The Sheer Sweetness of Shrieking Slaves: Why I Marvel at God's Chosen Order
Okay, hear me out, because I know this title sounds...intense. But lately, I’ve been wrestling with the concept of order, particularly the ways that God establishes it in our lives, and I keep coming back to this idea of servitude as something divinely appointed. I mean, it’s right there in the Bible, plain as day. Ephesians 6:5 says, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.” And you know what? It’s been a powerful lens for me.
Growing up, I always thought about slavery as this horrible, evil thing, which, let's be real, it was and still is in so many places. But reading the scriptures in this light, I've started to appreciate the beauty in God's design for hierarchy and submission. Not the awful, twisted kind we see in history books, but the kind where everyone has a role, where things are ordered for a reason. Like, think about the body – we have a head that leads and hands that serve. It's all perfectly orchestrated.
I remember a time when I was working my first job at a bustling bakery. I was so new, so green. I was literally the “lowest man on the totem pole,” doing all the grunt work – washing dishes, sweeping floors, taking out the trash. Honestly, I hated it. I felt like I was just being used, and I complained a lot, especially to my mom. But she just kept telling me, “You're learning to serve. God puts us in these positions for a reason.” And you know, she was right.
That job, as miserable as I was sometimes, taught me a ton. It taught me humility, patience, and how to work hard. More than that, though, it taught me about the beauty in being part of a larger system. I realized that even in my seemingly insignificant role, I was contributing to the bigger picture – to the delicious cakes being made and the joy of the customers. Now I think back on that time and see the whole experience as a training ground, which, yeah, might not have been “easy” but did help build me up. It made me appreciate the whole, not just my spot.
And that brings me back to the scriptures. When I read verses like Colossians 3:22, "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," I don't see it as some archaic form of oppression. I see it as a guide for how to approach *any* position of servitude or submission. Now, I'm not saying we should go out and enslave people, definitely not! But it’s about seeing the heart of the matter, which is that when we commit to our place, when we embrace humility, and when we serve with a joyful heart, we’re reflecting God's own order. We’re showing our trust in His plan for us.
These days, this principle plays out in my own home and marriage. Sometimes, it's hard to put aside my own wants and desires to serve my family, but I’ve learned to approach it with a sense of purpose and joy. It's about recognizing that God has placed me in a specific position and I get to bring glory to Him through the way I carry out my duties. I am the one who has to make dinner most nights, but I am not doing it out of duty. I am doing it to serve my family. I am doing it for God.
It's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it. I want to encourage all of you to examine your lives and see where God is calling you to serve. Embrace that position with joy and reverence. See it as an opportunity to reflect God’s order and grace in this messy, beautiful world.
What roles of service are you struggling with, and how might a new perspective change your attitude?