1 Timothy 6:1-2 GUIDELINES The first two verses of chapter six are linked with the last verses of the previous chapter that deal with the actions and attitudes of believers toward each other. There are differences in the social life of God's people in some areas. Slaves and slave owners; employees and employers; rich and poor; old and young; and followers and leaders do have different roles in life. But as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are spiritual equals in God's family. The guidelines for living the Christian life day by day are that there must be respect for each other as the children of God. Honor is to be given to those to whom honor is due. We must maintain fellowship with each other without partiality.
A rebellious and disobedient attitude of a Christian employee to his employer is a hindrance to Christian testimony. On the other hand, an arrogant, hard employer who has an exalted opinion of himself, even though he may be a believer, is not a good representative of the Gospel of Christ. Equality as children of God is testified to by the work and attitude of a dedicated employee, and also a reasonable, respectful employer toward those who work for him.
Gospel preaching isn't done to change society or the social standing of different classes of people. Those who hear and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Savior are changed from within by the Holy Spirit. New birth produces evidence of a new creation in Christ. When believers have the new nature God gives us, our lives are changed. Changed lives of people are what bring positive changes in society. New laws passed by governments may make a thing legal, but it doesn't make it right. Our lives are to be testimonies to the unchanging standards of righteousness that God desires in people and nations.