Standing with God (part 2)

  Another issue on which I think we can say that God stands firm is slavery.  There seems to be no case in which slavery is acceptable.  Holding a person against their will goes against the dignity of the human person who is made in the image and likeness of God.   It goes against "love your neighbor as yourself."  By its very definition it goes against free will.
  No doubt we should consider the issue of Paul's writings about slavery. He speaks of slavery in various ways.  Paul likes to contrast being slaves to God with slaves to sin.  In Colossians 4 he urges slave owners to be fair to their slaves.  Slave masters were to treat their slaves as God, the Supreme Master, would treat the owners. It is true, he does not condemn slavery outright, but he does expect slave owners to treat their slaves with respect and to set them free when possible (see Philemon).  In Galatians 3:11 he declares that in the Kingdom there is no slave or free.  Since we are trying to bring the Kingdom of God on earth, is this not the attitude we should take toward slavery?  Today, modern societies have recognized that all forms of slavery are wrong whether it is the slavery of domestic workers, field hands, soldiers, or sex workers.  So let us stand with God against slavery, against abusing people, against seeing others as inferior to ourselves.
  For Reflection:  Is there any way in which I have treated another person as a slave?  Have I withheld wages?  Have I coerced someone to do what I wanted?  Have I failed to grant another freedom when I could have?  Have I considered someone to be my inferior?
  Let us pray.  Jesus, I repent of all the ways in which I have participated in slavery and I ask you to forgive me.  I stand with you now against slavery in all of its forms throughout the world.  I stand with you in declaring an end to slavery.  I want to be part of bringing your light to the darkness of this issue. Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

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