Paul declares the greater issues of doctrine, of how God's plan provides for believers who are categorized as slaves or laborers. Even under conditions of slavery believers can have inner happiness and other blessings compatible with their lives during the early church times. Whether slave or free, every believer functions under all of the techniques of the Christian Way of Life. This word comes from a background of military usage and refers to accepting orders under conditions of discipline and strict organization. This is a command for all Christians.
Every believer is in full time Christian service.
Regardless of what vocation a person follows, he or she is working under orders from above. This means that orders are accepted and obeyed without regard for the personality or character of the one giving the orders. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season. Here, the servant is exhorted not to be the type of subordinate who is constantly talking back to his master, constantly contradicting in an insubordinate manner. Dishonesty was a way of life for the Cretans, just as it is for many people today.