Slaving Away for Christ

Colossians 3:22-4:1, Ephesians 6:5-9

A lot is said about productivity. Corporations and managers are always finding ways to increase productivity and improve unproductive employees. So key performance indices are applied. Many of these tools can also become a chore - sometimes the tool used to promote productivity becomes the very means to reduce it because so much time is devoted to the tool. But it’s used because bosses want more. That’s the way of bosses - to improve productivity, profit, and processes. And that’s good! Many employees also desire this. When such desires collide, it’s a match made in heaven - so to speak.

Sometimes desires are idolatrous. The greed for bigger, better, more enslaves bosses and employees. By means of incentive and punishment, bosses “motivate” employees. And it’s stressful. Some feel like slaves rather than valued employees. Similarly, there’s sloth. Proverbs 10:26 says the slothful are smoke in the eyes of their bosses. But slothful and disorganized bosses also frustrate employees. Incentive and punishment may change behavior; but only Christ changes the heart.

Paul specifically addressed the Christian master and slave here. They were Christians and had to put off the old and put on the new. And what’s interesting is that here, Paul wrote more on masters and slaves than the other relationships. For husbands and wives, 2 verses; for parents and children, 2 verses. But for masters and slaves, 4 verses. Why? Possibly because Paul’s letter to the Colossians had a special concern for Onesimus - Philemon’s runaway slave.

There are 2 points in this message. Firstly, slaves are to work hard to the glory of God. Secondly, bosses are to reward their slaves to the glory of God. I do want to apply this to present day work life, but I must deal with the context so appropriate application can be made.

Firstly, slaves are to work hard to the glory of God. And in the context, Paul was speaking to servants. These servants were not free salaried servants but slaves. Likely, they were household slaves, because Paul grouped them with other household relations. Likely, these slaves had become Christian because they were part of the household of their Christian masters. They had joined the visible church. And on the Lord’s Day, when they gathered for worship, they were in the meeting of the church. If this is the case, not all were initially truly converted - like Onesimus. Or, these Christian slaves were allowed by their non-Christian masters to attend church. We’re not completely sure - but I find the first option the likeliest.

This slavery was the Greek and Roman kind. History records that slaves were 4 times more than free men in Colossae. So many believers there were domestic slaves. But teachers, accountants and doctors were often slaves too. And this was not Hebrew slavery - where slaves had rights, because they ultimately belonged to God. But Greek and Roman slaves were owned - they had no rights; masters could treat them however they wanted to.

So what were Paul’s commands to the Christian slaves? He told them to obey in verse 22, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.” They were to obey their human masters - that’s what flesh means. Paul didn’t say slavery was unjust. Heaccepted the cultural norm. Paul didn’t command masters to release the, although he strongly implied it later in Philemon. Paul didn’t command slaves to resist masters either. A Christian slave was a better slave.

Now, Greek and Roman slaves could pay for their freedom. But until then, they were to continue as slaves. In 1 Corinthians 7:21, Paul said - if you’re a slave, don’t be bothered by it - but if you can gain your freedom, go for it. But until then, they were to obey in all things. This would’ve been hard for those whose masters were not Christian. They were to obey in things they liked, and didn’t like. So today, let us obey our employers in all things that relate to their business and our jobs. At work, our time belongs to them; we don’t do what we please. While they may be difficult, we are to obey them.

They are our earthly masters. The Greek word for master is “lord.” It’s used 7 times. Paul draws a connection between them and our heavenly Lord. Our employers may have control over our flesh, but God owns our soul. Therefore, we obey them in obedience to God. That is the manner in which we obey. We obey “not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Our obedience is radical - better than an incentive driven, punishment avoidant work. And we don’t serve only when they’re looking. We would technically not need KPIs. KPIs are implemented as a way to watch employees, so they serve with eye-service. But our obedience is to be with singleness or sincerity of heart. Paul has upped our obedience. The attitude is important. We don’t just obey, but we obey cheerfully - even when it’s difficult - out of reverence and fear to God.

And this tells us something important - our earthly service, no matter how menial, is a high and sacred religious duty to God. We are slaves of Christ. And we serve out of love. In the Old Testament, when a slave was set free, he could voluntarily remain with his master for life. And a ceremony was conducted. The master would take him to the front door, place his ear on the door post, and drive a wooden peg through his ear. It symbolized the slave belonged to his master, voluntarily, out of love. The door meant he belonged to his master’s household, never to depart. The ear meant he would listen to his master. There was devotion.

And so, we’re not loyal Japanese salarymen, we are God’s slaves. He has placed us where we are in the world to do his will and to shine for him. And that’s what Ephesians 6:6 says, that we do the will of God from the heart. As new creatures we “delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8). It’s not out of incentive or punishment, but out of a devoted heart to God that we serve.

This is why we work heartily unto the Lord - verse 23 says - “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” The phrase “do it heartily” is literally work soulfully Ephesians 6:7 says that we are doing service. Meaning if we are hired, we are not bosses butemployees who work soulfully for the success of our company and bosses. We bend our wills and our backs, heartily, for the glory of Christ.

