March 11
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INSTRUCTION FOR MASTERS
Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; 3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it.
– Colossians 4:1-4
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In the previous chapter, Paul instructs the slaves how to serve their masters. In this chapter, he addresses their human masters. In the first verse, he reminds them that they need to exercise justice and fairness in treating their slaves. But the more important thing in this verse is that Paul holds them accountable to God, their Master in heaven. Just as their slaves are accountable to them, he is also responsible for his slaves to his heavenly Master. In Luke 12:48, we know that to whom much is given, much is required. Since these human masters are given much, they are responsible for much as well.
In verse 2, Paul gives them the key to be a good master. They need to faithfully find time to pray. It is in prayer, that they are equipped with a bigger chance at victory over the enemy’s tactics. Prayer will give them the awareness of any schemes that the devil has over them. An attitude of gratitude to God is also another form of strengthening themselves to be good stewards of God’s gifts. The more they pray, the less they will focus on what they do not have and the danger of boasting. This brings contentment to their lives.
Verses 3-4 is a request of Paul to all believers to pray for him. Since he is in prison, it was a challenge to proclaim the gospel under such circumstances. We hear how passionate Paul is to do what he is called to do for the Lord: to bring God’s truth and the mystery of Christ to as much people as he can. He lived for this purpose. Not even the bars of prison can make him stop the bring the Good News of Christ to as many people as possible. He requests them to pray that there will be opportunities to serve his purpose of preaching the gospel. What exemplary faithfulness we can learn from Paul! Despite being a captive, he never complained about his circumstances. Instead, he asks for prayers that he will still find open doors to exercise his God-given calling. All he ever focuses on, is to be able to do the work that God intended for him to do: to preach the Good News.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for a leader or master to be accountable for their own flock?