“Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism” (Colossians 3:25)

Both slaves and masters are accountable to God. Or another way to put this is that everyone, regardless of position, power or station is answerable before God. Which lends itself to this amazing truth; with the Father there is no favoritism. He is no respecter of persons and treats everyone fairly without partiality (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11).

This thought in context within this passage is the bridge for instructions to both the master and the slave. Or if you will, any situation where there is a hierarchy of authority. The previous verse leaves off with instructions to serve wholeheartedly as if it is the Lord Jesus Christ himself we are serving (vs. 24). Followed by instructions for the party in authority to deal with fairness those who are under them (vs. 4:1). The reason given for both is that God is the master and with Him there is no favoritism. In other words, each party is responsible for their own behavior.

If we are in the position of the servant we are to serve wholeheartedly. If we are in the position of the master we are to be right and fair, otherwise we will reap the consequences of our behavior. This is how the Amplified Bible explains it; “For he who deals wrongfully will [reap the fruit of his folly and] be punished for his wrongdoing. And [with God] there is no partiality [no matter what a person’s position may be, whether he is the slave or the master]” (vs. 25 AMP).

In this truth we see the principle of sowing and reaping. Paul records in Galatians, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). This is why these instructions are simply and timely, we will reap whatever we sow which gives additional incentive to work hard and be fair with those in position under us. Because the fruit of this is what we want to be harvesting.

I’d Love To Hear From You…

Today, I pray you take a moment to evaluate your heart. Do you serve wholeheartedly at work? Do you treat others fairly knowing that you also have a master in heaven? How can you apply this principle at work? How can you apply it in your family?