Christ’s Ambassador

If someone says “I love God” and hates his brother he is a liar; for he who does not his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 1Jn4:20

I would say one point each that impresses me about Abraham and Eleazer respectively in their Master-Servant relationship. One, Abraham’s faith in God was so contagious that it rubbed off on his servant. Eleazer knew Abraham served a very Big God who “hears prayers and rewards those who seek Him diligently” not just because Abraham said it often but because he lived it. He walked the talk. So Eleazer himself sought the face of this God of Abraham in his time of need. Do you have a maid, driver, gardener, cook, laundry man, or other categories of staff under your authority? What have they learnt about your walk with God? What have you taught them about your God? Do you allow the fragrance of Christ to waft into their nostrils? Jesus says “You are the light of this world” Are you shining for the Lord in your household? Can your servants, like Eleazer, pray to “God of my master [your name]”? How you treat them and other members of your household will matter a lot in the opinions they form about your relationship with God. ‘Church-ianity’ will not do. Love is it.  Mark you, you would one day stand before the Lord to give account of how you nurture [or God forbid, fleeced] the faith of the flock of God under your shepherd’s rod.

Two, Eleazer learnt to know God through his diligence, love and faithfulness to his master Abraham (…for all his master’s goods were in his hand Gen 24:10b). If you do not love the brother you see, how can you love the God you have not seen? Can your master (employer) give you the kind of trust Abraham gave Eleazer without them regretting it? Although he is only mentioned as a footnote to the story of Abraham yet we know that God is not unjust to forget [anyone’s] labour of love… (Heb6:10a). Eleazer would definitely be more rewarded than the trust and love Abraham showed him in return for his being trustworthy. His acquired faith and holiness would make him to see God. How faithful are you to your master(s)? Have you realized that it does not matter who gives the instructions or who signs the paycheck, but your real boss is Jesus?  He is you exceedingly great reward. (Gen 15:1)  Now, there is nothing you can hide from Jesus, He knows all things (Ps 139:1-13). How man rates you on the job is not what matters at the end but how Jesus appraises you. Even if you are self-employed, so long as you do a legitimate job you are still ultimately employed by Jesus. He is interested in what you do to earn a living since through that, you collaborate with others to help build God’s kingdom. Your workplace and household form a large sector of your mission field as a disciple of Christ (Mt 28:18-20). Commit your works to the Lord and he will establish your thoughts. Prov 16:3

The fore-going is also applicable to every other relationship:

Mother-in-law/Daughter-in-law: Ruth knew God through Naomi, and she also loved and cared for Naomi in her old age. How do you relate to your in-laws?

Parent/child: Lois’ and  Eunice’s faith influenced Timothy their offspring (2Tim1:5) What legacy are you leaving to your children? Are you teaching them the way of the Lord? Teach a child the way he should go and when he grows, he would not depart from it. You children, remember the fifth commandment (Ex20:12)

Husband/Wife: Priscilla and Aquilla served together in the vineyard of God though they were tentmakers by profession. Wives, do you submit to your husbands? Husbands, do you love your wives as Christ loves the church? Are you always in agreement with your spouse concerning diligent service to God?

Shepherd/Flock: Christ, the good shepherd gave his life to save the church. Dear Pastors, GO’s, Deacons and Elders do you feed the sheep of God or fleece them? Are you a shepherd or hireling?

Friend/Friend: David and Jonathan remained faithful to one another till death despite the hostile environment surrounding their friendship. Are you a friend in need or a fair-weather friend?

Bachelor/Spinster: Joseph and Mary abstained from sexual intercourse because they weren’t married. God frowns at sex outside of marriage. “If any man thinks he is behaving improperly towards his betrothed, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin, let him marry. 1Cor7:36.

In all relationship: kindred, co-tenants, colleagues at work, brethren in church, business partners, team mates, the scriptures say “seek peace and pursue it”. “Shoulder one another’s burden” “Let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.(1Jn3:7)”

God started the first relationship and He is still in relationship with man and other spiritual beings. He watches your relationships with keen interest and one day, He will judge your conduct in relationship by the golden rule: Do unto others what you would want them to do to you. Conversely, do not do unto others what you would not want them to do to you.