⁹ Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, ¹⁰ and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive.

Titus 2:9-10 (TNIV)

Work is in God’s nature and, within the limits God has set for us, is what we are expected to do too. Fast forward a couple of thousand years from Genesis and the setting of the Jewish law, and this is still true in New Testament times – just as, a couple more thousand years on, it is still true today.

Paul wrote instructions to a young church leader, Titus, to pass along to slaves associated with his church. Slavery was a pretty common condition in that day, and was often chosen by people voluntarily – it’s not the equivalent of our working contracts today, but there are similarities. If we are employed today, we can learn from the instructions to the slaves in the New Testament churches.

The teaching here shows a purpose to work we have not yet considered. The way we work shows our character to those around us – our “masters” (bosses) as well as fellow “slaves”. This is of crucial importance. Although we might not be chained to our desks permanently, the reason why it feels like it sometimes is that 40-odd hours a week is nearly half, maybe more than half of our waking lives. Add in the amount of time we spend travelling to and from our homes and, frankly, we might even get a better deal if we did have to live and work at the boss’s house.

We spend so much time working that it’s impossible to do “hit and run” witnessing at work. There is no point in talking about the Gospel or giving out tracts but failing to try and live faithful lives. Paul teaches here that the way we work is important – accepting authority, trying to please our bosses, not disrespecting them, and not stealing from them. This is not just for our personal consciences.

A purpose of working in this way with others is “so that in every way (we) will make the teaching about God our saviour attractive.” God is giving us renewed minds, the ability to be faithful to him, and a renewed character as a result. God gives us work as a place where we can demonstrate this character, authentically, and over a sustained period of time, to others. This is good character, and gains trust from people. What is the purpose? It is not to make us look good, but to make God looks good. Work and witness, therefore, are meant to go together. 
 
To consider and pray throughout today

• How have I demonstrated faithfulness and built trust with others today?
• How have I failed to be faithful or lost trust with others today?
• How are the changes God is making in me being seen by others at work?
• How many people at work know that I am a Christian?
• What would people who don’t yet know think of me if they found out?
• What opportunities is God presenting to be a good witness in my actions or words?
• What opportunities should I ask God for?

Next week: what does it mean to live and work for God?