2:9-10 - Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
This portion of Scripture is addressed to servants. Some translations use the word slave. At the time when this was written, many people served in this role. They were treated as members of the household in which they served. They were usually paid and were given the opportunity to earn their freedom after a given period of time had passed. So we see that there are differences but also similarities to the workplace environment today. You probably see yourself as part of the business you work at and it is your "work family" so to speak.
First of all, beginning in verse 9 - servants are encouraged to be obedient to their masters. This is pretty straight forward, you need to do what the boss tells you. Your boss or employer has authority over those working for him, and the employees need to do what they are instructed to do. Next we see that the servant is to please the master in all things, not answering again. This is saying that you to do your job well, with integrity when your boss is not looking. You do your work well regardless of whether anyone is watching or not. And not answering back is that you will not bad mouth your employer nor talk back to him, you will show him or her respect.
Verse 10 begins with the words - not purloining, but showing good fidelity. This means that as an employee you must not steal, but you must show yourself to be completely trustworthy. This would include taking the right length of coffee breaks and lunch time. It is so easy to take a few extra minutes but we must not give in to this temptation, it is a form of stealing. Also another way that purloining happens at the workplace is if you take supplies home with you, perhaps it is paper or a pen, or whatever is available at your particular job site. We are encouraged to never take that which does not belong to us. As Christians we need to be entirely trustworthy. We serve the Lord Jesus Christ and not ourselves. Whatever we do is to be glorifying to the Lord Jesus as we read in 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Now we come to the final part of verse 10 - we are to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. What does it mean to "adorn the doctrine of God"? It is to behave in such a way that others will be drawn to the Lord Jesus. They will see your positive attitude, your patience and perseverance even on the days that are hard or extra busy. You will be kind, thoughtful and helpful, listen to others and share in their joys and sadness. Lend a helping hand where you can. Share your faith with others in your workplace and point them to Jesus every day.
Galatians 5:22-23
Titus 2:9-10 - Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
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This portion of Scripture is addressed to servants. Some translations use the word slave. At the time when this was written, many people served in this role. They were treated as members of the household in which they served. They were usually paid and were given the opportunity to earn their freedom after a given period of time had passed. So we see that there are differences but also similarities to the workplace environment today. You probably see yourself as part of the business you work at and it is your "work family" so to speak.
First of all, beginning in verse 9 - servants are encouraged to be obedient to their masters. This is pretty straight forward, you need to do what the boss tells you. Your boss or employer has authority over those working for him, and the employees need to do what they are instructed to do. Next we see that the servant is to please the master in all things, not answering again. This is saying that you to do your job well, with integrity when your boss is not looking. You do your work well regardless of whether anyone is watching or not. And not answering back is that you will not bad mouth your employer nor talk back to him, you will show him or her respect.
Verse 10 begins with the words - not purloining, but showing good fidelity. This means that as an employee you must not steal, but you must show yourself to be completely trustworthy. This would include taking the right length of coffee breaks and lunch time. It is so easy to take a few extra minutes but we must not give in to this temptation, it is a form of stealing. Also another way that purloining happens at the workplace is if you take supplies home with you, perhaps it is paper or a pen, or whatever is available at your particular job site. We are encouraged to never take that which does not belong to us. As Christians we need to be entirely trustworthy. We serve the Lord Jesus Christ and not ourselves. Whatever we do is to be glorifying to the Lord Jesus as we read in 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Now we come to the final part of verse 10 - we are to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. What does it mean to "adorn the doctrine of God"? It is to behave in such a way that others will be drawn to the Lord Jesus. They will see your positive attitude, your patience and perseverance even on the days that are hard or extra busy. You will be kind, thoughtful and helpful, listen to others and share in their joys and sadness. Lend a helping hand where you can. Share your faith with others in your workplace and point them to Jesus every day.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
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