1 Timothy 6:1-2 – Being respectful to those above us

Paul began chapter 6 by giving instructions on how slaves ought to behave toward their earthly masters. In the days of the aged apostle, slavery was a common phenomenon. Thus, in verses 1-2, he instructed Timothy to ensure that slaves showed respect to their earthly masters.

Since attitude and perspective play key roles in shaping respect, we see Paul dealing with them in these verses. He first dealt with the relationship between a believing slave and a non-believing master in verse 1. Proper respect always originates from a proper attitude. When a servant has the mindset that his master deserves to be honored, he would naturally accord due respect to him. That would naturally remove all negative feelings and slanders against God and the teachings of the church. This implies that the opposite would take place when slaves misbehave by showing disrespect to their masters. Verse 2 deals with slaves who have believing masters. They should show respect because now the master is not only his owner but also a fellow brother in the faith. This would call for better service to be rendered, for the beneficiary of the service is a believer in Christ and should be loved.

When Paul called for Timothy to teach and preach these principles at the end of verse 2, it was not just about slaves respecting their masters. He was also calling for Timothy to teach and preach all the other issues which he had instructed him in the previous chapters.

What we truly need to cultivate is a right attitude. Why? How we act in life often flow from our attitude. A sweet attitude will also help to generate a proper perspective concerning what we are to do. Whether we are serving an employer or treating an employee, let’s make sure that whatever we are doing flow out of a good attitude. Then it will surely be pleasing unto God.