PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY - MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT
June 30th, 2026.
“And masters, treat your slaves in the same way (Ref. vs. 5-8). Do not threaten them, since you know that HE WHO IS BOTH THEIR MASTER AND YOURS IS IN HEAVEN, AND THERE IS NO FAVORITISM WITH HIM.” (Eph. 6:9 NIV)
How do we treat our hired hands, slaves or free? Do we have any responsibilities to them? There is equality in Christ and there is dignity in labour. Rather than an outright dismantling of the social structure, which seems impossible, biblical texts radically redefined the spiritual and ethical relationship between masters and slaves. The apostle Paul instructed masters to treat their slaves with fairness and respect, specifically commanding them to stop threatening them. Masters were reminded that they, too, had a Master in heaven who showed no favoritism. Jesus said: “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” (Mat. 26:11 NIV) Why did Jesus say this? Because of the way the woman with the alabaster jar of very expensive perfume was treated. In appearance, she was poor but rich in heart. Are you sure your hired hands are not as good? Maybe you never gave them the opportunity? Jesus did.
James says: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27 NIV) Why? Because “... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, (home base) and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Before you preached Jesus in the market places, start with your hired hands. You can change them by living the word of God.
Paul wrote to Philemon: I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me…….Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, AS A DEAR BROTHER. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.” (Philemon 1:11-16 NIV)
We all want to be elevated in the church as worthy elders. Let us remind ourselves of the expected qualifications for such a position. “Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:7-9 NIV)
THE WORD: “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” (Prov. 14:31 NIV)
KBA TRACTS
Follow KBA tracts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/19kNSm3rt7/
www.kbatracts.com.ng
0 Comments