Effects of worldly living
Key Verses: 1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 15, 17
Notice
that Christ’s reputation needs to be upheld by our actions. This even holds
true with something as abhorrent as slavery. Scripture does not support
slavery. We are all equally created in God’s image and likeness, and as such,
we are all of inestimable value. But Paul says that even in a culture that
supports slavery, the slave’s actions need to reflect Christ’s nature. Bad
culture is no excuse for our negative behavior. We are responsible for our
actions, regardless of what happens in a culture. Mob rule is no excuse. Past
injustice does not excuse current injustice in the opposite direction.
We could
get sidetracked from our central mission of the Gospel if we started arguing
the merits of slavery. There are none! But this does not excuse believing
masters from treating his slaves in a godly manner, or even freeing them. It
also doesn’t free the slave to rebel, since he is now “free in Christ.”
Everyone is responsible for staying focused on the goal of living in a way that
wins the lost to Christ. Being a Jesus-follower is not a road to financial
prosperity. It is a road to financial responsibility.
Money can
get us in trouble. We start life with a net worth of zero and we will leave
this world with zero. Why do we get so caught up in gaining in the intervening
years? Be content. The pursuit of wealth has pulled many a life of course. Be
content.
Instead
of pursing money, Paul says we should pursue godly character. Paul sounds
almost like a football coach at halftime. His team is winning, but he must keep
them focused on the game, or they could easily lose in the second half. And in
the middle of this coaching session Paul states some profound beliefs about the
character and nature of God. Only God is immortal. Not even superheroes are. He
can never die. He has always existed. Everything that we can possibly interact
with both here on earth and out is space had a beginning, and will have an end.
God has neither. He always existed and He always will.
Wealth is
provided for our enjoyment, but with responsibility for others as part of the
package. Without a focus on the needs of others, the wealthy can easily get
lost in their spiritual journey. Wealth, when it is kept, becomes a weight born
by the wealthy. Generosity is the only way for the wealthy to unburden
themselves. It can be easy to trust wealth rather than trusting God.