Author Archives: gonelikeashadowatevening

Bible, Bosses, Scripture, Service, Slaves

GOODWILL

EPHESIANS 6:7

“With goodwill render service, as to the Lord, and not to people,”

I really like my job. I have the opportunity to invest in the lives of men all over the world through our ministry (Every Man A Warrior). If you don’t know about us, check us out at www.everymanawarrior.com. Because I love my job, it does not feel like a job. It’s a lifestyle. I am nearing retirement age but haven’t decided what I should do about that. I really enjoy the ministry God has given me. That’s why today’s verse rang true for me.

Paul continues his address to slaves and masters by telling the slaves, “with goodwill render service.” The Greek word for “goodwill” is only used one time in the New Testament – right here in today’s verse. The word is eunoia which can be translated goodwill, kindliness or enthusiasm.” Paul reminds them they are working for Jesus, not their masters. It is He they are pleasing.

APPLICATION

To “render service” (douleuó) is the verb form of the Greek word for “slave” (doulos). Douleuó means to serve voluntarily or involuntarily. It also means that you have given up all of your personal ownership rights to someone else. Now, think about that for a minute. Isn’t that exactly what we are asked to do when we come to Christ? We place our lives in His hands and allow Him to mold and make us into the image He desires. At least, that is what we are supposed to do.

So, if we are supposed to do that with goodwill, we can’t be moaning and complaining about it, can we? Remember the definition of this word. It can mean enthusiasm. Have you ever met someone who was enthusiastic about their job? My wife and I had a server recently at a restaurant who served with goodwill. She greeted us cheerfully. She was observant of our needs during our meal. She even brought us “to go” drinks without being asked. That’s enthusiastic. That’s goodwill.

If you are working for a boss, can you serve them that way? Maybe you have been complaining a little too much lately. Maybe you have just been a little slack in your work effort. Serve them as unto the Lord. You are working to please Him, not them. And give thanks to the Lord for your boss, whether they are good or bad. Pray for them. That pleases our Lord.

God, I do want to serve You and my employer with goodwill, knowing that it pleases You.

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Bible, Following, God's Will, Prayer, Scripture

DOING GOD’S WILL

EPHESIANS 6:6

“not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

I have been required to do some things in my work that I did not agree with. Shocker! They weren’t immoral or illegal (I wouldn’t have done that), but they did go against my view of things. That doesn’t mean I was right, and my boss was wrong. It just means I disagreed with my boss. Nevertheless, because I serve someone greater, I had to submit to my boss’ prerogative. That takes humility, something I am often short of.

As Paul continues his discussion about slaves and masters, don’t forget he is drawing a parallel between us as bondservants of Christ and our obedience to God. Here, especially, in today’s verse, we see that. Paul says at the end of the verse, “doing the will of God from the heart.” That should nail all of us, right? Doing God’s will is not some secret adventure that only a few can discover. No! Every believer is capable of doing this.

APPLICATION

Jesus taught us to pray according to God’s will. In Matthew 6:9-10, we read, “9 ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’” If the Son of God sought to obey God’s will, shouldn’t we? We saw Jesus again pray for God’s will to be done while in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:39 it says, “And He went a little beyond them  and fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.’” 

We see God’s will for our lives in Micah 6:8. “He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Following God’s will is really quite simple. So, why don’t we do it? Because we are fleshly, human beings who think we know what’s best.

Even Paul said in Romans 7:18-20, “18 For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.” This is from one of the godliest men in Scripture who penned half of the New Testament.  We will fail while trying to follow God’s will. But we must continue to strive toward that which comes from Him.

O Lord, forgive me when I fail to listen to Your Holy Spirit Who shows me Your will daily.

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Bible, Bosses, Employee, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

HOW TO SERVE YOUR BOSS

EPHESIANS 6:5

“Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;”

I have never been one to slack off work just because the boss wasn’t around, but I have known others who were like that. I had a job once that involved working with a partner. Let’s just say my work ethic and his didn’t exactly match. He was always wanting to take longer breaks and was late just about every day after his lunch break. But when the boss was around, he was a busy bee.

Paul addresses the slaves/masters or employer/employee relationship in today’s verse. In Paul’s first century world, it was common for slaves and masters to both come to Christ, thus affecting their relationship. Paul tells the slaves to remain obedient. They should not take their relationship as brothers or sisters in Christ to cause a problem in their “work” relationship. Those last three words of the verse are key – “as to Christ.”

APPLICATION

There are really a lot of verses about work in the Bible. We are told to work as unto Christ. Let’s look at a few, and as we do, assess how you are doing (if you are still gainfully employed). In 1 Timothy 6:1-2 we read, “1All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.”

