Friday 30 August 2024
Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters. (v. 23)
Background
Here is a passage from the Bible that needs a little unpacking for 21st century readers. While the attempt to work out the new life in Christ in and through everyday behaviour in the household is commendable, some of the assumptions need to be challenged. Slavery is taken for granted and the implied relationships between wives, husbands, children and parents are discomforting. How are we to view and use the Bible in such instances?
The Methodist Church in Britain works out its beliefs using four sources of theology: Scripture, tradition, reason and experience. This allows Scripture to be taken seriously while also drawing on rational thought, human experience and the wisdom of the Church over the centuries (tradition). This approach recognises that the Bible was written in a different age with different customs, some of which seem constraining when viewed from the present day.
This passage from the letter to the Colossians highlights the importance of faith transforming people's everyday lives and not being simply limited to religious observance or spiritual practices. We are encouraged to see what it actually means in domestic relationships to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience" (Colossians 3:12) – to see the fullness of God embodied in mutual respect, justice and peace. Tradition, reason and experience allow us then to take these principles and apply them to our lives today.
And hidden in the midst of these guidelines for households lies a piece of wise advice for any Christian seeking to fulfil their responsibilities: "Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters." (v. 23) Striving to please others can prove exhausting, but there is a joy to be found in seeing our endeavours as an offering of our best to God.
To Ponder:
- How do you approach passages in the Bible which you find difficult?
- How helpful do you find the use of Scripture, tradition, reason and experience in working out what Christians believe?
- During one of the many tasks you might engage in this week, imagine you are doing it as an offering to God – and see what difference it makes.
Prayer
May the Spirit of God guide us into all truth and may the grace of God help us to live by that truth in our everyday lives. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Graham Jones
Graham is a Methodist presbyter serving as a member of the Learning Network and is based in York. He is committed to developing ministry in its broadest sense, enabling both lay and ordained to live out their vocations and to share in God's mission in the most fulfilling and effective ways.