THEME:
In a culture dominated by masters who owned slaves, people with authority, influence, and position were never meant to forget one thing: God is their Master. The same is true for you and me. Evaluate it honestly. Do you watch out for those who are considered “lesser?” If not, maybe it’s time to remember who you answer to.
KEY SCRIPTURE:
Colossians 4:1
Colossians 4:1
Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Authority is a gift, not a right
The way you treat people reveals the state of your heart
Colossians 4:1a
Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly…
Psalm 72:12-14
For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.
Colossians 3:22
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.
One day you will stand before the real Master and give an account for how you treated the people he loves—the very people he entrusted to your care
1 Corinthians 3:10b-15 (NIV)
Each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
When you treat people God’s way, it can lead them toward a relationship with him