It Starts Small

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

Colossians 3:22-25

Does the Bible condone slavery?

Neither slavery in New Testament times nor the slavery under the Mosaic covenant can be equated with the abhorrent reality of the transatlantic slave trade. In this trade, “black” individuals were bought and sold as mere property by “white” oppressors for centuries. No “white” Christian should ever exploit any seemingly positive remarks about slavery found in these texts. They should not use them as a justification for the historic slave trade. This is an unforgivable scar on the collective conscience of both the U.S. and the U.K.

The Bible commands profound kindness towards slaves and servants among the Israelites. This serves as a powerful reminder of their own history as slaves in Egypt. They were called to treat others with the same compassion they yearned for themselves. In the ancient Middle East, slavery was rampant. This was especially true since the days of Egypt. If God had turned a blind eye to this reality, there would have been no regulations to safeguard the vulnerable. Instead, by introducing rules that honored the rights of these individuals, God demonstrated His deep care for them. Yet, this delicate balance is too often misinterpreted as an approval of slavery, which it unequivocally is not. In fact, God condemns slave traders, ranking them among the gravest of sinners in 1 Timothy 1:10.

¹⁶ “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.

Exodus 21:16

According to this powerful verse, those who were involved in the abhorrent slave trade of the 16th to 19th centuries deserved execution. It was their rightful punishment. In the context of such unwavering principles, it is essential to understand that slaves and servants in Israelite culture made their own choices. These choices determined their emergence, whether they were born among the Israelites or from neighboring cultures. In stark contrast, the reality for slaves in the Roman Empire was harrowing. It reveals a darker truth. Many were thrust into bondage against their will. They faced an unimaginable fate.

Slavery in Israel was more than just a remedy for bankruptcy. It represented a desperate yet profound solution to insurmountable debt. Individuals overwhelmed by financial burdens could make a harrowing choice. They could sell their greatest asset, their capacity for labor, rather than relying on government intervention. This arrangement was akin to a lifeline—after six years of hard work, they emerged free, having paid off their debts. Bond servants engaged in this system received wages. They received housing and training. They also had an opportunity to reclaim their lives—all within a mere six years! Remarkably, this arrangement can almost be seen as a better alternative than college. College often leaves graduates shackled by debt without any guarantee of a future!

A few pointers to remember:

• Slaves under Mosaic Law were distinct from the mistreated slaves of other societies. They embodied a role akin to devoted servants and were valued and protected within a framework of dignity.
• The Bible firmly stands against slave trading, turning its back on those who exploit others (1 Timothy 1:10). A slave or bond servant chose this reality out of desperation to repay debts, highlighting their struggle and resilience.
• The Bible acknowledges the reality of slavery yet outlines principles for fair treatment. Both masters and servants are to be respected for their equal worth under Christ.
• The Israelites had the opportunity to willingly offer themselves as slaves or bond servants, securing a wage and home. This act was a choice born of hope, with liberation promised after six years.
• In God’s family, every person shines with equal worth (Galatians 3:28). If slaves exemplified the character required in 1 Timothy 3, they could rise as leaders, showcasing opportunities for all in God’s kingdom.
• Biblical Christians were pivotal in advocating for the dignity of every individual. Within the church, slaves were embraced as equals deserving rights and respect, while Paul addressed the realities of slavery, teaching believing slaves their worth in God’s eyes.

Revolting meant a hindrance to the Gospel

Paul is acutely aware of the dire consequences Christianity could face. This awareness comes if slaves were to rise up against their owners under the banner of Christ. “The Way” of Jesus was revolutionary for the people of the Roman Empire. They carried a myriad of misconceptions and confusions about this transformative faith. Many in the Empire went so far as to believe that Christians engaged in cannibalism. They misinterpreted the sacred act of communion as something sinister. They also thought of love feasts as nothing more than wild orgies. To add to the outrage, some perceived Christians as incestuous. This perception arose simply because they affectionately referred to one another as “brother and sister.”

If slaves revolted, the government would fiercely turn against this burgeoning faith. Christianity would be cast as a dangerous threat. It would be labeled anti-social. It would be perceived as an insidious attempt to undermine the very fabric of society. Persecution would surge with a vengeance. Masters and their families might have been swayed by their servants’ kindness and grace. Instead, they would lash out against this faith. They believed it jeopardized their prosperity. Ultimately, the noble cause of the gospel would bear the heavy costs of this backlash, suffering greatly in the process.