In 1 Peter 2:18, Peter addresses the same issue. “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh.” Oooh, this is a hard one. It is easy to follow a leader or boss who is kind and fair, but the ones who aren’t make it quite challenging. But the Word is the Word, right?

The parallel passage to today’s verse is found in Colossians 3:23-24. “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” I think it is pretty clear. As slaves or employees, we are to serve our masters/employers well. Why? Because we are serving a higher authority. We want to please Him in all that we do.

Father, forgive me when I have not served my bosses well. Help me be an obedient and submissive servant.

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Bible, Child Raising, Children, Discipline, Father, Instruction, Scripture

A FATHER’S ROLE

EPHESIANS 6:4

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Being a father is a role I don’t take lightly. Even though my children, Christopher and Casey, are grown, I still relish my role as their dad. I have not always been the best dad. I’ll admit that. I am far from perfect. However, I have always tried to speak to them through the lense of my heavenly Father’s love. Looking back, I can see things I could have done better.

In today’s verse, Paul is encouraging fathers to correct their children in a way as to not provoke or exasperate them. That word “provoke” means to not be overdemanding or so strict as to discourage your child. And Paul gives them direction in what to do – to bring them up with discipline and instruction. Fathers carry a heavy responsible here.

APPLICATION

Think about your garden or your flower bed. If you don’t tend that properly, you will soon have a takeover of weeds and thorns. Tending your garden takes time and proper attention. It’s the same with your children. “Discipline” means “instruction that trains someone to reach full development (maturity).” (HELPS Word studies). It’s the same word used in 2 Timothy 3:16 which says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;”

“Instruction” means “improves a person’s reasoning so they can reach God’s solution – i.e. by going through His thought-process.” (HELPS Word studies). Fathers need to instruct their children so they think properly according to God’s principles and commands. Too many parents want to let their children make their own minds up about religion or faith. Do you let them decide to go to school or not? Do you let them decide when it is time to go to the doctor? I don’t think so. Those are both temporal, earthly issues. We are talking about their eternal souls. We need to instruct them properly.

Fathers, you may be thinking it is too late. Your child is a teen, or they are grown. It is never too late. Pour into your children now. Point them to Jesus. Live it out in front of them daily so they are drawn to the Lord. If they see you living your life as an example of Jesus, they are more likely to hear Him calling them. Be the man of God He wants you to be.

Father, help all the dads out there live out their faith in such a way that their children are drawn to You.

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Bible, Children, Honor, Parents, Promises, Scripture

THE PROMISES OF GOD

EPHESIANS 6:3

“SO THAT IT MAY TURN OUT WELL FOR YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.”

God’s promises are true, no matter what. One of my favorite promises is found in Isaiah 41:10. “‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” There are so many promises to quote, but I want to limit myself to just a few. If you want a fuller list, check out this site: https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/gods-promises-verses-in-the-bible/

In today’s verse we see Paul continuing to quote from the Old Testament command to honor your parents. Here we see the promise He gives to children for that obedience. He says things “may turn out well for you” and “you may live long on the earth.” Those are some good promises. That does not mean every child who obeys will be rich and live to be 100. But it does promise that He will care and watch after them.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says this about the promise of long life. “(1) that long life is a blessing. (2) it is still true that obedience to parents is conducive to length of life, and that those who are most obedient in early life, other things being equal, have the best prospect of living long. This occurs because: (a) obedient children are saved from the vices and crimes which shorten life. (b) Obedience to parents is connected with virtuous habits that are conducive to long life. (c) Many a life is lost early by disobeying a parent. (d) We may still believe that God, in his providence, will watch over those who are obedient to a father and mother.” Those are pretty good, huh?

I was walking this morning and listening to praise music and a song came on that speaks to this issue of God’s promises. Part of the chorus says this, “I’m reaping the promises God gave to me, taking back what the devil stole from me.” (From Faithful – Faithful is Our God) Don’t you just love that? As I obey the Lord, I can reap those promises He has given me. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10) But with God’s strength, I can reclaim those promises.

One of my all-time favorite verses on God’s promises is found near the end of Joshua. In 21:45 we read, “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything came to pass.” That is still true today. It is for Israel, and it is for us. If God said it, that settles it. Amen? So, today walk in the promises of God.

You are so faithful, Lord, to keep all Your promises to us.

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Bible, Children, Honor, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HONOR?

