EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. – Colossians 3:22

REFERENCE
Colossians 3:18-4:1

A bondservant is someone who has pledged to serve others voluntarily with all their heart; not for profit or gain. For usage purposes, we will exchange the word “bondservant” with “employee” because of its use in our contemporary times.

God expects you as a Christian employee to do your work with all your heart because you are doing it ultimately unto Him. You are admonished not to work as men pleasers, but to work with all diligence, in the fear of God. Your attitude to work, in the long run, is what speaks of your Christianity in the place you work. So, let’s imagine that your boss isn’t a Christian, what picture of Christianity are you painting to him/her?

Take Joseph for an example, he had an unbelieving boss – Potiphar; yet because of his godly conduct, Potiphar perceived that God had blessed and prospered his entire organization because of Joseph. So, how do you conduct yourself where you work? How do you spend the time and resources of your organization? If God, and not your supervisor, were to ‘appraise’ you for your next promotion, what will your score be? Will you be qualified?

You should desist from using these slangs that are common in our part of the world (Nigeria), about your work: “Is it my father’s business?” “I can’t kill myself for this job.” You should also not think of work as a bad thing because it is God’s idea. From the beginning, He gave Adam the responsibility to till the ground and take care of the Garden of Eden. Besides, even God works; so Jesus said!

Therefore, as a Christian employee, you ought to be the one whose performance is exceptional, prompt to do your duties, and seek the good of your employer/organization. Let it never be said that you are lousy or insensitive about what goes on in the organization. It is criminal and ungodly to defraud your organization or freight away monies, goods or resources kept in your custody.

Likewise, as a Christian employer, you are supposed to treat your workers well with honor and respect; not as slaves. Pay them what is just, i.e. according to the going rate in your industry, and be fair to them. You have been privileged to be their boss on earth; but remember you are also answerable to ‘the overall Boss’ – God, who checks how you treat your employees. Tables do turn in life; someone who is your staff today, may be in a position to influence and affect you tomorrow…sure Potiphar may have been surprised and perhaps, ashamed at Joseph’s elevation.

SCRIPTURE PHOTO

ADDITIONAL STUDY
Genesis 39:1-6, John 5:17 & Ephesians 6:5-9.

TO DO

+ As an employee, think of creative ways to do your work which will make you stand out and be the light that you truly are in your organization.

+ Do something nice as an employer for your employees, maybe by the end of the month or plan towards the end of the year- organize a picnic/party, give them gifts, hampers, cash etc.