¹⁹ Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

1 Corinthians 9:19

In 1 Corinthians 9:19, Paul fervently declared, “I have made myself a slave to everyone. My goal is to win as many as possible.” This powerful commitment illustrates a profound principle. For slaves, remaining obedient to their masters was not just a duty. It was a compelling call to a higher purpose. The mission to draw souls to Christ is crucial. Liberating them from the bondage of sin is essential. These missions far surpass the fleeting notion of physical freedom from slavery. Winning hearts for the eternal kingdom is the ultimate triumph!

The Bible seeks to transform society from the inside out. It aims to change one soul at a time, rather than through revolution. Consider Paul. He boldly urged Philemon to liberate his slave, Onesimus. This was a radical act of faith and compassion. Employees are called to honor their bosses, striving to win them over to Christ through their exemplary actions. Your attitudes and behavior in the workplace should serve as a powerful testimony for Christ. They should draw others to Him. Avoid pushing them away.

Paul passionately illuminates unique insights tailored to the hearts of diverse audiences. It’s crucial to recognize that he speaks directly to the slaves, not the masters, which marks a vital distinction. If his audience had been the masters, he would have articulated a different message. This is evident in Colossians 4:1 and in his letters to Philemon. To the slaves, he emphasizes the significance of obedience. To the masters, he underscores the profound principles of justice and mercy.

 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

This resonates with the very core of our driving force behind every action we take. Our motivations must be fueled by a deeper purpose, not just the desire to appease others. Seeking to please everyone can lead us down a treacherous path, complicating our lives in profound ways. For instance:

• Committing ourselves wholeheartedly only when the boss is looking.
• Attending church to publicly display our spirituality.
• Performing acts of kindness purely to gain approval from others.
• Tidying our home solely for the sake of our guests.
• Delving into the Bible more fervently when we know we’re being observed.
• Compromising our true beliefs to gain our parents’ favor.
• Seeking a prominent role in the church to earn recognition and admiration from those around us.

The list stretches endlessly, and this is precisely the sin of the Pharisees! With fervor, Jesus confronted their wicked motivations in Matthew 6. He proclaimed that those who engage in such spiritual acts just to be seen by others have already claimed their fleeting reward. They garner no approval or blessings from God, winning only the hollow praise of mankind. Ultimately, it comes down to a critical choice. Will you choose to please God? Or will you seek the fleeting applause of man?

Man may gaze upon the outer appearance, but God sees straight to the heart (2 Samuel 16:7). As human beings, we often find ourselves fixated on the surface, chasing after appearances. Many believe that restoring their relationship with God can be achieved through good deeds, education, and religious rituals. These actions may create a facade of goodness. However, they fail to address the deeper issue of our tainted hearts. From these verses, we must learn to embrace two vital truths with fervor.

Firstly, we must earnestly delve into the depths of our heart motivations. Why do we make the choices we do? The fear of the Lord coupled with a fiery desire to please Him should ignite the core of our motivations. If we truly dedicated ourselves to serving God with sincere passion, our lives would change profoundly. Imagine the incredible ways this devotion could reshape our existence!

• Do not dive into the Bible just to tick off a checklist. Avoid reading it simply to answer someone’s inquiry about your reading habits. You read it because you yearn to discover God on a deeper level. You seek to experience His presence. You desire to transform your life through His divine wisdom!
• You would never dare to indulge in secret sins when the world seems empty. Deep down, you would feel the unwavering gaze of God upon you. This reminds you that His presence is eternal and ever-watchful.
• You would give to others with an unwavering passion. You are driven by a pure desire to uplift and empower them. You do this rather than seeking the fleeting approval of those around you.
• Your face would not merely be a facade. You would no longer mask your true emotions with a cheerful guise while your heart seethes with bitterness. Instead, your face would radiate the exuberance and tranquility that genuinely dwell within your heart. It would be a vibrant window to the joy that is your true essence.
• You would embrace this duty wholeheartedly. You are infused with a fervent spirit. You understand that this is exactly what God desires of you.

