2. He is to remember that he is responsible to a higher Master. “Knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven” (ver. 1). The master is not less bound than the servant to do his duty as unto the Lord. They are both servants of the one great Lord and Master of all. “One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren” (Matt. xxiii. 8). Do not impose impossible tasks upon your servants. Avoid an overbearing tyranny, and “forbear threatening.” Exercise your authority with humanity and gentleness. Use your wealth, reputation, and influence in promoting the best interest of your work-people, and in serving the Lord Christ. Remember that whatever you do to the poorest servant of your heavenly Master is reckoned and recompensed as done to Himself (Matt. xxv. 40).
Lessons.—1. Social distinctions afford opportunities for personal discipline. 2. Every rank in life has its special perils. 3. The law of duty is binding in all ranks. 4. The dust of both masters and servants will soon mingle in a common grave.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES.
Ver. 23. Do all for God.
I. The Christian’s practical life comprises working, acting, and suffering.
II. Abide with God in your calling.—Intention gives a moral character to actions.
III. Motives to duty.—1. Mechanical activity. 2. Supernatural motive. “Do it heartily as to the Lord.” 3. Our good intention should be renewed at intervals. 4. Our lesser actions should be brought under the control of Christian principle.—E. M. Goulburn.
A Hearty Christianity.
I. The highest end of all work is work done for God and to God.—1. Not work done for self. 2. Not work done for society.
II. The highest kind of work of which we are capable is that which engages all the powers of our spiritual nature.—“Do it heartily.” 1. The character of the work we do will be decided by the state of our heart. 2. By the predominating impulse of the heart. 3. The character of our work as a whole will be influenced by the heartiness we throw into every single duty. “Whatsoever ye do.”