Slavery by the world’s definition is not something someone aims for in one’s life. However, everything changes once Jesus’ love overpowers this term captivity\slavery.
Paul encourages each believer to be a slave to Christ, which is the theme in the book of Philemon. He writes in Philemon 1:4-5 “I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, having heard of thy love and faith which thou hast toward the Jesus and toward all saints.” The book mentions the slave Onesimus, he was learning how to serve and be obedient to Jesus. We read how he was learning to submit to God’s authority, his heavenly Master. So with this knowledge, Paul sends Onesimus back to his earthly master, Philemon, who he should also be obedient to, which is the right thing to do. (Thanks Pastor Joe for the help!) Philemon 1:10-18 says, “that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.”The book of Philemon shows us that we need dedication to work like Onesimus, to be a slave to Christ, to serve Him with love and joy, to do the correct-and maybe the hard thing- so that we are obedient to Christ.
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