Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Summary: With today’s passage, Paul takes us into an area that modern society has taped off as verboten. Yet, looking at the underlying Greek text opens the door to a better understanding of how this passage applies today.
Did Paul really use the word “slaves” in this passage?
Believe it or not, that is a fair question. For example, the King James translation uses the word “servants” instead of “slaves.” The New King James Version uses a similar word, “bondservants.” While most translations use the word “slaves,” there are a few more that follow the lead of the KJV.
Why is this important?
Fifty years ago, the word “slave” was just a word. It referred to a condition of servitude that existed long ago in places far away. Now, lately, it has become fashionable to make a fuss about the word because, according to certain voices in the public square, everything they don’t like is potentially racist. Slavery, of course, is the ultimate expression of racism, therefore, the word has become one of those words that trigger strong reactions at times.
So, it matters to some people. But what did Paul actually say?
Paul used the Greek word “doûlos.” This word is defined in Strong’s Concordance as ”a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):—bond(-man), servant.”
Since society no longer considers slavery legitimate, does this mean we can ignore this passage?
No.
While slavery is no longer allowed, being a servant is. Servants come in all shapes and sizes and serve at all levels of society. If the intent of the word “slave” is to describe someone forced to work against their will, that still describes people who have to work for a living. We serve others in order to afford essentials.
While the economics and social status are slightly different than they were in Paul’s day, the principle is still the same.
“Obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.”
This can be a hard saying, especially if the person you are working for is amoral at best or immoral at worst. If the boss is abusive, we can feel like we want to strike back. It is easy to say, “I can quit anytime I want,” but the reality might be that we need the job more than we need our pride. If so, we are in the same position as the bondsman or servant Paul was referring to.
And what does Paul say about such people? Serve the boss just as you would Christ? How does that work?
Speaking from personal experience, it works like this:
First, serving someone like they were Christ, even if they are a jerk, sends a message. It sets you apart as a follower of the Light.
Second, serving in difficult circumstances builds qualities in a person that reflect Christ as well. We become more Christ-like.
Third, we expand our capacity for patience while God is preparing something better for us in the future. This is a hard lesson, but true. I have never seen it fail.
Showing respect and being sincere are two important skill sets for Christians, whether we serve others or employ others. Learning these skills can be the key to unlocking a brighter future.
Application: Treating others as we would treat Christ is good practice for loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Food for Thought: How does being a servant who respects their boss while serving compare to Jesus, who was silent before his accusers?
Jesus was silent before his accusers to accomplish salvation for everyone who puts their faith in Him and His work on the cross. Isaiah 53: 6 – 8 tells us the Messiah would provide substitutionary atonement and metaphorically be silent before the shearers as a sacrificial lamb.
There is only one Savior in the lineage of the human race – Jesus. God in the flesh who died for others. And while anything I do cannot accomplish what He did, I can follow His example of sacrifice and humble servitude. I can learn from Him humility in my service of others whether that be in the workplace or any other venue. John 13: 1 – 17.
Rich,
Your knowledge of Scripture continues to inspire me! I love how you related this to the Isaiah passage you reference. And yes, Christ instructed us by saying, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
Thank you!
How does being a servant who respects their boss while serving compare to Jesus, who was silent before his accusers?
A good way to compare them is what they choose not to do.
They do not complain about the unfairness. Jesus most definitely could have. Servants/ workers often times have a claim to that too. But this is not their choice. (Note: discussing changes to address unfairness is not complaining, but constructive and respectful)
They do not try to squirm out of their responsibilities. They fulfill the tasks given to them, pleasant or unpleasant.
They remain honest. If Jesus experienced temptation like we do, I have no doubt that there was temptation to lie about who he is to get out of excruciating death. But we know what He chose. A servant who respects his boss will remain honest, even if it doesn’t seem flattering or pleasing to his boss.
Jesus makes his choices out of love, and hopefully servant do too.
Angela,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts this morning! You make a very interesting point:
“A servant who respects his boss will remain honest, even if it doesn’t seem flattering or pleasing to his boss.”
Sometimes the truth hurts. Bosses are people too, and people sometimes don’t like facing up to reality. Another way of putting it is that sometimes the servant has to be the bearer of bad news.
Bosses may not like this, and they may not always react well, but I think in the end they respect the integrity of an employee who is honest.
When Jesus asked for the fathers will to be done comes to mind.
As it should! Well said! 🙂
A great devotion this morning, and I really liked Rich’s response.
When I think about Jesus’s accusers, what they said and what they did, I think about a group of people who find a rock sticking out of the side of a mountain, chip a few pieces off that rock, and then hold those chips up dancing around and claiming victory over the mountain. Jesus wasn’t a victim, He gave Himself willingly. He knew that the very act that His accuser’s were perpetrating, would bring the fulfillment of God’s promise and plan. It is hard to fathom this. To suffer accusation, persecutions and death and know that all of it can be to God’s glory for those who are obedient to Him. More so, Jesus wasn’t willing to relinquish His obedience to God to satisfy His pride. He wasn’t willing to sacrifice God’s glory because someone said or did something that hurt Him. I think about that wisdom. Will I allow what others do to come between myself and Jesus? Or will I give it to Him, and allow Him to use it to God’s glory?
Luke 23:34a ESV And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
He gave it all to God with a forgiving heart.
Thank you, Chris!
I really like the rock and chip illustration! 🙂
09-28-2023, How does being a servant who respects their boss while serving compare to Jesus, who was silent before his accusers?
In the Marine Corps, all are trained, “ You are to respect the rank, not the man “.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, BUT WITH SINCERITY OF HEART AND FEAR OF THE LORD.
This is an interesting passage which ends with, “ Just as you would obey Christ.” Which is oddly supported in Colossians 3:22 and possibly the key to understanding and applying this passage to our lives.
Jesus came to earth to serve mankind according to the will of His Father, God, not the created beings in positions of earthly authority over his body. His earthly ministry was closing, He had nothing more to say, He was headed for the cross, where in obedience to God, WITH SINCERITY OF HEART AND FEAR OF THE LORD He would with purpose become Gods sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.
We may not respect or even like the person we work for, but as long as we are accepting compensation for doing a specific job, we are to give them our best, WITH SINCERITY OF HEART AND FEAR OF THE LORD.
Thank you, Ron.
I get your point about “sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.” THe only think I would add is that sincerity is not an emotion. It is a quality that denotes transparency and earnestness. The fear of the Lord can be an emotion, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be a rational understanding of God’s overwhelming power.