The first thing I think of as I read this passage is humility. As a child, I wanted to be free from what my parents had to say…it wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized they would always be my parents, and would always have insight and guidance for me. The command for children to obey their parents doesn’t expire at age 18 or 21….as a child I always obey my parents…even into their old age.
At the same time, as a parent I have an obligation to my children as well. Just because I have authority over them when they are young doesn’t mean I should exploit it. I should take care to ensure that my advice and responses are not too harsh. Although I am in charge, I should not take advantage of my position.
Then Paul expands his application of this passage to the workplace. As a worker, I fulfill the role of “slave”. Not in the sense that I work for no wages, and have no rights…but in the sense that I am doing what someone else is telling me to do. Before you chafe at this, consider that all of us are doing what someone else is telling us to do. At least, most of us are. As an employer I should use the same precautions I implemented as a parent. At the same time, I am a slave to Jesus, and I can do only those things that He allows.
Paul seems to switch gears when he talks about putting on the armor of God, but really it’s simply a segue. He’s been talking about behavior, and now he’s saying “soldiers should behave and prepare in a certain way”. Certainly, every soldier knows that they are under the orders of someone else, even if they have men under their command. We all take orders from someone…that’s the reality.
Soldiers prepare. There’s a saying in the military “more sweat in training, less blood in combat”. If the first time you use your gear is in battle, then you have a problem. It should be very familiar by that point. Therefore, make it your practice to exercise peace, prayer, and truth. Study your Bible so that you will be ready when the battle cry is sounded. Training isn’t always exciting, but it is always necessary.
Blessings,
PR