No man is an island

For whom the bell tolls

Today I come to the end of my series of posts about my journey with Colossians 3.

The chapter ends with what looks like a change of pace.. and this morning I found myself tempted to skip over what simply looks like some practical advice.

I lived with it a bit and it slowly dawned on me that the practical advice is actually the out working of all the previous parts of the chapter.

The last bit of the chapter helps me understand that I am not on my own, I have obligations to others.

This world will want you to focus on the person who it tells you is the most important: you. I was reminded this morning that is a dangerous way of thinking.

A poem by John Donne came to mind:

For whom the bell tolls

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

This world wants you to see yourself as an island in a war to dominate other islands. John Donne reminds us that actually we are all connected, and if I lose you then I really lose.

I believe that Paul was thinking along these lines after his exhortation in verses 15 to 17 to be community together.

He then gives some very practical applications of what this means in verses 18-25.

Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master. Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don’t take advantage of them.

Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end. Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits.

Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

Paul focusses the relationships where we don’t have choice to simply walk away.

Most of us would find ourselves in at least one of these categories.

Not many people reading this would literally be servants, however many bible commentators point out that the master/servant relationship is the basis for our whole system of industrial relations, so replace servant with employee and master with employer to see the practical application.

How do you respond to these exhortations?

Part of me is a bit offended. I don’t want to give anyone power over me.

I think that is the part of me that Paul is speaking directly to.

He’s kind of saying “Now in case you think this is all about you, here are some examples of relationships where you are not free to choose. These relationships are not based on how you are feeling. Your job is to allow your life to be affected by others, not expect them to revolve around you.”

Our word tends to push us towards isolation. An honest reading of the bible will quickly show that God is calling us beyond isolation towards each other. It is also quickly apparent that there are some relationships that God has given us as responsibilities and not just for our own convenience. We need to allow our world to be shaped by others.

A child assumes its parents job is to meet its needs. That’s actually a good definition of immaturity.

It seems one sign of maturity is tied up with an ability to appropriately allow yourself to be affected by others.

No man is an island.