Sincerity of Heart
Bondservants, 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.
Col 3:22
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Sincerity of Heart
In Paul’s day, slaves were considered part of the household. They often lived with their master's families and raised their own families alongside their masters. Some slaves were taken as spoils of war; others sold themselves into slavery for a time or were sold themselves by their families. So, as the Gospel spread and the Holy Spirit brought faith, many slaves were counted in that number. For as we are told, there is no distinction when it comes to faith; the Holy Spirit comes to the free and slave alike, the man and the woman, the rich and the poor, Gentile and Jew. And in all things, all peoples, regardless of status in society, are to obey God and those in authority. We would do well to remember that as we live in such a polarized society where the country disparages our earthly authorities simply because they are not from the same political party as we are. We are to do what is expected of us always by wholehearted cooperation and full obedience and in doing so, the transforming power of the Gospel is seen by all. In the end our reward is not here on earth but in the eternal inheritance with Christ. So all that you do, do it in Christian love and sincerity of heart.
Col 3:22
+
Sincerity of Heart
In Paul’s day, slaves were considered part of the household. They often lived with their master's families and raised their own families alongside their masters. Some slaves were taken as spoils of war; others sold themselves into slavery for a time or were sold themselves by their families. So, as the Gospel spread and the Holy Spirit brought faith, many slaves were counted in that number. For as we are told, there is no distinction when it comes to faith; the Holy Spirit comes to the free and slave alike, the man and the woman, the rich and the poor, Gentile and Jew. And in all things, all peoples, regardless of status in society, are to obey God and those in authority. We would do well to remember that as we live in such a polarized society where the country disparages our earthly authorities simply because they are not from the same political party as we are. We are to do what is expected of us always by wholehearted cooperation and full obedience and in doing so, the transforming power of the Gospel is seen by all. In the end our reward is not here on earth but in the eternal inheritance with Christ. So all that you do, do it in Christian love and sincerity of heart.
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