We All Have the Same Master

Written By Betty Predmore

EPHESIANS 6: 1-24

(September 28)

Obedience. Honor. Discipline. Instruction.

You will see these words in many books and studies on Christian parenting. In fact, I use these words quite frequently in my weekly parenting classes. It sounds so simple, but ...

According to Paul's instruction, children are to obey their parents and show them honor. The promise is that if they do this, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth." Teaching obedience and honor to our children can take patience and time, but the investment is well worth it to have children who not only honor their parents but honor their Father in heaven as well.

Part of how we do this is by the second instruction Paul gives ... for parents to not provoke their children to anger, but to bring them up with discipline and Godly instruction. Letting your "yes be yes" and your "no be no" is crucial. Standing firm in your discipline, but doing it in love, not anger. Keeping in mind that discipline is always done in love, and when it isn't, it is not discipline ... it is punishment and "getting even."

Paul then goes on to talk a lot about slavery. He states that slaves are to be obedient to their masters, having respect and fear. They are to serve them sincerely, and work to please them. Work for them as if you were working for the Lord, knowing that the Lord will reward each of us for the good we do, despite our situation of freedom or slavery.

What about the masters? They are to treat the slaves in the same way. There should be no threatening and harsh treatment, but masters should be considerate of their slaves in the same way the Lord is.

Whether slave or master, child or adult, Paul advises to be strong in the Lord, putting on ALL his armor in your efforts to stand firm against the devil. And remembering that it is not man that comes against us, but the evil of the unseen world that fights us daily.

We need to stay alert, be in prayer. Paul advised this to the Ephesians and in turn, asked them to continue to pray for him, so that he could continue to speak boldly about the Good News.

As he wrote this, he was bound in chains, writing from his imprisonment. He was a slave to the master that bound him, but he was continuing his service to God in any way made available to him.

Paul didn't concentrate on his predicament. He put his focus on his purpose. He knew that despite his situation, he was really no different than everyone else. After all, we are all slaves to one Master, and it is only in that situation of slavery that we find true freedom.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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