Topical Bible: Servants: Duties of, to Masters: To be Anxious for Their Welfare

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the relationship between servants and masters is addressed with specific instructions that emphasize the importance of mutual respect and care. Servants are called to be diligent and conscientious in their duties, with a particular focus on being anxious for the welfare of their masters. This principle is rooted in the broader biblical ethic of love, service, and humility.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides several passages that outline the responsibilities of servants towards their masters. In Ephesians 6:5-8 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free."

This passage highlights the importance of serving with sincerity and integrity, as if serving Christ Himself. The emphasis is on a heart attitude that seeks the good of the master, reflecting a commitment to their welfare.

Anxious for Their Welfare

Being anxious for the welfare of one's master involves a proactive concern for their well-being, both in terms of their personal and professional life. This includes being attentive to their needs, anticipating potential issues, and acting in ways that promote their success and peace of mind. The biblical narrative encourages servants to go beyond mere duty, fostering an environment of trust and mutual benefit.

In Colossians 3:22-24 , Paul reiterates this sentiment: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

This passage underscores the idea that the ultimate service is to the Lord, which in turn elevates the servant's role to one of spiritual significance. By being anxious for their master's welfare, servants are participating in a divine order that values diligence and care.

Examples and Applications

The account of Joseph in Genesis provides a profound example of a servant who was deeply concerned for the welfare of his master. Despite being sold into slavery, Joseph served Potiphar with excellence and integrity, earning his trust and eventually being put in charge of his household (Genesis 39:1-6). Joseph's commitment to Potiphar's welfare, even in difficult circumstances, exemplifies the biblical ideal of servant leadership.

In a modern context, this principle can be applied to employer-employee relationships, where employees are encouraged to work with dedication and a genuine concern for the success and well-being of their employers. This approach fosters a positive work environment and reflects the biblical call to serve others as serving the Lord.

Conclusion

The biblical instruction for servants to be anxious for the welfare of their masters is a call to embody the virtues of respect, diligence, and genuine care. By doing so, servants not only fulfill their earthly duties but also honor God, who rewards such faithful service.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 25:14-17
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 5:2,3
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Two Yokes
... ours we will be free, and our own masters still; but ... The duties of holiness are very
irksome to men who ... The servants of Christ are always anxious to get their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the two yokes.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... His saying, "Neither be ye called masters: for One ... purpose, while duties to the
living"duties which Christ ... with them in shedding the blood of God's servants. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... No man can serve two masters: for either he will ... eternal life, after having mentioned
several duties, our Lord ... and Prophets, and all the chosen servants of God ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

A Period of Transition
... a necessary fulfilling of inherited duties (because of ... neglect of catechizing children
and servants and famaly ... government of parents or masters; boarders and ...
/.../the development of religious liberty in connecticut/chapter v a period of.htm

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... of the feeble king and his frantic masters, the princes ... when, after a careful
reservation of the duties of private ... In short, we see how even the servants of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

The Pilgrim Band, 1736-1743.
... Count was a fool, and was, therefore, anxious to see ... The Lord has made kings, masters,
servants and slaves ... For these manifold duties Dober felt unfit; he had no ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the pilgrim band.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... Hence many masters liberated their slaves on condition of ... by this neglect toward
her servants, incurred a ... the faithful and successful discharge of its duties. ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

The Religious Revolution
... yoke that had been laid upon them by their masters. ... the Catholic princes had also
their duties to fulfil ... After long and anxious deliberation they determined to ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... he exhort masters-thus in his epistle to the Ephesians, "and ye, masters, do the
same things unto them (ie perform your duties to your servants as unto ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... should watch and discharge with fidelity the duties of his ... of the Romans, at that
period, "the masters of the world ... of Christ, and not only the servants but the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm