Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

When we opened up Colossians 3:18–4:6 in this series, we saw how Paul speaks directly into the heart of our relationships. First, he addressed marriage—how wives and husbands reflect Christ in their covenant love. Then, he moved into family life, showing how parents and children live out their faith in the home.

Now, as Paul wraps up this section, he turns to a relationship that might feel foreign to us today: the bond between slaves and masters. At first glance, we might be tempted to skip over this part. After all, slavery is not a part of our everyday reality. But if we take a closer look, we’ll see that Paul’s words carry tremendous weight for our world. At the core, he’s talking about how we work, how we lead, and how we reflect Christ in our everyday responsibilities.

This final section is not a detour from practical life—it’s the climax. Because whether in the home or in the workplace, the question remains the same: How do we represent Christ in the relationships and responsibilities He has given us?

Slaves and Masters in the First Century

To understand Paul’s teaching, we need to step into the shoes of his original audience. In the first century, slavery was a widespread reality across the Roman Empire. While it looked different than the racialized slavery of modern history, it was still marked by inequality and injustice. Slaves were bound to serve under a master, with very little choice about their own lives.

And yet, into that world, Paul wrote these words:

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Col. 3:22–24)

Do you see how radical that is? Paul shifts their perspective entirely. He tells men and women who felt powerless that their work had eternal value. He reminded them that their ultimate master was not their earthly owner but Christ himself. He lifted their eyes to see that every task—even the most menial chore—could become an act of worship.

This was revolutionary. It gave dignity to people the world dismissed. It declared that in Christ, even the lowliest labor mattered because it was offered to the Lord.

Work as Worship

Now, let’s bring that into our world. You and I are not slaves in the Roman Empire, but most of us spend the majority of our lives working. We sign on to jobs. We clock in and clock out. We push through commutes, deadlines, emails, and projects. And if we’re honest, work often feels more like a grind than a gift.

But Paul’s words remind us of a deeper truth: as Christians, our work is worship.

Think about it. When you accepted your job—whether in a factory, in an office, behind a register, at a construction site, or even working from home—you entered into an agreement. You said, “I will serve here. I will use my gifts and skills here.” And if you follow Christ, then your work is no longer just about a paycheck or a promotion. It’s about honoring the One you ultimately serve.

That means integrity matters.

Showing up on time matters.

Doing your best work matters—even when no one notices.

Your attitude at work matters.

Because you’re not just working for your boss. You’re not just trying to impress coworkers. You’re serving the Lord Christ.

Let me give you an example. A friend of mine once told me about a man in his factory who everyone noticed. Not because he was the loudest or most skilled, but because he was consistent. He showed up early. He encouraged others. He worked hard—even when the supervisors weren’t watching. Over time, people began to ask him why he carried himself differently. And he got to share: “Because ultimately, I work for the Lord.” His witness wasn’t a sermon—it was a life of integrity on the factory floor.

That’s the kind of faith Paul is calling us to.

Leading Like the Master

But Paul doesn’t stop with instructions for slaves. He also addresses masters:

“Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Col. 4:1)

Here again, Paul turns the tables. Masters in that culture could easily exploit those under them. But Paul reminds them: you are not the ultimate authority. You, too, serve a Master in heaven. And He shows no favoritism.

For us today, that speaks directly to leaders, bosses, and employers. If you’re in a position of authority—whether you manage a team at work, lead a ministry at church, or even oversee a household budget—you are called to lead with integrity.

How you treat those who work under you matters deeply to God. Are you fair? Are you compassionate? Do you see people as image-bearers of God, or as tools to accomplish your agenda?

I once knew a Christian business owner who ran his company differently than most. While other employers squeezed every ounce of labor from their workers, he focused on dignity. He paid fair wages. He listened to his employees. He even prayed with them when they faced hardships. And here’s the thing—his business thrived. But even more than profits, his people thrived, because they knew their boss cared for them as people, not just as employees.

That’s what leadership looks like when it reflects Christ. It doesn’t exploit. It serves. It doesn’t demand respect—it earns it through integrity and compassion.

Paul’s Final Words: A Life That Preaches

After addressing the household and workplace, Paul closes this section with rapid-fire instructions that sum up the Christian life:

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message… Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Col. 4:2–6)

Do you hear the urgency in his words? Prayerful. Thankful. Watchful. Wise. Gracious. That’s the bigger picture.

Because whether in our marriages, our families, or our workplaces, it all comes back to this: How are we representing Christ to the world?

People are watching. They notice the way you treat your spouse. They see how you raise your kids. They pick up on the way you handle stress at work, how you respond when overlooked, how you talk when frustrated.

And here’s the truth: your life preaches, sometimes louder than any sermon ever could.

I once heard a story of a teacher whose faith wasn’t a secret. She didn’t preach in the classroom, but her kindness was unmistakable. She was patient with the struggling student. She was encouraging to the discouraged. And when parents came in, they often remarked, “There’s something different about her.” That difference was Christ.

Living It Out Today

So let me press this home with some questions:

• When you go to work, do you give it your best as an offering to God—or do you just get by?
• When you lead, do you lead with fairness, remembering that you, too, answer to a Master in heaven?
• Are your prayers consistent or only occasional, when life gets hard?
• Is your gratitude evident even in the middle of tough seasons?
• Are your conversations marked by grace or by criticism?

Paul reminds us that every interaction is an opportunity. Every task, every word, every responsibility is a chance to shine the light of Christ.

Don’t waste those opportunities.

Because at the end of the day, whether in the home, at work, or in the world, our mission is the same: to live for Jesus in such a way that people see Him in us.

A Personal Challenge

As I wrap up this series on relationships from Colossians, let me leave you with a personal challenge.

Tomorrow morning, when you wake up and step into your routine, pause for a moment. Before you check your email or head to work or start your chores, stop and pray:

“Lord, today is Yours. My work is Yours. My words are Yours. My relationships are Yours. Use me to reflect You.”

And then live like you mean it. Let your integrity at work point people to Christ. Let your leadership be marked by compassion and fairness. Let your words carry grace. Let your gratitude shine, even in difficulty.

Because when you do, your life will preach. And it will preach a message the world desperately needs to hear.

Closing Thought

Colossians 3:18–4:6 isn’t just about rules for households and workplaces. It’s about something bigger. It’s about living all of life under the Lordship of Christ. It’s about showing the world who Jesus is—not just in church on Sunday but in the everyday grind of Monday through Saturday.

So let your life preach today. Let it preach in the way you love your spouse. In the way you raise your kids. In the way you clock in and clock out. In the way you lead and in the way you serve.

And as you do, may people not only hear your words but see your Savior.