I have always believed that the Bible is a many-faceted book. I know that there are difficult doctrinal passages. Peter affirmed that some of what Paul wrote was “hard to be understood” (2 Peter 3:16). There is an abundance of Bible “stories” (word used advisedly, since true characters doing real things is the actual fact). These all help us to be patient and comforted in God (Romans 15:4). However, I also truly believe that beyond the deep theological matters, that are there of necessity, and that answer many of our questions, and beyond the doctrinal discourses, such as the nature of God, His Son, the church, etc., that the Bible is truly an owner’s manual, written so that we can better know how to live every day and deal with every day issues in our lives. One simple example would be to any of us that are employed at all.
Have you ever been so frustrated with your boss that you just found yourself giving up and not wanting to try anymore? Have you ever been mistreated over a mistake you made, or even worse, maybe one you are being accused of making that you did not make? I would say that most of us have been in the boat where we find it difficult to work for the boss we have.
When the Scriptures speak of the master-slave relationship, as the New Testament does often, the exact application does not exist today; yet, the passages on this subject serve as a very practical guide for anyone that is in an employee/employer relationship. We want to look at it from the employee’s viewpoint. There are more passages, but we will just note these three:
“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free” (Ephesians 6:5-8).
“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:22-23).
“Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully” (1 Peter 2:18-19).
The way to successfully deal with our work situation, in many cases, is found in these passages.
- Submit. We must be willing to go ahead and do what is right, no matter what our boss is like, or how unreasonable he/she may be. We must act in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
- Remember. We are not working for the boss, but we are working for God. We should do the very best that we can do, no matter what the boss’ reaction might be. We are not trying to please men, but rather God.
- Good Boss or Bad. We must do what we should do, no matter how “ornery” our boss may be. We should submit to the good and gentle, and to the harsh (KJV says “froward”).
- Our Efforts Will Be Rewarded. If we will realize that we are truly serving God, not man, and if we will keep on doing what we should, no matter what, then we have the promise that our efforts will be rewarded. Paul says, “knowing whatever good any does, he will receive the same from the Lord…”
Do you need answers to your everyday life with its ups and downs, and problems and joys? Go to the One who made us. In His Book, you can find the answers, if you will look, and if you will listen, and if you will learn.
