Faith In The Workplace by Rob Erickson
The Bible is an extremely valuable resource, it's worth is inestimable. Not only does it teach of God's way of redemption and eternal salvation it also proves to be a highly regarded source of information, a guide book of sorts for daily living. Biblical principles can be applied and practiced in all aspects of daily life, including the workplace. Many scripture verses teach sound doctrine on topics such as interpersonal skills, responsibility, employee/ employer relationship. God's immeasurable knowledge redeems and saves the lost sinner and provides solid instructions for daily living. Simply put, the Bible just makes sense.
First of all, the top priority is God’s way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) The Bible does not stand as a self help seminar, or a guide to financial success and fame. God promises to provide a way of grace, a gift of salvation to the lost sinner who places faith in Jesus Christ as the only means of spiritual success. The Bible provides a way to Heaven. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) The Bible also contains many life enhancing principles. These principles cannot be applied through self effort but simply by living by faith after being justified by faith in Christ through the grace of God. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.(Romans 1:17)
Interpersonal Skills
The Bible gives clear direction on how Christians are to interact with people. In a great act of love and compassion God sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross in order to atone or pay the penalty for our sins. This demonstration of God’s love, the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross is an offering, a gift of love towards the world. When people reject this precious gift, the response is still love. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34) Jesus acted in love and responds in love.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:3-6) Seek to meet the needs of others. Putting others first. There are times when a loving, caring, others centered approach is rejected. Anger or a bad attitude is the response. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) Responding to anger with anger only results in more anger. This leads to a destructive, unproductive workplace. It may be easy to think “why me?” and feel sorry for yourself. When things get difficult look to the object of your faith, Jesus Christ, who is the source of all spiritual blessings. Consider what Jesus endured and the forgiveness that He is offering. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:3)
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Responsibility
Fulfilling one’s personal responsibility in the workplace simply means carrying your own weight, bear your own burden, For every man shall bear his own burden. (Galatians 6:5). Do the job the job that you were hired to do without complaining about having work to do. Do all things without murmurings and disputings (Philippians 2:15) There should be no reason why an employer should have to convince or persuade an employee to do the work. There may be some circumstances, such as working outdoors during harsh weather, which make it difficult to complete tasks. Nevertheless, to the best of your ability, an attempt should be made to complete the work. If one worker is not carrying his/ her weight this places a greater burden on the other workers or the boss. The burden on the boss could mean having to replace a worker with another person who will do the job.
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? (Luke 12:42) Jesus taught numerous messages on the role of the steward. The role of a steward means that someone has made you responsible for something that does not belong to you, caring for another persons possessions or responsibilities. A steward or servant of a household may be in charge of fulfilling the various responsibilities of maintaining a household. In the workplace setting, an employer hires staff in order to complete the work. As an employee this is not your work but you have been put into a position in which you are responsible for completing work that belongs to another person (the employer). Be a wise and faithful steward of the workplace responsibilities that you have been given by faithfully and dedicatedly performing your assigned duties. And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? (Luke 16:12)
Employee/ Employer Relationship
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. (Ephesians 6:5) The New Testament epistles give clear explanation of the employee/ employer relationship being a picture of the God/ Christian relationship. The master/ servant relationship is the same as the employee/ employer relationship today. Christian employees are required to be faithful and obedient to their employers in the same manner that Christians are required to be faithful and obedient to Christ. Not only when the boss is watching, in a vain attempt to gain the favour or good pleasure of the employer, but always seeking to serve,With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men (Ephesians 6:7), knowing that as we are serving man in the workplace we are serving God in our hearts.
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. (Ephesians 6:9) Employers are also required to treat the employers in a respectful manner, not harshly or tyrannically. Employers are to behave with gentleness and humanity towards their employees, not in a harsh or domineering way, but always showing goodwill and concern for them. Employers can examine their relationship with God in order to understand how they are to act and behave in their relationship with their employees.
God’s wonderful plan of Salvation being the primary focus Biblical truths we can also discover many truths that can be brought to work and applied in the areas of interpersonal relations, responsibility and the employee/ employer relationship. As Christians we should take the knowledge into the workplace that whether we be employers or employees we are at all times serving our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.