We’re continuing our look at the epistle to Philemon. Paul is writing on behalf of his spiritual son, Onesimus.

Onesimus was an escaped slave from his former master, Philemon. Now that both have become Christians, it makes for a new dynamic.

In my last post, Paul tells Philemon that he looked at Onesimus as his replacement working along side of the apostle. He wants Philemon to see this young man in a new light.

Paul’s goal is for Philemon to accept him no longer as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.

But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced.

Philemon 14 NIV

This is an important Scripture, not only for those it was written to, but for all believers as well. It concerns the issue of why we do what we do for the Lord.

It’s unfortunate, but there are many church ministries that have leadership who rule with an ”iron hand”. That’s not what the Lord taught His disciples. He exemplified what servant leadership was all about.

No one should feel compelled to do anything for God because of threats or guilt. That’s not God’s desire for His people.

The word spontaneous, above, means not forced or constrained. It’s used elsewhere in Scripture. Paul uses it in regard to making an offering.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

Sad to say, I’ve been in church services where they were taking up an offering for a special project. When the amount needed didn’t come in, they prolonged the service with more appeals and more offerings until the goal was reached. I can tell you that by the end of the service, many of the givers were not cheerful!

Our acts of kindness should come from the overflow of our hearts. They should be a show of our gratefulness to God.

That’s even the case for why we serve in leadership positions. Many times, I’ve seen leaders who were recruited by making them feel guilty.

“You must do this. We have no one else capable. God needs you.”

That’s definitely not how Paul views the ministry. As a matter of fact, Peter agrees with him as he uses the same two words in this verse when he talks to the elders.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve…

1 Peter 5:2 NIV

So, as Paul continues this letter, he’s instructing Philemon on the need to free this former slave. Not because of Paul’s authority, but because it’s the right thing to do before God.

That speaks to us. Do we regularly examine our motives in our service to God? We should endeavor to keep our hearts right before Him.

Question: How easy or hard is it to serve God with pure motives?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi