Category Archives: Lord

Bible, Equality, Fairness, Justice, Lord, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

JUST AND FAIR

COLOSSIANS 4:1

“Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”

The whole topic of slavery, which Paul has been addressing in the past few verses (3:23-25), can be confusing for us in the 21st century. Slavery has been abolished in the U.S. since December 18, 1865. There are still areas of the world, however, where slavery is practiced, whether it is legal or not. Slavery does just the opposite of what this verse is commanding – granting justice and fairness.

Paul knew he could not change the slave culture that was all around him by simply penning a letter to a church in Colossae. But he could give God’s Word to Christian masters, like Philemon, who lived there. He could point them to the justice and fairness of God in their own lives. He even says, “you also have a Master in heaven.” The Greek word for “Master” is kurios, which is often translated “Lord,” referring to God or Jesus. I believe these masters of slaves in the Colossian church got the message.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 7:21 Paul tells the Christian slaves, “Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.” In other words, don’t rebel and lash out at your masters, but do all you can to be set free. Often slaves could earn money enough to buy themselves out of slavery. By doing this, they would have to work extra hard, which in turn would please their masters.

Paul also addresses this issue in 1 Timothy 6:1-2, where he says, “1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.” This was obviously a contentious topic in the early church that was living in this slave culture.

So, how can we learn from this verse? Treat everyone with justice and fairness. To show justice means to do what is right in God’s eyes, not yours. And to show fairness means to treat everyone as equal. You are above no one. I believe these two truths are important in our relationships with others, whether they are believers or not. Do this to please your “Master in heaven.”

Father, You truly are my Master. I want to do all things according to Your justice and fairness.

Standard
Bible, Lord, Scripture, Soul, Works

GIVE IT YOUR ALL

COLOSSIANS 3:23

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people,”

All for one and one for all. That is a common slogan used with groups of people, whether it be a sports team or another group that must work together. A group is only as strong as its weakest member. If one person isn’t totally devoted to the group, it can show in their production. We have to give it our all.

Paul is still speaking to slaves in today’s verse. In it he tells them to “work heartily.” It’s interesting to me that the word translated “heartily” is really the Greek word psuche which means soul. It was often referred to as our breath of life or our emotions. I would rewrite this verse to say, “Whatever you do, give it all you got, as if you are working for Jesus, not people.”

APPLICATION

This verse certainly has applications for us as believers. We can “do” a lot for the Lord but are they what He wants from us? What are you “doing” right now for Him? Are you giving it your all? It is so easy to get into a rut and just do stuff. I have heard a rut defined this way – it’s a grave with both ends knocked out. We certainly don’t want to live that way, do we?

Gill’s Exposition describes this work this way. “do it heartily, not by mere force and necessity, grudgingly, and with murmurings, but from the heart, and with good will, having a true, real, and hearty affection for their masters, having their good and interest at heart, and a delight in their service; like the Hebrew servant, that loved his master, as also his wife and children, and therefore would not depart from him,”

Is that how you see your work today? Do you do it grudgingly or with murmurings? I pray today you will begin your day giving thanks to the Lord for all He has called you to do. Do it with gratitude. Do it to please Him. Do it because you love Him and want to please Him. Then your work will be a pleasure!

Lord, give me joy in all I do today for Your kingdom.

Standard