EPHESIANS 6:2

“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),”

I have to say I had some pretty good parents. They weren’t perfect but who is. They raised four children who all grew up to be pretty responsible adults. I can’t think of a reason why I would not have honored my parents. I didn’t always agree with them, and I sure didn’t like some of their rules, but I feel like I honored them pretty well.

In yesterday’s blog, I began discussing Paul’s address to the children. Let’s talk a little about this “honor” word, though. The Hebrew word which is what Paul is quoting here, is kabad or kabed. It has a lot of definitions ranging from heavy, weighty, burdensome or honorable. Context tells us how it is being used. And here it means to show honor. In other words, to obey. It is not a complicated command, is it? Simple – just honor.

APPLICATION

But Carl, what do you do if your parents aren’t honorable? What if they are abusive or tell you to do things that are wrong? God does not expect children to honor such individuals. He would never tell you to submit to that kind of treatment. God is our protector and defender. I know, I know, children still get abused by parents. It breaks my heart, and I don’t understand it. I think hell will have a hotter corner for those who abuse innocent children.

When the command is mentioned again in Deuteronomy 5:16, it is expanded upon. “‘Honor your father and your mother, just as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well for you on the land which the LORD your God is giving you.’” We have a specific promised blessing for honoring our parents. God will bless us with a long life and prosperity in the land.

I don’t know your circumstance, but everyone of us reading this blog is a child of someone. Perhaps your abusive parent is still alive. You are grown now and are safe. How do you honor them now or do you? Ask the Lord. He will tell you what to do. Perhaps He will use you to draw them to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Just remember – God loves you and desires your obedience in all things.

Father, for some it is hard to show honor to their parents. Protect their hearts and show them how to obey Your command.

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Bible, Children, Disobedience, Grandchildren, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

OBEDIENT CHILDREN

EPHESIANS 6:1

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

What parent doesn’t want obedient children?! Can I get an Amen? Lol. Of course, we want children to obey us, but why? Well, there are just supposed to, Carl. Children should be seen but not heard. Yeah, right! Do you really believe that? I didn’t think so. Children are gift from the Lord. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. Isn’t it great that the Lord gives us so much instruction about them and for them?

After spending the last several verses discussing husbands and wives, he turns to the children. Now, as far as we know, Paul didn’t have any children. But remember, he is simply passing along the Lord’s words through the Holy Spirit. He says in today’s verse that children should obey their parents because it is right. We’ll look back at the Law in a bit and look at that command God gave Moses. This letter would have probably been read aloud in the Ephesian church, so the children who were present would have sat up and listened when they heard they were being addressed specifically.

APPLICATION

We all know the ten commandments, don’t we? The fifth commandment is the one addressed to children. Exodus 20:12 says, “‘Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the LORD your God gives you.’” It is the only commandment with a promise. I think that is pretty cool, don’t you? God specifically talks to the children here in Exodus.

I can remember going away on business trips when my kids were little. I bet you can guess what I told them, can’t you? I would say, “Now, you mind your mother and no fighting.” They were usually pretty good, but occasionally I would come home to a very frustrated wife due to their behavior. Our children weren’t always perfect little angels.

Chances are there are not any children reading my blog right now. So, you parents and grandparents need to share this with the kids. Remind them that God expects obedience. A child that won’t obey their parents won’t obey God either. That is our goal as parents – to raise children who love and obey God. Why? So they will raise obedient children (our grandchildren). That’s our payoff, lol.

Father I need to be Your obedient child every day as well.

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Bible, Husbands, Love, Respect, Scripture, Wives

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

EPHESIANS 5:33

“Nevertheless, as for you individually, each husband is to love his own wife the same as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.”

Back in the 1960’s Aretha Franklin had a hit song entitled, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” The song was talking about her wanting a little respect from her man when she comes home. Even though the song was super popular and really made her a star, the message is all wrong. Biblically speaking, it is the woman who is supposed to show respect to the man, not the other way around. Now, before you get mad and stop reading, I am not saying a woman should not be respected. I am saying when a man is shown the respect God intended from his wife, there will be reciprocal respect shown.

Notice today’s verse. Paul is wrapping up this passage on husbands and wives with this message. Husbands love your wives. Wives respect your husbands. Paul does not say husbands respect your wives and wives love your husbands. It is just understood that if each is following the Lord’s commands which He has given them, each will receive the love and respect they deserve. (look back and yesterday’s blog and the point about the triangle)

APPLICATION

We know the word for “love” in this verse. It’s the Greek word of God’s love, agapao. But what is the Greek word for “respect”? It is phobeó, which means to fear, dread, show reverence to, to be afraid, or to be terrified. Now, context is the key. Look how this word is used in Matthew 1:20. This is the scene in which the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph about Mary. “But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’” Here, phobeó obviously means to not fear or be terrified.

