Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.
Ephesians 6:1-9 NLT
Following Jesus means doing what is right, even when it is hard. Paul instructed children to obey their parents, and he told parents not to provoke their kids to anger. He did not condone slavery but subverted the institution by teaching that we are all slaves of Christ; we are brothers and sisters in faith. Masters were to treat their slaves with respect and slaves to serve as if they were serving Christ. These are not easy commands! Following our Savior means that we can, with His strength inside of us, overcome our frustrations and do what is right. The way of Christ gives us strength even in the face of selfishness and pride.
Relationships are hard, and when we are wronged, it often brings out the worst in us. When we focus on Christ, we can do what is right even in the face of injustice. He endured the scorn of those in power. He overcame. There will be times with family, friends, or co-workers where we will feel justified in doing the wrong thing—because of the wrong actions of others. Our wrong then justifies their next wrong—and on it goes. In Christ we can have healthy boundaries, speak the truth in love, and stand for what is right.
When have you responded badly in the past, and what can that teach you about yourself? What can Jesus teach you about responding to injustice and selfishness?
