When we read about slavery in the Bible, we think of it as something from ancient history, or even from more recent history. Many people are unaware that slavery is a current event in our world.
In fact, it is estimated that there are more slaves in the world today than at any time in earth’s history. The Walk Free Foundation states that, “Modern slavery includes forced labor, forced or servile marriage, debt bondage, forced commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, and the sale and exploitation of children.” With this definition as the basis of its research, Walk Free’s Global Slavery Index in 2021 estimated that there were about 49.6 million slaves around the world. (“Slavery in the 21st century,” Wikipedia. Accessed August 28, 2025.)
This number has certainly increased since 2021, possibly eclipsing the 50 million mark. It is estimated that there are currently over 1.1 million enslaved individuals in the United States, the “land of the free.” Slavery is more than a historical event; it is a current issue.
This is a sad commentary on the state of humanity in this so-called enlightened age. It seems that “the more things change, the more they remain the same,” regarding mankind’s fallen spiritual condition. Satan plans to enslave every person created in the image of God in one manner or another, whether through physical slavery of individuals or people or slavery to sin. Speaking of the latter, Paul wrote in Romans 6:16: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?”
What can we do about it? Regarding spiritual slavery, the only way to freedom is found in submission to Christ. Jesus came to set the captives free. We don’t have to remain slaves to sin and the devil. Cry out to Jesus for deliverance.
Regarding modern-day physical slavery, we need to be informed and become voices of opposition against human exploitation in its many forms. We must be aware of people around us who may be being held against their will or being abducted into a life of enslavement.
Do you know the now-universal hand signal for help by someone being held or secreted away against their will? The hand signal for help in human trafficking involves raising your hand with the palm facing outward, tucking your thumb in, and folding your fingers down over the thumb. Ideally, the signal is flashed three times by uncovering the thumb and covering it again. This gesture can alert others that you, or someone else, is in danger and needs assistance. This signal is often relayed behind the victim’s back. We need to teach this to everyone we know.
If you see someone using this hand signal, you must act quickly. I have seen public service commercials showing a person seeing this hand signal, immediately calling 911 or emergency services while filming the event and alerting the abductor that they are being filmed and reported to emergency personnel, such as the Police. In such an instance, time is of the essence, with only seconds to act. We indeed are our brother’s keeper. This type of intervention has saved many potential victims of nefarious individuals. An interesting true story about how a simple hand signal saved a teenager is “One Small Gesture, One Giant Act Against Human Trafficking,” Mitzi Purdue, Psychology Today, November 23, 2021.
We must pray for both the perpetrators and their victims, but we must do more than pray. We can support organizations dedicated to rescuing victims of human exploitation.
A good friend and Christian brother recently shared how his son, an Evangelical Pastor, had gone on a mission trip to Pakistan to not only preach the Gospel, but also to liberate individuals from human slavery by redeeming them through paying off the debt that they owed. In a particular village, the owner of the local brick factory was the wealthiest person because he used slave labor. People would come to him for emergency financial assistance to cover the cost of a life-saving surgery or some other urgent need. He would then make them indentured servants (slaves) working in his brick factory, unable to leave until they had worked off their debt. Of course, the rate of pay was ridiculously low, which for many caused them to work many years to pay off a relatively small amount. This Pastor and his church were able to redeem several families for sums as low $67 USD. Not only that, but they also purchased sewing machines and bicycles for them, enabling them to earn an income.
We must put “shoe leather” to the Gospel if we ever hope to reach the world with the Good News of Christ’s salvation. It’s not enough to just pray for or teach them the facts. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
The story is told of a man who was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up starfish and throwing them into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “Excuse me, but what are you doing?”
The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The sun is rising and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
The man laughed and said, “But there are too many starfish on this beach. You can’t possibly make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean. Then, turning to the man, he said, “I made a difference to that one. “
We might not be able to save everyone caught in the grip of slavery, but for every one saved, it makes all the difference in the world. Be the agent of change that you want to see in the world. Christianity is not a spectator sport. What would you want done for you if you somehow found yourself abducted or enslaved? We must “love our neighbor as ourselves,” (Matthew 22:39)and “do unto others as we would have them do unto us.” (Matthew 7:12)This is our mandate from our Master. So, help us, God!
(4)
