“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord” (Colossians 3:22)

What shocking instructions given the context; written to enslaved believers. Counseling them to obey their masters in everything; not merely to win favor but because they were Christians and it was the right thing to do. While the Bible in no way condones slavery, imagine the difference this made in witnessing for Christ in these situations.

These instructions are relevant today as well because everyone has a boss or someone in authority over them. While many in the modern world do not experience the type of slavery that existed during the time of the Roman empire in which Paul writes, the principle remains true—you can serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord. 

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged” (Colossians 3:20-21)

Sometimes we need to obey just to obey; if we can learn this lesson as a child then we won’t have to relearn more difficult lessons as adults. This is Pauls instruction to children, obey your parents in everything because obeying pleases the Lord. 

This is good advice. He gives similar instruction in the book of Ephesians, mentioning that this is the first commandment with a promise. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3). Not only are children to obey in everything but they are to honor, esteem and value their father and mother in everything; because it please the Lord. 

Family is a Gift