Mutuality

Read: Colossians 3.18-4.1

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: In "The Theology of Work Commentary," the following notes are made about Colossians 3.18-4.1:

"(It is) clear that God takes all labor seriously, even if it is done under imperfect or degrading conditions...This does not mean that exploitation of workers is ever acceptable before God. It does mean that even an abusive system cannot rob workers of the dignity of their work, because that dignity is conferred by God himself."

"One of the noteworthy things about the New Testament household codes is the persistence of the theme of mutuality. Rather than simply telling subordinates to obey those over them, Paul teaches that we live in a web of interdependent relationships. Wives and husbands, children and parents, slaves and masters all have obligations to one another in Christ’s body. Thus hard on the heels of the commands to slaves comes a directive to masters: “Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven” (Col. 4:1). Whatever leeway the Roman legal system might have given to slaveholders, they must ultimately answer in God’s courtroom where justice for all is upheld. Of course, justice and fairness must be interpreted afresh in each new situation. Consider the concept of the “just wage,” for example. A just wage on a Chinese farm may have a different cash value from a just wage in a Chicago bank. But there is mutual obligation under God for employers and employees to treat each other justly and fairly."

We live in a "web of interdependent relationships" in the Body of Christ. Therefore, Paul urges us in Ephesians 5.21 to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Mutual submission leads to mutual up-building, which in turn strengthens the entire Body. In this regard, all followers of Christ can be "body builders!"