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I Timothy 6:1-2, All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 

As we close Paul's first letter to Timothy, we find more advice reflecting the time, place, and culture of Paul and Timothy, specifically regarding slaves having respect for their masters.  Paul's words in NO WAY justify or encourage slavery.  Slavery was certainly a reality in the Roman Empire (scholars estimate possibly a third of all people living at the time were slaves).  People sold themselves and their families into slavery simply to have access to food.  It was an ugly existence.  But throughout Scripture, including Paul's letters, there is much talk of freedom and equality in Christ.  While Paul was pretty revolutionary in many of his teachings, as far as we know, he didn't tackle the institution of slavery.  He did try to create parameters around it, however, but his primary objective was to spread the Good News of Christ.  I'm grateful for the many Christ-followers who came hundreds of years after Paul and did make a stand against the institution of slavery.  Their courage and determination also came from their faith in Jesus and they used Jesus' teachings and also many of Paul's writings to oppose the ownership of other humans. 

Slavery is still a reality around the globe.  The Global Slavery Index estimates that over 40.3 million people are currently trapped in modern day slavery, the vast majority being women and children. (globalslaveryindex.org)  This includes what we typically think of as human trafficking but includes forced labor around the world, including in many of our supply chains.  It is a multi-billion dollar industry.  As Christ-followers, we should be actively working against human trafficking and other kinds of slavery.  Slave owners and human traffickers prey especially on the poor and vulnerable. Jesus clearly taught and demonstrated that every single human life has value.  He lifted the status of women and children and demonstrated extraordinary love toward the poor and oppressed. Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

If you are interested in how you might join the fight against slavery and human trafficking around the globe, check out International Justice Mission (ijm.org), a Christ-centered organization that is actively working to provide freedom and justice to enslaved individuals around the world.  They do incredible work.  Help break the chains of slavery right now.  Pray about your involvement and also how New Hope might get involved.

Let's pray...Lord Jesus, You are a chain-breaker. We lift up all those who are enslaved around the globe.  Help us be part of expanding your Kingdom, bringing freedom, justice, and empowerment to those who need it.  These are people you created, Lord.  These are people you love. Break our heart for what breaks yours.  In Your Name, Amen.