1 Timothy 5:22-6:11, especially vs. 6: "Now godliness with contentment is great gain." The Christian communities of the first century faced the needs of a large number of their members who were slaves (bond-servants), persons wholly owned by masters who mostly were not Christians. When masters and slaves both were Christians, the problems could be complicated (see the Epistle to Philemon). The counsel of the Church to slaves, which St. Paul states in this reading, did not challenge the social institution of slavery directly. Rather it encouraged slaves to "count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the Name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed" (vs. 6:1). But note especially his counsel to those who had Christians as masters: they were to "serve...because those who are benefitted are believers and beloved" (vs. 2).
These first century admonitions of St. Paul will readily transfer to the arena of work in contemporary society. We who have managers, employers, supervisors, and directors ought to count them "worthy of all honor" (vs. 1). The reason St. Paul offers is crucial: "that the Name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed" (vs. 1). Every relationship related to the workplace - with superiors and subordinates, peers and colleagues, customers and others - should be honored for God's sake, rendering to society and its claims on us what rightfully is theirs, and retaining always for God those things which are His prerogatives (Mt. 22:21).
Above all, let each of us, in whatever station we are, remember that we are teachers. But let our lives instruct others in the "wholesome words...of our Lord Jesus Christ, and...the doctrine which accords with godliness" (vs. 3), or we betray Christ. To live the Faith has little to do with displaying the words and pious gestures of our Faith, and much to do with determining to "flee... [all kinds of evil] and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness" (vs. 11).
Let us not be proud before others, but rather consider the grace which our Lord has extended to us, not being wroth with us, "slothful and sinful" as we are; neither destroying us in our transgressions, but in His compassion raising us up as we "lay in despair" (Morning Prayer to the Holy Trinity). Beloved of the Lord, we are called to reframe our lives as revealed by Light Himself. Does not He humble us? We are the least of all men, but we are His, and joyfully!
The proud, as St. Paul says, "knowing nothing...[are] obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil, suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth...." (vss. 4,5). Let us consider the reverse image and reflect on Christ's humble ones. They know all things, are filled with peace, and have no quarrel with anyone. The Truth they know is the Incarnate Word Who gives His peace to His own. Each one has His peace in his heart, and not as the world gives - in agreements and treaties. "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (Jn. 14:27). Who are we tempted to envy? We are richer than the world's great men of wealth. If we bring strife into the world (Mt. 10:34-37), it is because men prefer darkness (Jn. 3:19), but let us never sow discord.
We are blessed when we are reviled, when men "say all manner of evil against [us] falsely for My sake," says the Lord (Mt. 5:11). The Lord releases us from corrupt minds. He sets the Way before us to cleanse ourselves, to be pure, "even as He is pure" (1 Jn. 3:3). Rejoice! We are His bond-servants and slaves. Let us celebrate our Teacher and Master Who hath saved us. Let us begin today, from this moment, from the eternal now where Christ reigns.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God.