In Luke 1:50 we see this word used again, but in a similar way it is used our verse today. This is Mary speaking during her Magnificat. “‘And His mercy is to generation after generation toward those who fear Him.’” We are not to be scared of God. Instead, we are to show Him reverence and respect. That’s how Paul is using this word in Ephesians 5:33.

Unfortunately, too many women do fear their husbands because of their brutality. God does not expect wives to have to deal with that. God’s plan for marriage works perfectly when both parties are following Him. If you are in an abusive marriage, seek help now. Don’t stay a victim of fear. If you are in a healthy marriage (notice I didn’t say perfect), do it God’s way. Let each of you show each other the love and respect God expects from you.

O God, thank You for showing us how to love well. Thank You for healthy marriages that model Christ’s love for the church.

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Bible, Christ, Church, Husbands, Mystery, Scripture, Wives

DON’T YOU LOVE A GOOD MYSTERY?

EPHESIANS 5:32

“This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.”

I love a good mystery movie. The more mysterious the better. Trying to figure out “who done it” is fun and exciting. Sometimes, that mystery is revealed early and at other times it is revealed at the very end. The mystery keeps you glued to the movie.

In today’s verse, Paul uses a phrase “this mystery is great” which makes you wonder. But then he reveals the mystery in the next phrase, “but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. One scholar, Alford, says this, “the matter mystically alluded to in the Apostle’s application of the text just quoted; the mystery of the spiritual union of Christ with our humanity, typified by the close conjunction of the marriage state.” There you have it. Paul is continuing his analogy of husbands and wives with Christ and the church.

APPLICATION

One cannot explain the mysterious union that occurs in a marriage when the husband and wife truly seek the Lord. I have heard numerous pastors explain it with a triangle. The husband and wife are at the two bottom angles and God is at the top angle. The closer the husband gets to God and the closer the wife gets to God, the closer they get to each other. You may not see that physically, but spiritually they are continually drawing closer. It is truly a mystery.

The Greek word for “mystery” is mustérion which “is not something unknowable. Rather, it is what can only be known through revelation, i.e. because God reveals it. (HELPS Word studies). God is not trying to keep secrets. But neither is He going to give it all to you at once. It would probably literally blow our minds. God’s mysterious knowledge is disclosed to us as we are ready after we seek for it.

Look at this passage from Luke 8:9-10. “9 Now His disciples began asking Him what this parable meant. 10 And He said, ‘To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest they are told in parables, so that while seeing they may not see, and while hearing they may not understand.’” Christ spoke in mysteries so only true seekers would understand. Are you seeking? Or are you still stuck trying to figure this whole God thing out? Ask Him. He will show you.

Father, I will never understand all the mysteries of Your kingdom until I reach Glory. Until then, help me continue to seek.

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Bible, Commands, Husbands, Marriage, Scripture, Wives

LEAVE AND CLEAVE

EPHESIANS 5:31

“FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.”

Many a marriage struggles with the concept of leaving and cleaving. Some men just won’t leave mama and daddy. They pull their wife into their parents’ lives and do not spend the time to make their own lives. Family is important, but a man must set up his own household and not force his wife to simply adopt his. I am not saying a man should forsake his parents and siblings. No! But neither should he just make his wife an extension of those relationships.

Paul refers back to the verse found in Genesis 2:24 as he continues to discuss husbands and wives. That verse says, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” Even Jesus referred to this same verse in Matthew 19:5-6. Jesus said, “5 ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.’” 

APPLICATION

This is one of the easy applications, if we will just do it. Men, we must support our wives in this. What do I mean by that? Well, we don’t compare our wife’s cooking to our moms. Honey, I bet if you asked mama how she cooks her chicken, she could help you. Not a smart comment. I am reminded of the tv show, Everyone Loves Raymond. Raymond never cut the apron strings, thus causing daily conflict with his wife. Sure, the writers made it appear like it was humorous, but in reality, not so much.

In the Genesis passage, the word “leave” literally means to forsake or loosen. God is telling husbands that their priority now is to his wife and their new family. The word “joined” means to cling and keep close. He says we are no longer two. We are one in the flesh. Jesus goes even further (He could because He is God) and says, “let no man separate.”

So, husbands, step up and cleave. Be joined to your bride as one. Support her. Cling to her. Serve her. Respect and honor your parents, for sure. But know that now your main allegiance is to your wife and family. God will honor you for that.

Father, help all husbands see the needs of their wives and cling to her in faith.

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