Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

CHRISTIAN SLAVERY??

I am not seeking to wrinkle horns or to lose friends, but sometimes a subject just won’t leave me alone. I refer to the subject of slavery, and the fact that I hear an almost universal condemnation of it from saints and sinners alike. So, I just have to think about it, and then I just have to write a little about it. Bear with me.

Slavery has been around almost as long as the oldest profession. So, throughout the Old Testament times it was prevalent among God’s people and widespread elsewhere. Then throughout the times of the New Testament it was widespread even in the churches. Moreover, there are places in the world today where it is a common practice, but the strictest form of it ended legally in the United States over one hundred years ago.

When one surveys the Word on the subject, he is likely to read: “Art thou called being a servant? (Gr. “doulos.” slave) care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.” 1 Cor. 7:21-22. Moreover, the book of Philemon was written by the apostle Paul to the Christian master of a run-a-way, but now Christian slave: Onesimus, seeking leniency for him. Indeed, there is much to be said biblically in favor of the master/servant relationship of men. The Old Testament gave specific instructions on how one was to be noted as a lifelong slave to his master: piercing the ear and inserting a ring. Exodus 21:6, et.al. “Hummmm!”

Certainly, nowhere in Holy Writ will it be found that a sinful or abusive relationship is to exist among men regardless of their status; but the exact opposite. Comparing this with many unethical actions of modern day employers against their employees might make the more permanent master/servant relationship appear desirable to some.

In any event, one should be terribly slow to condemn what the Bible recognizes as being in play, but does not condemn. It just might be that if the master/servant relationship still existed here among men, the idea of that relationship with the Lord would be enhanced. In casting off the bonds of servitude to men, servitude to God has also been largely cast aside, too. That, my friends, is not a good thing!

FOR THOUGHT: Do you know of anyone who admits to being a bond-slave to the Lord? Should you know many people with such an admission? Why do you think the Bible never condemn slavery as such, but soundly condems man’s inhumanity to man?