Some people work for masters who are tyrants, and others work for masters who are benevolent. Some never see their masters (bosses), while others work right beside them. Some don’t like who they work for, and some love their jobs, and would never think of working for anyone else. All different, yet the bible tells us that no matter what circumstance we are in regarding our earthly masters, we are to work for them with fear and trembling, and honor them, because it is not really them we should be working for, but the Lord. Let’s see how it is written: ” Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ. Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.” Ephesians 6:5-9 I have worked for bosses who kept threatening their employees with being fired if they didn’t produce at a certain level. With that kind of attitude, it’s no wonder that some places have trouble keeping workers. The Lord wants us to work diligently as to Him. If we are an employee, we need to give it our all, with an attitude that we don’t necessarily work for the human master, but we belong to Jesus, and He is the One directing us in our work attitude. If we are an employer, we should treat those we hire as children of God, laying out the framework of what needs to be done, but then giving them coaching. While it is true there are some who will abuse this on both sides of the employment contract, I’m talking to and about Christians. We are not to be like the world. We are to be different. If we are treated unkindly, we respond with kindness. If we are threatened, we are to be humble in heart and trust the Lord that He will provide. If we are treating others unkindly, how can a business survive? How can employee devotion continue with one that treats their charges unkindly. I think, too often, we try to separate our worldly work program from our spiritual life. But I need to remind all of us who we are believers, do not take a separate track from living life while here on earth. While it’s true we live as if we are pilgrims, sojourners, temporary residents, we should never forget WHO we are … or WHOSE we are!
Barnabas Man 