Christian Employees

Would you say that you live to work, or do you work to live? You shouldn’t obsess over your career, but Christian employees know that having a job is a blessing. Some people consider work, in any form, to be a curse and a punishment on mankind. In the Bible, however, we see just the opposite. When God finished His work of creation, all that He had made was very good (Genesis 1:31). Even before Adam and Eve sinned, man was given work to do in the garden (Genesis 2:15). This is part of how God blessed Adam, He gave him something productive to do. The Creator’s design for our lives includes labor and responsibility (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 9:10). Our jobs enable us to bless others and to stay out of trouble (1 Thessalonians 4:11 Ephesians 4:28). 

Christian employees know faithful obedience is required in the workplace. Some disgruntled workers are insubordinate and show disdain for authority. The Bible teaches workers to be obedient to our earthly masters, as to Christ (Ephesians 6:5). Notice also how all tasks are to be completed in sincerity of heart. Some are deceitful, only working when the boss is looking, but our Heavenly Master sees all (Job 34:32; Colossians 3:22). Let us never be disobedient or unfaithful in performing our duties. 

Christian employees also show respect for their masters. This goes a step further than simply doing what they say. Sometimes we get the externals right while neglecting the internal matters. How do you think about your boss? Do you ever pray for your boss and coworkers? The Bible teaches us to count our masters worthy of all honor, so that God’s name will not be blasphemed (1 Timothy 6:1). Reverence toward authority, even in the small scale, is a reflection on God’s ultimate authority. Let us never damage the reputation of God and His Word through our lack of respect. 

Christian employees maintain their integrity, even in hard situations. We all know various workplace situations can try our patience. At times we may feel that we are even being treated unfairly. God’s Word tells workers to submit not only to good and gentle bosses, but also to the harsh (1 Peter 2:18). We have an obligation to respect authority. Practicing faithful obedience and respect doesn’t mean much if you aren’t consistent in them. We all have to work to be well pleasing and fight the urge to gripe or talk back (Titus 2:9). Let us never fail to maintain our honorable conduct. 

No matter how you feel about your job, you have responsibilities there. Responsibilities toward mankind and toward God. Work is not evil, and the opportunity to be productive is a great blessing for us. Let’s resolve to be faithfully obedient, show respect, and maintain integrity. As we sometimes sing, “Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.”