Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower announced in 2022 that all migrant domestic workers must be given at least one rest day a month. Employers had to respect this day of rest; they were not allowed to compensate the workers financially instead of giving them the day off. Employers, however, were concerned they wouldn’t have someone to care for their loved ones on those days. While the logistics of caring could be solved by making alternative arrangements, their unwillingness to see the need for their workers to rest wasn’t as easy to solve.
Treating others considerately isn’t a new issue. The apostle Paul lived in a time where servants were seen as the property of their masters. Yet, in the last line of his instructions to the church on how Christ-like households should operate, he says that masters are to treat their servants “justly” (Colossians 4:1 ESV). Another translation says, “Be fair with them.”
Just as Paul tells the servants to work “for the Lord, not for human masters” (3:23), he reminds the masters also of Jesus’ authority over them: “you also have a Master in heaven” (4:1). His purpose was to encourage the Colossian believers to live as those whose ultimate authority is Christ. In our interaction with others—whether as an employer, employee, in our homes or communities—we can ask God to help us do what’s “right and fair” (v. 1).
By Jasmine Goh
REFLECT & PRAY
When haven’t you treated someone fairly? In your work or home, what changes will you make to treat others considerately?
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for times when I don’t treat others fairly. Help me to submit to You as the Master of my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Slavery was an integral part of the Roman economy in Paul’s day. In Colossians 3:22–4:1, Paul calls for slaves to serve honourably and to do so “with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord” (v. 22). This verse has tragically been abused by those wishing to defend the terrible practice of slavery. But we read in the book of Philemon that Paul sent the escaped slave Onesimus back to his owner Philemon with a letter telling the slave owner to receive him “no longer as a slave, but . . . as a dear brother” (Philemon 1:16 ). The letter says, “Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask” (v. 21). What more could Philemon do than to give Onesimus his freedom? Paul’s goal wasn’t societal revolution, it was the transformation of each heart.
Tim Gustafson
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