Colossians 4:1-6

"Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven" Colossians 4:1.

I don't like reading about masters without reading about slaves too. As is usual, in the Scriptures, there are balanced duties. If Christ has a Word to the children, there is generally one to the parents close by; and if there is a word to wives, there is one for husbands, too. Remember that the chapter divisions were made by man and consider that this Word is just continuing from chapter 3, where we just read about the duties of slaves.

Master, (Kurios) is one having legal power and control over his own property. Grant, (Parecho) is to cause something to happen to someone... to render, or hold something out to them. In the context of this verse, it is the manner in which we "deal" with the men and woman we find ourselves being over, in charge of, or responsible for.

2. "Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving."

Seemingly out of context... We are reminded that Paul is still talking to The Body of Christ Jesus... Christians, and that no matter what role The Lord has allowed us to assume (at this moment in life).... we are to always be prayerful. Not generally, but: earnestly... which suggests looking for the next chance to get off to the side somewhere, just you and God and go over the events of the day... the needs of "your and His people"... Something someone just told you, or you overheard, etc... etc. And unwarily... suggests there is no fear, worry, or doubt that God has not gone to sleep when things get crazy... a prayer that He sees, before you even begin it, that is confident that all is working out His way. And, steadfast is not allowing yourself to be distracted by the world from your prayer-time... not to fear going before Him because you blew-it earlier, staying connected to Your Master.

3. "And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison."

This is beautiful! Paul is with Christ today and there is NO need to pray for him now... or anyone else who has passed from this life - on into eternity. But hold onto the thought that is suggested here. Like Paul, there are people... maybe your Uncle Leon... or Granny... your Pastor... people who have been behind you in your faith. People who Love God and Love you, like Paul did for these he was writing too. We should remember to ask the Lord to bless them and thank Him for those people and that He continue to use them. We must consider their weeks, months, and even years of prayers for us. Prayers that may have had hand in our position as master, or even bringing us into Christ's' saving faith we share today.

4. "That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty."

What an example Paul was to Christ Jesus and to us! Poured out like water, he says elsewhere in the bible. People like this say no to many tempting things in life that may have brought more temporal comfort to their body... more popular position in the community, etc. but would have distracted them from prayer life, ministry opportunities, serving God. Supervisor... Teamleader... Boss... This example of Paul's heart is for you. Amen?

5. "Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity."

Friends, you can not do this by yourself... in your own strength! Promising God that you will, won't help you either. This takes a life of listening, First... And doing what or what not the Holy Spirit says. This, from my experience, is a trial and error walk with God. It is always tested by your flesh and the evil one and you just have to work it out. But when you have a decision to make or about to respond to something or someone... Seek The Holy Spirit. The longer you live this way the easier it gets. But it will always be tested. Oh, and "living prudently and with discretion"... those things will always match God's Word.

6. "Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]."

Lol... you may not believe this because I seem to write so much right now... But I don't talk as much as I use to. Why, well, not only because of scriptures that warn us about idle chit chat... and others like this one about how we should talk... but because it is more important to hear The Holy Spirit than to hear myself talking! And so, for you and I to talk like Paul is saying here... we must spend more time to hear God and hush our "SELF". Amen? More important than the fact that someone around you may actually be listening to you... hehe... God is always listening. Is your chit chat holding His interest in a good way or... ? Jesus said our tongue is like the rudder on a ship... so small compared to the vessel... yet so powerful!

I love you.