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Slavery was a horrible part of America's history. People were bought and sold like items at a flea market. People were put in chains, and beaten because other humans gave them no more value than an animal. People were owned by others and treated with no or little respect, and without hope for a life of freedom.
The people Paul wrote to in today's scripture passage were different kinds of slaves than we're familiar with in many respects. Many slaves had the opportunity to earn respect from their masters and some were released after a period of service or at a certain age. Some actually sold themselves into slavery to make a living.
Paul didn't encourage slaves to run away or do whatever it takes to be freed from their masters, but what he did tell the slaves and masters ultimately pointed to the heart.
Paul understood that we are all slaves in bondage to one thing or another. If we are in bondage to sin, then we will live a life of wickedness, not loving and respecting others, and loving ourselves more than God. But if we are "slaves to righteousness" that simply means we have "sold" ourselves to what Jesus wants us to do. We are so committed to God it is as if we don't have a choice but to do what He wants us to do.
If we choose to give ourselves over to God's service, this impacts not just our daily lives, but also our eternal futures. We earn life or death-it's our choice.
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