It Starts Small

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 4:1

Paul passionately emphasizes the importance of just and fair treatment by masters towards their servants. It’s essential that masters recognize their servants as human beings, deserving of dignity, rather than mere possessions. Any form of brutal treatment should be utterly condemned. This includes verbal or physical abuse. It has no place in the realm of true mastery. Masters must embody compassion and respect, nurturing a relationship that uplifts and honors the humanity of those they serve.

In the Bible, the profound truth of equality among all individuals in the eyes of God resonates powerfully (Galatians 3:28). No one should wield their authority or position to oppress another! In the poignant letter to Philemon, Paul boldly declares a new relationship. Philemon must regard his former slave, Onesimus, as a “beloved brother” (Philemon 16). He passionately urges Philemon to liberate Onesimus. By doing so, Onesimus can wholeheartedly serve the Lord. He can also support Paul in his vital ministry. While Paul seeks transformation, he is avoiding the incitement of a chaotic revolt of slaves. Such a revolt would overshadow the transformative gospel message. It would also stall its vital spread. Simultaneously, he exhorts masters to be righteous and just. They should interact with their slaves as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The profound motivation behind treating servants with dignity was never rooted in financial gain. Paul wasn’t asserting, “If you take care of your slaves, they will work harder!” Instead, the driving force was this undeniable truth. Even masters themselves answer to a higher authority. God is their ultimate Master in heaven. Sooner or later, they would stand before Him to account for their actions toward those they governed. Every deed would be scrutinized by a holy and righteous God. To mistreat individuals fashioned in God’s magnificent image invited severe repercussions. A reckoning for their actions was inevitable. They could not escape it.

Every individual, regardless of their station in life, is under the watchful gaze of a higher authority in heaven. God reigns as the ultimate judge, seated upon His throne. He perceives and listens to every action we take, every word we utter. We must recognize a profound truth. We will be held accountable for how we wield the divine authority entrusted to us!

Fathers must fervently embrace the profound truth that a higher authority vigilantly observes how they engage with their children. Fathers may perceive themselves as the most formidable force in their homes. They feel impervious to the consequences of their actions and choices. However, wise fathers are acutely aware of the divine eye upon them. Their heavenly Father witnesses every interaction and will hold them accountable for any misuse of their God-given authority. In the same spirit, mothers should passionately acknowledge the wisdom they hold. A higher authority in heaven watches over them. It inspires their hearts and guides their actions. All of this is infused with grace and a profound sense of responsibility.

Teachers, church leaders, and government leaders are bound by an unwavering standard. God places individuals in positions of authority not for self-glorification. They are called to passionately lead. They should selflessly serve those they are meant to uplift. Believers must never wield their power to extort, abuse, manipulate, or seek personal gain from those they serve. Serve—that powerful word echoes with urgency! Far too many leaders believe that those beneath them exist solely to fulfill their every whim. The truth is starkly different. Leaders are entrusted to serve passionately. They must do so through both their words and their actions.

Perhaps the area where this rings most true in today’s world is in the realm of leadership. There exists a myriad of unfair and tyrannical bosses, whose cruelty knows no bounds. These leaders often wield their authority like a weapon, belittling their employees and turning their workplaces into nightmarish environments. Many of these individuals act unjustly. They coerce their teams into grueling overtime. They also impose additional responsibilities that breach the very contracts they signed. Some resort to threats, manipulating those who should feel supported and valued.

If you have employees, it’s vital to reflect on the type of leader you aspire to be. Our boss embodies thoughtfulness and compassion, embodying the essence of true leadership. He came not to be served, but to serve, giving His life as a powerful ransom for countless souls. Jesus was deserving of the disciples’ unwavering obedience. He could have confidently demanded anything from them. Instead, He chose to illustrate a profound example of love and service. He humbled Himself to wash their feet (John 13:1-17).

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Cross-References

• Proverbs 22:16
• Romans 4:4
• Ephesians 6:9
• Leviticus 19:13
• Leviticus 25:43 – Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.

Discussion Questions

• How does verse one relate to the previous passage on slaves?
• What instruction is given to masters?
• How can we apply this verse in our lives considering that we don’t have actual slaves?
• How can you treat your children/students/employees with fairness and justice?
• What reason is given for us to behave this way?
• What kind of master do we have?
• How should this knowledge about our own Master affect us in everyday life?

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