At most workplaces, there is an organizational chart. At the top of the chart, you’ll find the president. Under that individual, lines branch out to include vice presidents, then branch out to the next level to include divisions, supervisors, and individual employees. A clear reporting structure helps an organization maintain order and thrive.

As we near the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he outlines an organizational chart, of sorts, for Christian homes. Paul had established how Christians can live together in peace and unity by recognizing the authority of Christ (3:15). But how does submitting to Christ’s authority shape the way we relate to one another at home?

Paul begins with wives. They are to “submit” to their husbands “as is fitting in the Lord” (v. 18). A wife’s submission to her husband is based on her submission to Christ (Eph. 5:22–24). He then speaks to husbands, saying, “[L]ove your wives and do not be harsh with them” (v. 19). A husband’s love for his wife is modeled after Christ’s love for the church: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Eph. 5:25). Children are to obey their parents because “this pleases the Lord” (Col. 3:20). But Paul quickly adds that fathers should not “embitter” or discourage their children (v. 21).

In the households of Paul’s day, slaves and servants were common. Paul instructs slaves to obey their “earthly masters” as they would obey the Lord (vv. 22–25). Finally, Paul reminds us why we should have this attitude of humility: “It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (v. 24). In the first verse of chapter 4, Paul instructs masters to treat their servants fairly, “because you know that you also have a Master in Heaven.”