“Slaves, obey in everything, those who are your earthly
masters, not by way of eye-service, as people pleasers,
but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you
do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing
that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as
your reward. (Colossians 2:22-24)
The early church was filled with Believers who were slaves--men
and women who came under the domination of Rome and were
taken into slavery. They had no worldly possessions, worked
seven days a week, and died young. Paul did not tell them to rebel,
or try to escape, but instead asked them to “obey in everything!”
Rome was a terrible taskmaster. The word “justice” was irrelevant to
Paul. Why? Because Paul was looking at something far bigger
than their current circumstances. He told them to:
Work, not to please people, but fearing the Lord.
Work hard, but do it for the Lord and not for men.
You will receive your inheritance from the Lord--later.
Paul points out that our behavior, our work ethic, is not
to come from outward pressure but from an inward
attitude of the heart. I can’t help noticing that Paul puts
the emphasis of these verses and the ones prior, on the Lord.
It is not about me; it is all about Him. And... there is a promise!
I have a future no matter what happens here on earth.
See “A Fairy Tale Wedding”
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