We Christians forget that we are ambassadors of God's kingdom. That can cause us to ignore our obligation to attract others to our God and not repel them. When this happens we are likely to behave wrongly and not according to the word of God. That limits our ability to bring the Lord's light into the places we frequent.
Consider our workplaces, for instance. Research suggests that the average person will spend 90,000 hours at work throughout their lifetime. This suggests that the workplace is an excellent place to represent the Kingdom of God in a positive light.
In fact, people who work for others are given this exact instruction in the Bible. The second chapter of Titus speaks to this issue though it refers specifically to slaves or servants, depending on the Bible translation or version viewed. For our purposes, as we read the word 'slave' we should replace it with 'employee' as employees typically work to serve the business purposes of their employers.
Titus 2:9-10 - Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
We have previously discussed what it means to be a Christian employee and how Christian employers are to treat their staff. Today, however, we focus on the need to behave in a way that "will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive."
And how exactly are we to achieve this? The Scriptures provide clarity. Firstly, we are to submit to our employers. This means we are to follow their instructions and respect them as we get our job done. Secondly, we are to aim to please our superiors. This is not to say we are to suck up to them but out of respect, we should do what will make them happy - benefit their business - while avoiding what will upset them. It is not about pretending to be one way to their face and then acting differently behind their backs.
Thirdly, we are not to talk back to our employers or higher ups. This requires a cool demeanor whereby we express ourselves without berating or insults. It is not about going back and forth with our superiors. This can be hard because most of us have dealt with bosses who feel the need to be rude, condescending and uncaring, but their bad behavior doesn't negate our responsibility to represent the Kingdom well.
Fourthly, Christian staff are "not to steal...but to show that they can be fully trusted." Alas, there have been verified stories of 'Christians' who have stolen from their employers. It could be money, clients or office supplies they wrongfully took. Whatever the case, we are not to help ourselves to what is not ours.
Today's anchor scripture points out these things as some ways Christian employees are to behave in the workplace. And that in so doing, we will not only win the favor of our superiors but also make our faith appear more attractive.
What are your thoughts on today's post? Have you ever been confronted with any of the issues addressed? Modern work culture is difficult and arguably dysfunctional in many organizations. Yet, we have a responsibility to be on our best behavior. Yes, the standard is higher for Christians and that can be tough, but this is part of the reason why we have the Holy Spirit to help us. We need only cooperate so that we navigate the corporate waters in a way that honors the Lord and brings Him glory instead of ill-repute. The Lord our God will help us all IJMN, Amen.