Secondly, let us ignite a fervent commitment to refrain from judging others solely by their outer appearance. We must dive deep into the essence of who they are, uncovering the heart of the matter. It’s vital to nurture genuine motivations within our own hearts. We must guard against the hasty judgments that diminish our understanding of others. The next time you find yourself tempted to judge, pause! Immerse yourself in their experience, walk in their shoes, and grasp the reasons behind their thoughts and actions.

We must pour our hearts into everything we do! We must strive to give our absolute best in every aspect of life. This includes housework, raising our children, pursuing our careers, spreading the gospel, or serving in our church. We do this because God is always watching us. It’s vital that we carry out these tasks with joy, not with a heavy heart or complaints. We may face discouragement along the way—perhaps your career hasn’t unfolded as easily or profitably as you envisioned. Yet, remember, it is essential to dedicate your best efforts to your work for the Lord. Or perhaps you feel buried under housework, feeling unappreciated by those you serve. No matter what, keep serving from your heart with passion for the Lord! Maybe ministry isn’t progressing as you had hoped, and it’s disheartening when people don’t respond as you wish. Even when those you believed were thriving turn away, continue to pour your best into your efforts. You are accountable to God for your actions. Embrace Paul’s powerful instruction in Galatians 6:9: do not grow weary in doing good!

In which areas are you struggling to pour your heart and soul into your work? Where do you find yourself lured into doing the work merely for the approval of others?

you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.

Sometimes people passionately ponder the question, “Should we be motivated by rewards in heaven?” In light of this verse, I would assert that there is much to be said in favor of such motivation! The scripture, along with many others in the Bible, unmistakably indicates that heavenly rewards are indeed a compelling reason to strive for goodness. While they shouldn’t be our sole motivator, they certainly ignite a fire within us! It is absolutely valid to pursue these divine rewards; after all, if it were morally wrong, God would not have fashioned them as a source of inspiration for us!

Every person is driven by the desire for rewards. Yet, the tragedy lies in seeking validation from the wrong sources. When we chase the approval of others, the rewards we receive are merely fleeting, superficial, and utterly inconsequential. Consider this for a moment: if a student earns the admiration of a peer while disappointing a teacher, what value does that hold? If a child’s antics amuse a sibling but frustrate their parents, what purpose does it serve? We must strive to please the right individuals, for true fulfillment comes from aligning our actions with those who genuinely matter.

And the right person is the Creator and judge. He is the Alpha and the Omega. Why would you want to please anyone else first? If you were a soldier in an army and could please the general or a lowly sergeant, who would you choose? And yet we still many times choose to please the people around us rather than God. Why? We are shortsighted and foolish. We look at things from an earthly perspective rather than an eternal perspective. This needs to change! How can you begin to change?

He is the judge

God is not partial; His love knows no bounds! We’ve seen that He shows no favoritism to the rich, and equally, He does not favor the poor (Romans 2:11). God stands as our righteous judge, and each of us will one day stand before Him to give an account of our lives—there will be no excuses! We won’t be judged by the actions or thoughts of others, but solely for our own conduct. The consequences of our actions echo in this life, manifesting as discipline from God or through the natural law of sowing and reaping. And if we fail to heed the warning, the results could echo throughout eternity. But rejoice! The incredible truth is that Jesus willingly laid down His life for us, offering redemption and freeing us from the condemnation we deserve!

Let us pray and ask God to give us a clean heart. Let us ask for forgiveness for the areas we fall short and resolve once again to please our heavenly Master.

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Cross-References

• Ezekiel 36:26
• Psalm 51:10
• Matthew 5:8
• Proverbs 4:23

On diligence:

• Proverbs 13:4
• 2 Peter 3:14
• Ecclesiastes 9:10
• 2 Timothy 2:15

Discussion Questions

• What does the Bible have to say about slavery?
• How can these verses apply to us if we are not slaves?
• What is the key principle from these verses?
• If our action or conduct is right, does it matter if our motivation is right? Why or why not?
• Give an example of something we may do that is good, but is not rightly motivated.
• What is the proper motivation?
• What does it mean to fear the Lord?
• What does it mean to do your work heartily?
• How can we work for the Lord?
• What kind of work should we do for the Lord?
• What reason or reasons are given in verses 24-25 about why we should serve the Lord first (and not man) from our hearts?

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