Grace Notes 2024-06-26

In continuation of our exploration of the Table of Duties in Luther’s Small Catechism, this week we will look at the responsibilities “To Workers of All Kinds” along with those “To Employers and Supervisors.”

In continuation of our exploration of the Table of Duties in Luther’s Small Catechism, this week we will look at the responsibilities “To Workers of All Kinds” along with those “To Employers and Supervisors.”

Something you will note right away is that the passages taken from Ephesians refer to slaves and masters. Two things need to be said. First, some kind of slave/servant system existed in most of the ancient world. Eventually, slavery began to subside in the West and arguably because of Christian influences and thinking. Second, the pre-modern world did not know of massive employment in things like factories, businesses, and the recreation and entertainment industries. Coming under and rendering service to a master in return for food, lodging, and protection was a matter of survival.

As the institution of slavery rightly became criticized, mitigated, and then done away with, what was said about masters and slaves could beneficially be applied to employers and workers. Indeed, a worker loses a great deal of freedom for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Moreover, employers are able to give orders with expectations for assigned work to be accomplished. Obviously, this system is better than that of slavery. But abuses can and do take place here. Fair wages, honest work, a safe environment, and treating one another with dignity come to mind. So, to workers:

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. (Eph 6:5-8)

Then to employers:

Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. (Eph 6:9)

Since You Asked…

Are announcements necessary? And should they be included as a part of the liturgy?

Not all announcements are necessary! Nor should they be allowed to disrupt the rhythmic flow of the service. It is likewise important that announcements be kept to a minimum. But certain announcements are important. Information that will enhance participation in the worship, information pertaining to further Christian service, and information for regarding further opportunities for spiritual edification are such announcements of importance, and they are worthwhile to promote publicly to the assembly. We have chosen the beginning of the worship service as the most helpful and least disruptive placement for announcements.