Re:Verse reading–Philemon 1-25 (day six)
Although slavery in the Roman Empire was not based on race, it was equally dehumanizing and reinforced extreme prejudice against slaves, even freed slaves. In that day, Philemon had complete authority over Onesimus’ life; he was nothing more than property to do with as he pleased.
The Gospel changed that kind of thinking. The Gospel did not upend (immediately) an evil system, but it did upend Philemon’s mind. The Gospel would not allow him to think of Onesimus as property, but led him to think of him as a neighbor, and then his brother.
The Gospel will always, always change the way you think about others. Jesus quoted the Old Testament saying, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Everyone is your neighbor. Does your thinking need to change too?
Society will be in harmony when we look at and treat one another as an individual, not a property, an object. or something to be used for a particular time. We treat people with respect and with dignity and as an equal human being. God created each of us in His own image with specific talents and for His glory.
The Gospel will stay and continue to press on for this earth’s transformation. There is much salvation work to be done. What we think will become. God bless all!
Self-awareness is a good skill to have. We are what we think. If we are Christ’s followers, we will try to think and act like Jesus Christ.
We are our own judge! God is the only one who can help if we are off God’s track!!