BE NOT YE THE SERVANTS OF MEN

Masters who purchased slaves in the market before slavery was abolished, would no doubt have paid handsomely for those who they believed would serve them well. Here the Lord reminds believers that they have been ‘bought with a price’, v. 23, a price far above any paid by a mere earthly master. This, in itself, should be sufficient incentive to the believer, whatever his or her circumstances, to serve God and put His commands first in all things.

The Lord is proprietor, and absolute obedience is enjoined. Of necessity, we have to give to earthly masters due respect and duty, but any service rendered faithfully down here is ultimately for the Lord; ‘Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart’, Eph. 6. 5-6.

‘Be not ye the servants of men’, taken in its widest context, will involve putting the Lord and His commands above that of men and especially where men’s commands run counter to the word of God. When told not to speak in the name of Christ, Peter and John said, ‘Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye’, Acts 4. 19.

The highest standard is set by all this, in that whatever our calling, our service should be as unto the Lord. The believer should never be guilty of slacking when the management is not present, but they should remember that the Lord is present at all times and marks loyal and faithful service.

Service towards men seeks to impress with the ‘big deal’, but service to God does not need to distinguish the small from the large service, but leaves it with Him to assess. Service to men seeks external rewards, but service to God rests in the contentment that there is a day of spiritual reward to come. Service to men is temporary, but service unto God is to be rewarded in eternity. We need to remember the words of King Hezekiah: ‘My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him’, 2 Chron. 29. 11.