Ephesians 6 ~ Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven

Ephesians 6

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, [bondservants] obey your earthly masters [your masters according to the flesh] with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master [Lord] and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brothers [brothers and sisters], and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

When we look at Ephesians 6, we are reminded there is a spiritual battle. Larger than we are. In God's hands. Our part as children of God is to act with kindness, to be sincere, to work hard at the work God gives us and to pray. To stay in our faith, to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

Some days it is difficult. Times change. Parents grow older. Responsibilities increase. The people we work for and with are demanding. It becomes very push and shove instead of a smooth, straight path of the Lord. Ephesians 6 recognizes this. It doesn't say, this parent is too hard to work with. It doesn't say, that boss is a jerk. It says to earnestly put your foot forward to help. To acknowledge this commandment about parents is important enough for the LORD to tie it to a reward.

As a younger person, I put time into memorizing (a rare event for me) the garments described in Ephesians 6. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is just a prayer breathe away. It is nice to memorize a Scripture, but it isn't knowing these phrases protecting us from the spiritual battle. These are not incantations. Sometimes, when I am hard pressed, I say to myself, I can do all things through Jesus Christ. Knowing it is a prayer, but God is the Almighty. Jesus really cares more about the intent of the soul. It is God Himself. Your utmost self, He created you in His Love and will continue to be the light - regardless of the darkness.

Truth - Live in it
Righteousness - Walk the path of holiness God calls us to
Peace - Work towards it, read the mercy of God in the Scriptures
Faith - believing until you know God loves you and He is for you
Salvation - God didn't take the event lightly, neither should you. You were bought at a price.
The Sword of the Spirit - God's Word - if you don't know it, how will you stand in the faith God calls you toward. Hold on to God's Word.

(Read Scripture to understand God's intentions, His nature, but God answers and hears prayers by asking. Remember Jesus didn't quote Malachi 3:1, He said it, but He declared "it is written" to tell of John the Baptist. Jesus proclaimed God's intentions and words. Yet, really we all learn in different manners and our brain classifies information differently and this is why we use an image - not to worship the daily changing image, but as a tool to think and remember.)

Yes, parents can drive us up a wall. I remember times my mom gave me great support when she was younger. We push at each other, but if we didn't - it wouldn't be honest. Ignoring a parent isn't honoring them. Sort of like Jacob and the angel. Sometimes it is an on-going silence that is more telling. When your read parenting forums on the internet, the largest problems come from silence.

My brother is an excellent parent with two small children. He carefully explains the difference between what is actual situation to the desired situation. He listens patiently to their explanation. He answers their question with what they have said. John explains it again. His tone becomes more firm, not shrill, and he tells them this is the way it. Paul actually wrote of his 3 prayer requests for healing to God. John explains 3 times, the second time he uses the child's concerns. John will firmly carry out a small, measured discipline if his child doesn't listen. And the child will be told to sit and think before the discipline is carried out. I admire this greatly; it takes time to be this deliberate. His children understand his fatherly love, understand the behavior required, understand they are being respected, but know they must do their part.

A Texas Evangelist, Ron Luce, told of growing up in a very dysfunctional home, where his mother was verbally abusive. He and his wife & children decided to just be glad to see her and invite her to their home. It wasn't one person taking it on, it was the family support of going two by two, of the 70 disciples Jesus sent out. Everyone just took some time to be kind. It changed their family. They told her they wanted to love her like God did. Glad to hear from her, to see her. Ignoring her abuse, but accepting her. When Ron Luce's mom accepted the Lord in her life, her life changed to become the loving woman they had put their love towards. That my friends, is an act of God.

Pray. God Listens & always has Great Mercy.

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