Working for a Living

Ephesians 6:5-8

When I was in Bible College, I worked for a while in a welding shop. One man’s welding station was located where he could easily see anyone coming from the office, but would not be readily seen himself.

The fellow was a student at another college, and only worked part time. Unfortunately, he would spend most of his time at work talking to the other guys, only going back to his station if someone came out of the office. Because of the location of his station, he was able to get by with it for a long time. Much of his time was spent gripping about how little the company paid and the working conditions. Most of the other employees had been there for years, and were quite happy.

We manufactured various gas and water tanks, for different purposes. Most guys could produce 8-10 of our easiest tanks to build in a single day, after a little experience, but this guy rarely produced more than one. One day, we had an urgent call for these tanks, and he built 20, more than anyone else. That got the boss’s attention. As he said later, if the guy had been doing his part all along, we’d have had enough in stock to meet the demand, and not been under such pressure. When business slowed down, he was laid off, although no one else was.

As Christians, the Bible tells us a great deal about our responsibilities as employees. The word servants is used, and could refer to hired servants, bond servants, or slaves. Our work is to be done, as the employer wants it. We are to be obedient to him.

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” (Ephesians 6:5-8)

We are to do our job as if we were working for the Lord himself, because we are. I am a little offended when they ask all the full time Christian workers to stand and be recognized. Every Christian is supposed to be a full time worker, but some have their checks signed by someone else. A proper respect and obedience will draw people to God, but a poor attitude or work ethic can cause people to resent God. It is especially easy to get lax with a less demanding boss. Christian employers should be more considerate of their employees.. We ought not take advantage of it , but respect and serve just as much as anyone else.

“Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.” (I Timothy 6:1-2)

Some employers are not considerate of their workers. We are not to rebel and take advantage because of their lack. We can trust God to reward us for their poor treatment. “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.” (IPeter 2:18-19)

Employee theft is a major source of loss for many companies. I should never happen with Christians, nor should there be a problem with disrespect or backtalk. “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” (Titus 2:9-10) Proper behaviour and attitude will encourage those around, both employer and fellow employees to come to Christ.

Sometimes a job interferes with church attendance or other activities. In the United States, we have some freedom to move to other jobs, if they are available. God has left us freedom in many of these areas. Having to work will not take away your rewards. If you have the opportunity to switch to a Job where you can serve the lord more freely, take advantage of the opportunity, Don’t get yourself in debt or any other situation that locks you into having to stay no matter what they demand.

“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” (I Corinthians 7:20-24)