Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; 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; 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. Colossians 3:22-25

Slavery or bondservants was a popular practice in the 1rst Century Roman-Greco era. Jesus and the Apostles addressed this group many times, because the gospel will set us free spiritually. Groups that were being opposed now had hope because of Jesus Christ. This is the message Paul wanted to convey to the people, because Christ is Risen, we have the final victory

The Master/Slave relationship in the 1rst century world was more viewed as an Employer/Employee relationship. That’s why Paul says “obey in all things your masters according to the flesh” As servants of Jesus Christ, we are to live Godly lives. That means we are honorable and hard working. We don’t try to cheat our employer or Master, out of time or steal from them. We are the hands and feet of Christ, we are to show respect to our authorities, even when they might not deserve it

However, notice this statement also , “according to the flesh” Regardless of who is our governing authority or boss, Jesus Christ is our Lord and King. We will be obedient and respectful to our authorities, but our allegiance belongs to God. We will not do anything that will go against our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Peter said “ We obey God rather than Men” (Acts 5:29)

Whatever we do, we do it for The Lord, so if your boss is telling you to sweep the floor or clean the toilet, we will do this in obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is our Master, our big boss, everyone else is second. When we do things , big or small, we are doing it to please Christ. If you hate your job, still do the best work you can, why? Because this will bring honor to Christ. Be respectful to people even when they are rude, be dependable and reliable, all these things bring honor to our King

This same concept is then applied to our spiritual lives. We are not just Christians in name and title, we are servants of our Master Jesus Christ. That’s a true disciple of Jesus, it’s not someone who says “I’ll do what I want, when I want”, no our attitude is “Lord your will be done”

As Paul also says “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) In everything we do in life, live to bring honor to our Lord and King Jesus Christ, Amen!