Worker or slave ?

Wednesday 2 June 2021

Worker or slave ?

Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, do it with a good heart, as for the Lord, and not for men.

There is in this recommendation a source of joy and well-being. It should guide our behavior in society, doing things, not out of desire for the approval of human beings, but out of desire to please our God. Having understood this, we will be good workers, good servants of God, good citizens... An example for this generation which supports "submission" more and more with difficulty.

However, I would like to draw your attention to a subject that is confusing in Christendom ! The preceding verse tells us : "Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things, not just before their eyes, as to please men, but with simplicity of heart, in the fear of the Lord" (Colossians 3:22). Many equate the employee /employer relationship with the New Testament slave /master relationship. These teachings encourage Christians to accept debasement on the pretext that this is what God is asking for in His Word. Painful and frustrating experiences follow that create deep wounds, because today workers are placed on the altar of productivity and profit.

My beloved, I remind you again of this promise of the Lord : "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). What does the Lord ask of us ? Be a model worker, conscientious, pure, honest, affable and full of love. But do not accept to be a slave to your work, nor to your employer ! Do not accept to be abused by anyone, because One is your Master ! The responsibility for your word given concerns the conditions of your contract : you are paid at such and such a rate to accomplish such and such a task, period !

Yes my beloved, Christians have the right to demand, yes Christians have the right to improve working conditions, yes Christians have the right to demonstrate for the respect of the human person. Let's not forget that some fought so that we have the privilege of no longer working on Sundays, of having paid holidays, of working 8 hours a day, of having a decent salary... Let us be grateful to our God to have these privileges and keep them !

Good reflection.

Source (Ezekiel 37 Ministries)