Unbound: Freedom in a Digital Worldنموونە

In biblical studies, we refer to this type of passage as household codes. They are common in Paul and Peter’s teachings, as well as many other writings from Judaism and popular philosophy of the times. They are used as a simple way to encourage disciples in their role in the home or workplace. The home and workplace greatly overlapped in the Greco-Roman world, especially in rural settings like Colossae. For a family to thrive, everyone has a role to fill and work to do. The failure of the family had serious consequences. If a family had to borrow money or food and the debt was left unpaid, the consequence was usually slavery till the debt was completed.

Honestly, these lists seem a bit antiquated. We have been taught in our world today that anyone, regardless of gender, economic status, etc., can achieve any role in life if they try hard enough. The culture around us, poignantly displayed by Instagram and other apps, has created in us a discontentment with foundational roles of the home and workplace, such as husbands and wives, parents and children, slaves (workers) and masters (bosses).

Even for those of us who have accepted these roles, we often feel this discontentment in accomplishing these roles. It’s not enough to faithfully raise children, we must be supermom’s and dad’s raising successful, multilingual, well-educated, well-rounded children who have experienced everything the world can offer and been fed a well-balanced diet of organic and responsibly raised meals. We have to do all of that while maintaining a spotless and perfectly remodeled house, constantly updated with seasonally appropriate décor. Ironically, most of us attempt to escape this relentless discontentment through our devices. We “take a break” from these roles only to scroll through endless GIF’s, meme’s, and tailored photos that only feed an even greater discontent.

Paul’s wisdom in these household codes is useful for our roles as well. Part of our passive identity formation comes through the way we fulfill our foundational roles. The motivation to fulfill these roles in the Greco-Roman world was both for survival and for the honor of the family. Being unfaithful in any role brings shame upon the family. Yet, Paul gives a different motivation. Seven times in these nine verses, Paul encourages the Colossians that they now fill their role for the Lord. Most notably, in v. 23, he says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if you were working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

This motivation is important for us today as well. When we are free from the bondage of discontentment that is constantly being provoked by digital technology, we can fill the foundational roles of our lives in the Lord. We can love and submit to our spouses because Jesus loved and submitted to us. We can obey our parents and raise our children with joy because Jesus obeyed his Father, who is raising us in joy. We can work as both boss and employee with sincerity because we are working for Jesus. In it all, we can find contentment in our roles as they craft our identity in Jesus.

Practice contentment in your role in life today by meditating on how each of your life’s roles has taught you more about the character of God. When you want to escape the discontentment in one of your roles, instead of turning to your digital device, turn to Jesus. Ask him, why you should do the work you're doing. Ask him to teach you contentment in the current moment.