Unto the Lord

Meditations on Colossians 

June 14, 2023

Unto the Lord

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Colossians 3:23

Read: Colossians 3:18 - 4:1

When you read all the Apostle Paul’s writings, it is very clear that he has the utmost respect for all people. Paul firmly believed that where Christ is present there is mutual respect, equality, and unity. He was thoroughly liberated from the cultural norms of his male-dominated society. He was also a realist in knowing that society would not be advanced through one huge break with the past. However, when people began to learn how to let the message about Christ fill their lives, the ways of Christ would permeate their lives and began to shape all their relationships.

In today’s passage, Paul is showing the church in Colossae how to take their first steps toward integrating the truth of Christ into their lives: Wives submit to your husbands; husbands love your wives and never treat them harshly; children always obey your parents; fathers do not aggravate your children; slaves obey your earthly masters in everything you do, serve them sincerely and work willingly at whatever you do; and masters be just and fair to your slaves and remember that you also have a Master—in heaven. (Colossians 3:18 - 4:1)

My Takeaway: In many places, there is a temptation to dismiss Paul’s words as not relevant for our times. Before yielding to that temptation, remember Paul’s teaching was revolutionary and completely counter-cultural in Colossae. These words had the power to transform the Colossian culture and make for a strong foundation for the Kingdom of God. What these words could do then, they can still do today in our culture. Let’s take time to consider how we can integrate the principles of this teaching into our life.

Sē’lah

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.