Tag Archives: slavery

Fetters of Debt

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My debt used to feel so oppressive and I let it dictate so much of what I did and how I felt. Previously, I believed debt was extremely evil, a tool Satan used to control me. As a Christian, I felt I had a duty to get rid of it quickly.

This perspective caused me no end of stress and worry, which also affected those around me and caused friction in my marriage. I now see the Bible offering a different perspective, one that is more freeing.

Debt is like slavery in that it limits options, is very difficult to overcome, and feels quite oppressive, thus it makes a great analogy. Slavery was legal in New Testament times and was addressed in the epistles. It may be surprising that Christian slaves were told to serve even oppressive masters well.

“Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” (1 Peter 2:18, NIV)

This is not what I would expect to be told if I were in an oppressive situation! Yet Peter makes it clear that oppressive circumstances do not excuse bad behavior. Rather, we are blessed if we do good despite harsh circumstances.

“For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God….To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps….But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” (1 Peter 2:19, 21, 3:14, NIV)

Peter says there is a blessing in these humbling circumstances, and I believe we can apply this to being in debt as well. I want to qualify all this before continuing, though. The New Testament writers did tell slaves to gain their freedom if they could:

“Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.” (1 Corinthians 7:21, NIV)

And Paul also makes it clear to not let yourself be enslaved:

“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.” (1 Corinthians 7:23, NIV)

This definitely applies to debt, we should avoid getting into it and do what we can to get out of it. However, having gotten yourself into an unfriendly situation, there is no need to go crazy trying to free yourself from it. “Do not be anxious about anything” (Phil 4:6).

For Christians, there is freedom. The circumstance of debt is humbling, and we should respond to it obediently and with joy, the way the New Testament writers instructed us.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2, NIV)

Trials bring us closer to God because they force us to rely on his strength rather than ours. A slave who fights or rebels against a harsh master does so in their own strength and gives up an opportunity to see God work in their life, and any victory will bring pride in oneself.

But a slave who is obedient, refusing to give into anger, resentment or worry, this one is forced to cry out to God for strength. In submission they are able to see God do the work for any relief that comes, and in humility and sacrifice will identify with Christ’s journey to the cross. For a Christian who desires to draw near to their Savior, such a trying circumstance leads to this unexplainable joy.

This is a challenging perspective to grasp, but one every Christian should spend time considering.

Regarding debt, I have given up worrying over it. I do my best to make good decisions, but I trust that the circumstance is well within God’s powerful and merciful hands. When it seems insurmountable, I cry out to God and feel joy! Because the only way I get through it is with God near me, something I long for, and I know he is near me in this. I do not pinch every penny or track every expense or refuse myself every small pleasure. Yet, time and time again, I have seen my finances go further than they should, and I continue to tithe and be generous with my tips and find other ways to give to others.

While I am still trapped in the fetters of debt, I am free and full of joy in the Lord, and I feel closer to God than ever before in my life.

Blessings! – Shamar Covenant

A Hard Teaching for Americans

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Slavery is a hard word for Americans to deal with. © Durluby - Fotolia.com

Slavery is a hard word for Americans to deal with.
© Durluby – Fotolia.com

Americans have a thing about slavery. It is offensive to us, it is an embarrassment, it is something hateful, it is a dark past that has never fully unlatched itself from our present, and it is completely and absolutely not-good! It is in opposition to the motto we sing, “Land of the free, home of the brave,” and goes against our founding document that states our belief in the “unalienable rights” of every human being.

This is probably why many Bible translations today changed the word “slave” to “bond-servant.” I have heard pastors explain away Biblical teaching directed to slaves, saying the word really refers to someone who voluntarily submitted to their master. Kind of like an employee.

It makes it sound not so bad that way.

As far as I can tell, when the New Testament writers used the word slave (or bond-servant), they were writing about what we would consider slavery, or human trafficking: a person who was property with no rights. This distinction is important because what the Apostles wrote to slaves is a beautiful expression of how deeply a Christian’s commitment to God must be.

This is from the Holman translation of 1 Timothy 6:1

All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and His teaching will not be blasphemed. (HCSB)

Now, read that again. The Greek word translated to “respect” means either value or honor. This is an instruction for Christian slaves to not only treat their unbelieving masters with “all respect,” but to consider them worthy of all respect! This has nothing to do with deserving it, either, since these masters were likely quite harsh. Rather, the reason is to protect the name, or reputation, of God.

Who would tell a slave to give their harsh master a high value and deem them worthy of great honor? No one in America, I think. But if you get caught up in the slave/master relationship, you may miss that this has nothing to do with those harsh masters. It is about God, how glorious he is, and how important he is to us.

I asked myself if I take God’s name that seriously. Is the reputation of my Lord and Savior so precious to me that I am willing to honor those who have taken away my rights, abused and oppressed me, bullied me and harmed me? Do I value those who have made themselves my enemy so that I can ensure God’s name is held in high esteem?

How many Americans are willing to hear this? How many Americans who go to church every Sunday actually live this? We Americans believe in our rights, we cling to them and champion them and demand laws protecting them. We even protect the rights of criminals, those who have grossly violated others’ rights. The thought of a loving God wanting a slave to give honor to a vile master is unthinkable to us.

This, however, is what the Bible tells us to do. And it goes much further than teaching us to be good employees. This shows us how far the command to love our enemies must go, and that our Heavenly Father is worthy of so much respect that we give honor to the unrespectable.

I heard a story on the radio of a woman whose daughter was bullied. They responded by praying for the bully and by the end of the year the daughter and the bully were good friends. That is loving our enemies, giving the oppressors enough value to spend time in prayer for them.

Can you think of an example of how to do this in your life?

Blessings! – Shamar Covenant