Thank you Tom, for your faithful work and the perfect readings!

Here is the text:

Titus 2:9-10, "Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”

Interesting points:
1. In these verses, Paul continues his instructions to Titus on how to guide various groups within the church. Here he focuses on slaves (or bondservants). As slaves were a common part of first century Roman culture, Paul included them in his letter. With a heart for all God’s children, he showed concern for their well-being, even urging masters to free their slaves whenever possible, such as in his letter to Philemon.

2. Paul's teachings apply to anyone operating under someone else’s authority. Besides obeying their master in everything, they should strive to please them. This phrase reflects when a person successfully performs the will of his leader/boss/employer, and is similar to the one our Heavenly Father used when He said He was "well pleased" with Jesus at His baptism (Matthew 3:17).

3. Paul also reinforces that slaves ought to demonstrate their trustworthiness by not stealing, talking back, and conduct themselves in order to bring honor and glory to God to make the teachings of God appealing. Although a slave/bondservant had no direct influence over his or her master, they could influence them to pursue a direct relationship with Jesus Christ.

4. In referring to God as "our" Savior, Paul -- a Jew – underlines that he considers Titus -- a Gentile -- as a brother in Christ and part of God’s family, emphasizing the unity through Jesus of all who believe in Him.

Application.
Brothers, what another powerful reminder concerning how the example of our lives can even influence those in authority over us! Loyalty, diligence and ethical behavior are sadly becoming less common in the workplace.
Although few would dream of stealing from our employers (or clients), we have to be very diligent concerning how we spend our time. Whether it is surfing the Internet at work, chatting with family members during work hours or even taking prolonged coffee/smoke breaks and lunches, our conduct will be scrutinized eventually.
May we set the example of being good employees, managers and stewards for God’s kingdom so that those in authority over us will be thankful and become more receptive to God’s call on their lives!