Day 281
Ephesians 6:9
"And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of person with him."
After Paul exhorted the servants to serve as unto the Lord, he told the masters to have the same attitude of accountability to God, because all are equal before Him. God loved humanity so much, that He gave His only begotten son to die for every human being. Jesus shed the same amount of blood for everyone, regardless of their status. We are all at the same level at the cross of Christ.
When we deal with those we have authority over, we may have to correct or reprimand them. When we do, it is important that we keep in mind that God is observing the manner in which we conduct ourselves. We may be dealing with our employees or helpers, but we are also dealing with God's creation. Every human comes in a package labeled "Handle with care." That does not mean we allow people to get away with doing wrong. However, it does mean we perform humbly, recognizing that the line of authority does not stop with us, but with God.
To excel in ''human handling" to God's satisfaction, we must be slow to speak and act. When we become frustrated or disappointed, it is important that we forgive the individuals who have disturbed us before we begin to handle the situation. Then, we must ask God to help us get over the frustration. We need to request His aid in choosing the right words and conduct while responding to the situation. If we fail in any way, we must apologize and humbly correct ourselves.
It is so important that we refrain from making excuses for ourselves and maintain high standards when it comes to the way we treat people. We must ask God to give us a good balance. We cannot afford to allow those under us to function in sloppiness or disrespect for the job. We must be firm and demand excellence. At the same time, we must not be arrogant and inconsiderate of the feelings of others. A good rule to use is found in Matthew 7:12. It says, "Treat other people exactly as you would like to be treated by them - this is the meaning of the Law and the Prophets." (J.B. Phillips translation)
I will be conscious of how I treat people working under me. With God's help, I will treat others the way I want to be treated. More importantly, I will respect others the way God wants me to. My words and actions will demonstrate my respect for God's feelings for every man.