Colossians 3:1-4:1, Part 3
Colossians 3:18-4:1 also belongs to this context, that is, of the application or manifestation of true spirituality in our human relationships. Since I have expounded on a parallel passage in my Commentary on Ephesians, I will make only some brief comments in this place.
Wives are to "submit" to their husbands (v. 18). I have demonstrated in the Commentary on Ephesians that the word does not refer to only an attitude, but also to actual obedience. Failure to follow this biblical command is destructive to spirituality, happiness, and harmony. Husbands are to love their wives (v. 19). This refers to something much greater than a feeling of affection, since biblical love is defined as obedience to God's law in our relationships. And in the marriage relationship, the husband must love his wife in the way that Christ loves his church, that is, to be willing to sacrifice his own life for her (Ephesians 5:25). This is the true measure of a man. And a father is to raise his children in the admonition of the Lord, but not in a manner as to frustrate them (v. 21).
Slaves receive extra attention here (v. 22-25), not just because they might have to endure much suffering, but it is also possible that they are prone to be lazy, dishonest, and resentful. The Bible does not assume that the rich are always at fault. Notice how Paul helps the slaves apply a spiritual mindset to their work situation. He concludes, "Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism" (v. 25). Does anyone think that God will only judge the masters who do wrong? God judges according to the heart, and not according to appearance. He is not offended – nor is he threatened! – by your class, race, and gender. You may present yourself as the victim, but he is immune to your manipulation.
The masters have their instructions as well, and again as an application of a spiritual mindset: "Provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven" (4:1). It is impossible to overemphasize how much God detests unfair wages, or the withholding of earned and promised wages. "Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter" (James 5:4-5).
The Lord is jealous for the wages of all honest workers. This includes "those whose work is preaching and teaching," because "the worker deserves his wages" (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Do we not realize, and fear, that when preachers are always the last to get paid, and who get paid the least, the Lord will surely avenge them? To withhold finances from God's workers is not only an injustice, but an insult against the mission that God has assigned to them. God is patient and merciful, but he will not be mocked (Galatians 6:6-7). The wealth that people have hoarded, and withheld from the Lord's workers, and all other honest laborers, will testify against them in the day of slaughter.
March 19 2008 | Expositions