And what is the reason why we work hard? It’s because Christ will judge and reward. Ephesians 6:5 makes it clear that not only do we fear God, but we tremble. Our master is Christ - judge over all things. Verses 24-25 say, “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

This was great hope for the hopeless slaves - they had bad food, were whipped, lived in crammed quarters. But Christ is coming, and in his kingdom, slaves are sons, servants are friends, and subordinates are brothers. There was hope of vindication for them. Many were badly treated, but Christ sees. And that’s a way for us to remain under difficult bosses - when there’s no earthly recourse. We can endure because Christ sees your pain. And one day, he will reward you for your patience, and deal with those who would ill-treat you. God does not show partiality towards bosses, even though Roman law did. But not God.

But in the same way, Ephesians 6:8 says that God will reward you for the good. Verse 8 says “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Your hard work is seen by God and he rewards. That’s good incentive. You may be a servant. But God doesn’t care. Who’s not a slave of God? So slaves are valuable to God.

But this was also a warning - our bad attitude to our bosses will be dealt with. How have you shown your Christ-likeness? How have you put on Christ in the work place? Or are you a discontent, grumbling, slandering, backbiting, scoffing at your bosses? Incompetent or not, God has placed them over you. We’re changed by Christ’s love - but also by knowing his reward on us for our obedience. Let us please our Lord, subduing self and surrendering our flesh to please him.

Now, I know that some of you are struggling - you have difficult bosses. But remember Christ has placed you in those places. Don’t do evil. God sees. And the cruelty of the boss in no way justifies your disobedience. Two wrongs don’t make a right. You have no right to break God’s laws just because you are ill-treated. And when it seems as if you can’t fulfill what is demanded - despite your hard work - trust Christ, who is already pleased with you. He can change the hearts of your bosses too.

But secondly, bosses are to reward their slaves to the glory of God. Colossians 1:1 says, “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” Here, Paul addressed masters or lords - the ones who owned the slaves. So they had great power over their property. Slaves were the lowest class of society - even freed criminals had more rights. By law, masters could beat them, mistreat them, and verbally abuse them. The law was on their side.

But Paul was speaking to Christian masters - those who were renewed in Christ - new men held to a higher law - the law of love. Their affections were in heaven. They were themselves slaves to sin, but now released, they serve their Lord. And their Lord was the same Lord that Christians slaves also serve. These masters had their ears nailed to the house of God - they would listen to their master Jesus Christ. Masters were slaves. And what is more, if they were Christians of the same household, they were brothers and sisters of one another.

And we learn here that Paul commanded these earthly master to give their earthly slaves what was right and fair. In other words, they were to reward their servants. They were to reward them with appreciation and just payment for their labor. Depending whom you read, these slaves were unpaid prisoners of war, slaves who received a modest stipend, or slaves who received payment at their master’s discretion. But whatever they were, Christian masters were to be generous to them.

In those days, based on your race and status, you could be treated worse or better. And in church there were different kinds of people. Colossians 3:11 mentions some of them - “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” But these worldly distinctions no longer prevented a person from equal treatment in the church. Christianity is the great equalizer..

A Christian’s slaves were no longer slaves, deserving nothing, but those who deserved fair wage and treatment. So even if they were from so called uncultured and savage people, like the Scythians, they were still to be treated fairly. And what’s more, because these slaves were in the church, they were brethren in Christ.

Job exemplifies the Christian employer. Job 31:13-15 says he listened to their complaints against him! So the Christian boss should strive for excellence in how they take care of their workers; it’s not all about key performance indices. Neither will he be like the Pharisees, with hard core expectation, demanding standards mercilessly and not offering help. But forbearing and helpful. Ephesians 6:9 says that just as God has dealt kindly towards us, bosses are not to threaten their employees. If God has been merciful and kind; if he motivates our obedience with his love; if he chastises with mercy; this is something we ought to learn from. And this transcends culture. Christ must transform culture.

When I was living in Thailand more than 3 decades ago, we had 2 domestic workers. Whichever word is used today - it doesn’t negate the honor we give to them for their honorable work. But Thai culture then, required maids to call their employers master. They were required by culture, to crawl to their employers on their knees when serving them. Needless to say, we were all shocked. But that was the norm. But even here, we may still have a very imperious attitude towards our domestic workers today - who come from various surrounding nations. And labor laws don’t apply to them - which leads to so many abuses - with employers squeezing as much out of them as possible, threatening to send them home. But Christ transforms culture. We are to do unto them as we would have others do unto us, justly and fairly. When Paul wrote to Philemon, he fully expected Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother and to exceed what the common cultural norms demand.

The reason we treat them as ourselves, is because Christian bosses have a boss in heaven. Ultimately, no master owns his slaves or employees. God owns them. And God especially owns Christian slaves. Bosses who are ruthless contradict Christ’s gentle lordship. How should you treat your employees? Treat them in the same manner as your master in heaven treats you. He who was God, did not clutch on to his glory, but came down to be a servant, to die for his enemies.

What are some practical applications? I’ve made plenty. But just a few more. There are some of you in undesirable and unbearable working conditions. Are you in any way at fault? Work for the success of your boss. Serve God this way. Perhaps you are not at fault. If the Lord gives a way out, perhaps that’s his grace and mercy. But until then, serve God. Forbear. The Lord knows and sees. He is just. Are you a boss? What a privilege you have been given to minister grace to those you are over. To show the example of Christ in caring, in rewarding.

God calls all employees to serve, to take up your cross and follow him - even when it hurts your body and your pride. Will you serve him by serving your employer? Will you serve your fellow believers? In God’s kingdom, it’s not the greatest master but the most miserable slave who knows his heavenly master.

Questions for Reflection: