GUIDELINES. 1 Timothy 6:1-2 The first two verses of chapter six connect with the last verses of the previous chapter, which discuss the actions and attitudes of believers toward one another. There are differences in the social lives of God's people in certain areas. Slaves and slave owners, employees and employers, rich and poor, old and young, followers and leaders all have different roles in life. However, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are spiritual equals in God's family. The daily principles for living the Christian life include respecting each other as God's children. Honor should be given to those to whom honor is due. We must maintain fellowship with one another without showing favoritism.
When Paul wrote this letter, slavery was a common part of most cultures. Rome thrived because of the many slaves who built its buildings and maintained its social order. Slavery also had a long history among the Jews, who had been enslaved by the Egyptians for four hundred years. While the Jews also owned slaves, Judaism’s teachings made the condition of slaves less oppressive than in other cultures.
A Hebrew slave could be considered a family member, much like Abraham’s unnamed slave [Gen.24; Gen. 17:23; Ex.12:43-44]. A Hebrew master was expected to treat his slaves as he would want to be treated himself [De.15:12-18]. In some cases, a slave might choose to remain a slave because of love for his master, the wife he was given, and his children. Even though he had the right to freedom [Ex. 21], the life he had was what he wanted to keep.
Although Christianity was not involved in shaping a nation's politics, Christian conduct within the political and legal systems had a clear impact on society. By showing respect to their owners, Christian slaves could witness to their non-Christian masters about their faith so that God’s doctrine “would not be blasphemed.” The Lord rewarded faithful obedience by slaves to their masters. Slaves with Christian masters were not to despise them but to understand, when God saved them both, that they were “to abide in the calling wherewith they were called.” They were to serve sincerely as fellow Christians. Before God, there was no distinction between slave and free [Gal.3:28].
Having said that, the core message of Christianity challenges slavery because “there is no respect of persons with God.” Slave or free, both are brothers in Christ. When God saved them, Philemon was to accept Onesimus as a brother. Different cultures around the world have various laws and customs; Christianity goes beyond outward obedience to the laws of the land to focus on the heart and soul of every individual. As Christians, servants, and employees, our actions and attitudes in the workplace should show our faith and reflect Christ. It is our duty to be a living witness to the power and grace of our Lord.
A rebellious and disobedient attitude of a Christian employee toward his employer hinders Christian testimony. Conversely, an arrogant, hard employer with an inflated sense of self—even if he is a believer—does not serve as a good representative of the Gospel of Christ. The equality of children of God is demonstrated through a dedicated employee's work and attitude, as well as a reasonable, respectful employer toward those who work for him.
Gospel preaching isn't intended to change society or the social status of different classes. Those who hear and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior are transformed from within by the Holy Spirit. The new birth shows evidence of a new creation in Christ. When believers have the new nature that God gives us, our lives change. The changed lives of people lead to positive changes in society. New laws passed by governments may make things legal, but that doesn't make them right. Our lives should be testimonies to the unchanging standards of righteousness that God desires for people and nations.