Good Morning Friends,
“In everything set them an example by doing
what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of
speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed
because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to
their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,
and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that
in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
(Titus 2:7-10)
I can’t imagine a more unbearable life-situation
than to be a slave. That anyone would consider that they could “own” another
person, is beyond comprehension. It hasn’t been long since such thoughts were
common in the U.S. My own ancestors “owned” slaves. I’m glad we’ve moved beyond
that insanity.
Paul was familiar with slavery. The Roman
Empire was filled with slaves. In some cities there were more slaves than non-slaves.
Slaves were as poorly treated by some then as they were in the pre-Civil War
south.
It is startling to find statements like the one
Paul made to Titus: “slaves be subject to their masters in everything, to try
to please them, etc.” It seems logical that slaves had a right to stand up for
what is right. But for Paul, there were more important things than individual
rights. The advance of the Gospel was more important. A slave could do more to
advance the Gospel by being cooperative than rebellious.
I’m not a slave. Yet, I struggle to let go of
my rights for any reason, even for the greater good of the Gospel. I struggle
to let go of my rights in marriage; my rights at work; my rights as an American;
my rights as a homeowner and the list goes on. I still have a lot of growing to
do in order to more fully understand God’s priorities and values! How about you?
His, by Grace, Steve
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