Thursday, July 18, 2024

What comes to mind when you hear the word “slave”? My mind naturally jumps to the 19th century slaves who worked on Southern plantations. Thus when we read about slaves in verse 9, it may feel controversial.

Titus 2:9-10
⁹ Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back ¹⁰ or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.

The apostle Paul wrote these verses in a letter to Titus, who was the leading elder in the church in Crete, to give specific instructions to various groups in the church. These verses were directed at slaves, who in Paul’s day were common, but not quite what most of us would consider a slave. Some slaves were even educated, and generally, life was more secure as a slave than as a freeborn poor. Either way, they were still a marginalized class, which is what makes the fact that Paul was addressing them unusual and pretty amazing. 

So, why would Paul write that slaves must obey their masters and be well-pleasing? Galatians 3:28, also written by Paul, gives us some additional insight into the matter.

Galatians 3:28
There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

As Christ followers, we were bought by the blood of Jesus. Jesus paid the price for our salvation. That’s why Paul considered himself a slave to Christ. Paul spoke to slaves without any negative connotation, believing they were on equal standing.

So how do we apply this to our lives today? We are not enslaved like they were in Crete, but most of us are still responsible to our employers. Living a Godly life, being trustworthy, not stealing, and submissively working reflects what God has done in our lives. It is evidence of the faith we have in him, and it is an opportunity to teach about what it means to be a Christian as we demonstrate good character. 

We should show respect to the authority God has placed over us, honoring him in everything we do. We glorify God and beautify the gospel through our exemplary work.

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Questions:
Are you submissive to your employer? If not, why?

Does your life shine out for all to see, glorifying the Lord?

How are you glorifying the Gospel?

Next Steps:
This coming week, be mindful to work like you are working for the Lord. According to The Gospel Coalition there are six ways to leverage your job to serve God and grow in grace:

1. To love your neighbor.
2. To teach you to love and do justice.
3. To share the gospel.
4. To do good work well done.
5. To create beauty.
6. To enable generosity.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, open my eyes so I may see ways to humbly serve and glorify the gospel at my job. Help me to display a Godly life and give me opportunities to witness to others. Thank you for all you have given me; help me share my good fortune with others. I love you and serve you. It’s in your Son’s name that I pray, amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Titus 2:14
“He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”

This post was written by Jenn Macke, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.