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When reading through the entirety of the Scriptures, you will come across passages which speak on the topic of slavery. These passages can be confusing to those who immediately think of the painful history of the U.S. and/or ongoing cultural struggles with racism.
But we recognize that the form of slavery which occurred in the ancient Middle East (Old Testament) and the Roman Empire (New Testament) were very, very different from what occurred in our nation’s history. In Paul’s day, the vast majority of slaves were treated as common citizens. They earned income, have the freedom to live and move among others in the community, and could often buy out their contract in order to work elsewhere or go into business for themselves.
While it may not be a direct correlation, there are some similarities between the master-slave relationship in ancient Rome and the employer-employee relationship today. Paul essentially commands the employer to pay their employees fairly and to treat them justly. He also commands employees to work for their employer as if they are working for Christ Himself.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1, PHILEMON 1:1-25 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: On a scale of 1-10, what would you say is the current health of your relationship with your employer (or others in authority, such as professors, teachers, coaches, etc.)? What role could you take on to make this relationship healthier? For those in a position of authority, what steps could you take to improve the health of your relationships with your employees (students, etc.)?
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I consider what role I may need to take on to improve the quality of my relationships with others, I’m sometimes at a loss. I rarely know what I can do. Today, I simply pray for wisdom and discernment to know what to do. I also pray for the endurance to keep trying. The endurance to do whatever it takes to be the hands, feet, and words of Jesus in the lives of others. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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