December 12 | Standing Against Human Trafficking
1 Timothy 1:9-11, “9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.”
Slave trading, practiced by Muslims, in the American South, or various cultures, is universally condemned as a sin. In biblical history, such practices were never sanctioned. While the Old Covenant allowed taking war captives and using labor to pay off debts, God never condoned the theft of freedom or abuse of slaves. In Israel, slaves were expected to be treated with dignity and respect, with a reminder that the Israelites were once slaves in Egypt, emphasizing compassionate treatment (Deuteronomy 24:17-19). Likewise, though Israel could obtain slaves from other nations as a form of nation building, they were commanded to treat them well (Exodus 21:20-21). God’s best was yet to come with the New Covenant, where everyone is supposed to have their freedom, both spiritually and physically.
When the Kingdom of God began to break forth in the New Testament Paul urged slaves to obey their masters because the Roman society, like the majority of societies of that time, had economic and wartime slaves. However, Paul’s command of submission wasn’t because he affirmed the practice of Roman slavery but because he wanted the Christians to be at peace in their culture. At the same time, the Christian masters were commanded to treat their slaves in the same way Jesus treated them because Paul said we are all slaves (servants) of Christ (Ephesians 6:5-9). Furthermore, when Paul was able to influence the culture in a greater way, he encouraged Christians to release their slaves and give them freedom (Philemon 1:14-18). Hence, the reason for genuine Christians ending slavery both in Rome and in places like Europe and the U.S.
One of Jesus’ main messages was to preach freedom to the captives (Luke 4:18). He loves to set free all slaves, whether spiritual or physical ones, by the power of His love!
Sadly, according to current studies there are more slaves in the world today than ever before. Current studies estimate that there are around twenty-seven million people in some kind of slavery. Such countries like China, Russia, Libya, Sudan, Pakistan, Thailand and Uzbekistan have the highest rates of human trafficking.
Most slaves are captured and exploited for their labor or sexuality (sex slaves). The average age a person is trafficked is only around twelve years old. Though some might think this tragedy only exists in poor nations without stable governments, the truth is tens of thousands of people are bought and sold all throughout Europe and the United States.
Therefore, the church needs to stand against human trafficking by; (1) Exposing the sinful practices of slave traders wherever they may be found; like with prostitution and forced labor. (2) Offering help to those who’ve been impacted by slavery by helping them gain freedom. (3) Praying for God to convict both the slave trader and the slave owner of their sins against humanity.
Reflection
Do you believe human trafficking is a sin?
Action
- Explain from the Bible why human trafficking is sinful. Someone once said, “You never know how valuable freedom is until someone takes yours away.”
- Financially support organizations that help victims of slavery.
- Resources: “God in a Brothel,” by Daniel Walker & “Modern Slavery,” by Kevin Bales.
One Year Reading Plan
Amos 7:1-9:15, Revelation 3:7-22, Psalm 131:1-3, & Proverbs 29:23. Click here to read online.