June 23 - Colossians 3:22

June 23 - Colossians 3:22

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”

Paul was out to change the world a heart at a time.  He wasn’t necessarily interested in changing the structure of the business world, knowing that if a man’s heart were changed, so would his life be changed, whether in the home or at work.

Slavery was a part of life and while it would have been as morally unacceptable then as it is now, he wasn’t going to change it.  What he could change was how people worked together. 

Who knows, maybe in two thousand years, the idea of working for someone else for a wage they can get away with will be as appalling morally as slavery.  Whatever the situation, though, Paul tells us that because we are God’s children, we are to do everything we can to be in accord with the authorities over us – not just when they’re watching, but always because of the relationship we have for God.

I grew up in small town Iowa.  It wasn’t until I was out of college that our family lived in any community larger than about 2500 people.  Everyone knew who we kids were – we were Frank Greenwood’s children – he was the local Methodist pastor.  Mom made sure that we realized how important it was for us to respect that responsibility.  Our actions reflected on Dad’s ability to work with his congregation.  If we made poor choices, not only would we get into trouble, but people would wonder about his effectiveness and question his authority when he spoke from the pulpit.

We did our best to live as Frank Greenwood’s children – screwing up when we did, but knowing how important it was that his church members could come to him because they trusted that what he said was how he lived.

This same attitude is how we should approach being God’s children.  The way His children act sometimes, no wonder the world doesn’t believe He is effective at loving them.  We undermine His authority every day with our actions. 

In our workplace, in our homes, on the street, in the marketplace … we show the world that God’s love and peace are predominant in our hearts by offering compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness.