Haggai 1:7 Thus said the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. It should be the great concern of every one of us to "consider our ways"; to think over them; to search and try them. Applied to servants, we treat — I. THEIR DUTIES. 1. Your first duty is to God. You must turn unto Him as real penitents, seek forgiveness through the merits of Jesus Christ, wash in His precious blood, and believe the promises which He has given in His Gospel. 2. Earnest prayer is a duty which servants too often neglect. Weariness at night, and late rising in the morning, are the causes. 3. The diligent reading of the Scriptures. The busiest may find or make time for this spiritual improvement. 4. Attending constantly at the house of God. Whenever, that is, you can secure an opportunity. "Faith cometh by hearing." 5. Consider your duty towards your employers. Such as the duty of fidelity or faithfulness; a strict regard for truth; obedience; keeping your temper. It is helpful and wise to make a friend, as we call it, of your master and mistress. 6. Consider your duty to your fellow-servants. You ought to show great care, tenderness, and affection for the welfare of each other. Endeavour to lead your fellow-servants into the paths of peace, by recommending, both by precept and example, religious habits. Aid them according to the ability which God giveth you, when they are in any distress. II. THEIR TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS. 1. Your early removal from your friends. Service is not like home, however comfortably you may be located. Home is home, however homely. 2. If a Christian servant, the irreligious habits of the families with whom you dwell is another trial. 3. The worldliness of your fellow-servants. These trials bring temptations. And there are special moral temptations for female servants. III. THEIR PRIVILEGES. 1. Wants supplied without involving personal anxiety. 2. Opportunity for receiving the Lord's Supper. 3. Power to assist in the Lord's work. (James R. Starey, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.WEB: This is what Yahweh of Armies says: "Consider your ways. |
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