1 Timothy 6:1-2 Slavery

All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles. [1 Timothy 6:1-2 NASB]

Slavery has existed since the early history of man. As one nation conquered another, nation, the conquered became slave of the conquerors. 

The Bible neither condones nor condemns slavery, but merely accepts it as societal reality in the first century. It even acknowledges Christian slave owners, without condemning them. It does, however, encourage slaves to accept freedom if they can get it.

Otherwise, slaves were encouraged to accept their position as slaves and to do their best work;

Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. [Colossians 3:22-24 NASB]

There is a tendency among humans to give in to spiritual pride. After all, we are children of God, the King of all things. Paul's warning to slaves is to honor their earthly master, and not to look upon them with contempt.

Likewise, slaves with Christian masters had to be careful of their attitude. After all, it would be easy to think, "We are both brothers in Christ, and in Him there is neither slave nor free." However, in the flesh, the relationship remains. Complicating matters even more is the fact that some slaves were elders in the church, and had spiritual authority over their earthly masters in the flesh. No doubt, that was confusing and hard to reconcile.

Over time, it was the Christian influence that prompted the nations of the earth to eventually abolish slavery. The Bible encouraged the freedom of slaves, but didn't call for social reform;

Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. [1 Corinthians 7:21-23 NASB]

 If the world followed Christian principles, there would be no inequality. Paul said;

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; [Philippians 2:3 NASB]

There would be no prejudice;

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [Galatians 3:28 NASB]

Unfortunately, Christians will always be in the minority compared to the people of the world, including those who are Christian in name only. Jesus said;

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. [Matthew 7:13-14 NASB]

In the world, they fight and claw their way past one another. They destroy so that they can build themselves up. That should not be our way. Paul said;

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. [Philippians 4:11-13 NASB]

Be content with whatever your position is in life, but if you can improve it, do so. It is not a contradiction to be content, and also aspire to better circumstances. It is your personal responsibility to make the best of your circumstances. It is not the responsibility of society to improve your circumstances for you.

Lord God, I pray for healing in our nations. Please heal the racial divisions, and the class divisions between the rich and the poor. I pray for the grace to keep my eyes fixed on You, in whom I find my peace.