Even in the domestic realm, Christ is supreme, the husband is head of

the wife, even as Christ is the Head of the church.  Husbands are not only

expected to love their wives as a matter of course, but to love 'even as

Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it' (Eph. 5:23,25).  If we

feel that such a standard appears to demand too much of human nature, we

remember that Paul said in another context:

'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me' (Phil.

a sentiment echoed in the corresponding prison epistle 2 Timothy, where he

says in spite of the fact that at his first defence no man stood with him,

'Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by

me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might

hear' (2 Tim. 4:17).

In Colossians the apostle sums up all service by saying 'Ye serve the

Lord Christ', but the context of this passage gives colour and force to these

words, so let us read them together.

'Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not

with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing

God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto

men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the

inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  But he that doeth wrong

shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect

of persons' (Col. 3:22 -25).

Let us never forget that we belong to a fellowship

'Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ Is All, and In All'

(Col. 3:11).