When Americans hear the word "slavery," we specifically think of it in terms of a person owning another person as property, which Scripture proclaims is an evil act on the same level as murder!

In the days of the Roman Empire, when the New Testament was being written, the word slavery had multiple, commonplace definitions. For example, a family who owed an enormous debt might agree to serve in the home of a wealthier family in order to work to pay off their debts. That practice, which we would call "indentured servitude" isn't very common today, but in the 1st century, it was referred to as "slavery." Same word, different meanings.

We can still apply the teachings of Paul in Colossians 3:23 to our lives today, though! We are all called to work, and Scripture instructs us to do our work as if we're doing it for Jesus!

Key Text: Colossians 3:22-4:1