24 Aug September 15 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHRISTIANS –  SLAVES (Part 1)

Colossians 3:22 “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.”

As you read Colossians 3:22-4:1, you will probably have in your mind the slavery that was practiced in the early history of the United States.  Slavery in the Roman culture was much different.  Yes, slaves then as was true in the United States, were property, not persons.  Unlike slaves in the United States, Roman slaves had recourse to the legal system when unfairly treated.  In addition, slaves were also able to have important positions such as doctors, artisans, administrators, tutors, writers, and scholars. (Deterding Commentary on Colossians)

To understand the point St. Paul is making the last nine words of Colossians 3:22 are the key.  This section of Colossians 3 is addressed to Christian slaves.  Within the church they had equal status to all the members.  They were treated with respect and dignity.  As Christians, they too were to live their lives under the same purpose and direction as those who were not slaves, namely, “. . . with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”

The application of this section of Colossians to you and your life is you also, though not a slave, are to “with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord” show respect and honor to employers, those who have authority over you, etc.  As a Christian you do all you do because you are one of God’s children.  This is your Christian witness to them and to the culture in which you live.

St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”

Prayer:  Enable me, O Lord, to live my life seeking the good of many that through my Christian witness they too may be saved.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Lord of all nations, grant me grace

To love all people, ev’ry race;

And in each person may I see

My kindred, loved, redeemed by Thee.

Break down the wall that would divide

Thy children, Lord, on ev’ry side.

My neighbor’s good let me pursue;

Let Christian love bind warm and true.

Forgive me, Lord, where I have erred

Thy children, Lord, on ev’ry side.

Make me to see the wrong I do

Will grieve my sounded Lord anew.

Give me Thy courage, Lord, to speak

Whenever strong oppress the weak.

Should I myself the victim be,

Help me forgive, rememb’ring Thee.

With Thine own love may I be filled

And by Thy Holy Spirit willed,

That all I touch, where’er I be,

May be divinely touched by Thee.

(LSB 844)