Colossians 3:22-4:1 –Slaves/Masters relationship

Although having a slave was a common practice in the days of Paul, it is not indicative that God had created slaves or slavery. However, in these few verses, Paul’s instructions tell us that servants or slaves must be treated with dignity as fellow human beings.

Slaves were called to obey their masters in all things. They must serve not only when they are being watched by their masters but also would not malinger or skive when they are not. If they did not conduct themselves in this way, it would make them merely men pleasers instead of true service providers.

Paul was certain that if a slave truly loved the Lord, he would serve in a way that the Lord would be honored. Although they might be serving their earthly masters, they should serve with the attitude that they were actually serving Jesus Christ their Lord. In fact, in this way, they would then be motivated to serve heartily because they were serving the Lord and not man. Besides, they should serve with the Lord’s ultimate reward in mind. The apostle assured them that rewards await those faithful servants who were diligent in their works.

In Colossians 4:1, Paul then turned to instruct masters who owned slaves. They were exhorted to be just and fair to their slaves. The reason was the fact that they too had a Master. And He is none other than the Lord who sees and  knows everything.

We live in days when slavery is not a common thing. However, we can see this passage in the light of an employer and employee relationship. What sort of attitude must we have as an employer or an employee? What sort of work must we produce to bring glory and honor to God in our workplaces? How should we treat our subordinates at work?

Whether we are a boss or a subordinate, this passage says we must be diligent, be faithful, be fair and just, and serve with the aim to please God and not only to please earthly men. So let’s just faithfully, diligently, fairly and justly discharge our duties!