For those new to this series: Each blog explores the household commands of Colossians 3:18 to 4:1 through four heavenly views: beginning in God, fulfilled in Christ, embodied in the Church, and expressed in the home. This is not about tradition but transformation. Not about roles but reflection. Each post traces how Christ fills and redeems the ordinary with the glory of His presence.
Christlike Leadership in a World of Power
They say power corrupts. But the gospel says something better: power can be redeemed.
The final word in Paul’s household code is not given to the weak but to the strong. To masters. To those with power in hand and control by law. And yet, this last command may be the most transformative of them all.
“Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Colossians 4:1, ESV)
In a society where power could rule unchecked and favoritism fed injustice, Paul offers something radical: an authority shaped by heaven. Leadership is no longer defined by dominance. It is defined by Christlikeness. And this changes everything.
Because when heaven comes to earth, even authority bows.
View 1: The Father Who Reigns Justly and Fairly
From the beginning, God’s rule has been different from man’s. His throne is not built on fear or coercion, but on righteousness and justice.
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; lovingkindness and truth go before You.”
Psalm 89:14, NASB95
God never rules for selfish gain. He shows no partiality, takes no bribes, and cannot be swayed. He sees clearly, rules rightly, and never loses control. His justice is unshakable. His fairness cannot be bought.
To believe this is to see leadership differently. We stop leading from insecurity, and start leading from trust. Earthly authority begins to reflect the authority of heaven. It becomes not a burden, but a blessing.
Core Belief:
The Father rules with justice that is unshakable and fairness that cannot be bought.
Why it matters:
When our leadership is patterned after God’s character, we become safe, steady, and trustworthy stewards. We do not become unpredictable or unfair rulers.
View 2: The Son Who Leads with Justice and Fairness
Christ is not only Savior. He is Master. But His mastery came by becoming a servant.
“Though He existed in the form of God… [He] emptied Himself… taking the form of a bond-servant.”
Philippians 2:6–7, NASB95
Jesus fulfilled justice by taking our place. He leads by example, judges in righteousness, and rewards faithfulness with joy. He does not dominate. He kneels. He washes feet. He sees the unnoticed and honors the faithful.
“Blessed are those servants whom the master will find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table.”
Luke 12:37, NASB95
Core Belief:
Jesus leads as the perfectly just and forever fair Master, through the cross and through the crown.
Why it matters:
When we lead like Jesus, authority becomes grace, not grasping. It becomes safe, sacrificial, and strong.
View 3: The Church as Shepherds Under Christ
Christ entrusts His Church with authority, but never for control. The Church leads not as owners, but as stewards.
“Shepherd the flock of God among you… not yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.”
1 Peter 5:2–3, NASB95
In the Church, justice means faithful care. Fairness means no favoritism. We watch over souls with love and accountability, not status or preference. We reflect Christ when we lift up others, not when we lift up ourselves.
“They keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.”
Hebrews 13:17, NASB95
Core Belief:
The Church leads justly and fairly when it stewards authority with care, not control.
Why it matters:
This is the pattern for earthly leaders too. Authority is not about ruling over others. It is about raising them up.
View 4: Masters on Earth, Under the Master in Heaven
“Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.”
Colossians 4:1, NASB95
Paul’s command is not a moral footnote. It is a gospel revolution. In Roman society, masters answered to no one. But Paul says otherwise. You have a Master too.
The Greek verb translated “treat” is παρέχεσθε (parechesthe)—a present imperative, meaning “keep providing.” Authority is not reactive. It is proactive. It chooses justice daily. It walks in fairness intentionally. And it does so not for praise, but because it lives under the gaze of heaven.
The two adverbs Paul uses—δικαίως (dikaiōs) and ἴσης (isēs)—cut deep. This is not performative virtue. This is divine imitation.
In other words, lead like your Master does.
Core Belief:
Earthly leaders reflect Christ when their authority is shaped by justice under His rule and fairness grounded in His redemption.
Why it matters:
Leadership becomes a witness, not a weapon, because Christ is visible in how we use power.
Final Thought: For Those Under Unjust Authority
What if your leader does not lead like this?
Paul’s words are not blind to your pain. He does not say, “Trust your master.” He says, “Remember your Master in heaven.”
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18, NASB95
If you suffer unjustly, you are not forgotten. Christ sees. Christ knows. Christ rewards. And one day, He will make all things right.
“God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name.”
Hebrews 6:10, NASB95
Until that day, you are free. Not because your earthly leader is good, but because your heavenly Master is. Serve with freedom. Walk in courage. Endure in hope.
When Heaven Comes to Leadership
Authority was never meant to be a throne. It was meant to be a trust.
And when authority bows to Christ, justice reigns and fairness flows.
Because Christ is not just the Master above our homes.
He is the one who makes the home just.