You freemen are bought with a price, says the apostle, and so of course was the slave. He too was bought with a price, but nothing like the price that was paid for us.
Some people are, even Christians, get so enthusiastic about their career or their company that it is almost an object of worship, and they give it so much time and concentration, they do nothing for the Lord. That is the kind of thing the apostle means here. ‘Ye are bought with a price.’ So you have got to be efficient and reliable in all your secular duties, but ‘be not ye the servants of men’, in that total sense. ‘Brethren, let every man’, verse 24, ‘wherein he is called therein abide with God.’ Be close to the Lord. Even as you serve your earthly master, understand that ultimately you are serving the Lord in all you do, and the true reward you look for will come from him. Your highest priority in whatever situation you are is to be of service to him, and to honour him, and to speak for him, as you can. You are bought with a great price: the blood of Christ. You have been bought out of your eternal debt. You have been bought out of all your obligations, and you have been given a much better home. Your soul has been brought to life. You have a place in heaven; you have title deeds there. You are bought with a price – the precious blood of Christ. No greater price – the agony and suffering of the Son of God, because of his love for us.