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God's Standard in the Workplace

It’s funny how God works. I am Discipleship Leader for my Fulfillment Hour (Sunday School) class. I assist our class shepherd (teacher) in planning discipleship lessons outside of our normal Sunday morning classes to learn how we can apply God’s principles to specific situations. Our next lesson is “Walking with God on Our Jobs.” When I saw the theme for this month’s article, I chuckled. It is no coincidence that I am writing this article. It is clear that God has a lesson and a message for me as well as you. Let’s see what He has to say about the workplace…

God’s standard is always the same regardless of where we are or what role we play: Be faithful.

The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns (Luk2 12:42–43).

Throughout the Bible, we see God watching over and rewarding those who are faithful. I think the standard is clear. The question is: What does God standard look like when practiced in the workplace? To answer this question, we must look at God’s view of work and how we live out our righteousness in each of the roles we play in the workplace—employee, employer and co-worker.

God’s View of Work

The Bible opens with God at work. In Genesis 1:1–2:3, God created the world and all living creatures. He labored for six days, and then rested. He created Adam and Eve, and immediately assigned them the job of caring for the garden. God continues to work even today. He constantly supplies provisions for our every need. 

When God created us in His image, He fashioned in us a capacity to work and create. Therefore, work is not a curse. It is ordained by God’s divine system of provision. He expects us to be industrious. His Word says, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4).

However, God’s system of work includes rest. After six days of creating, God (Yes, even God) rested. He took time to reflect on His work, time for restoration and rejuvenation. Being created in His image means we must do the same. In this era of “do more with less,” it is difficult to balance our personal responsibilities and our jobs. However, a proper balance is necessary if we are to be any earthly good to God’s heavenly cause. (Ouch! That one was certainly for me.)

God established the Sabbath for us to renew our minds, bodies and souls. It is our time to honor Him and to heal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Commit to worship and rest on the Sabbath. If your job schedules you to work on the Sabbath, do not be afraid to ask your boss for an alternate schedule. Muslims have no problem asking for time to go to their Friday services. Why do Christians feel it is wrong to ask not to be scheduled on Sunday? If you must work on Sunday, make sure you set aside a day each week to worship God and rest.

Employees

God places us in the workplace so others can see His righteousness in us and be drawn to Him. Also, God provides the income from our jobs to meet our needs. We are God’s representatives. If Christians practiced real Christianity on their jobs, employers would be ecstatic when they learn their employees are Christians.

I believe God’s standards for Christian employees are:

• Earn your pay. Be productive. The adage, “An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay” is God’s rule too.
• Be on time.
• Be conscientious and fulfill all of your responsibilities. When you can’t, advise your supervisor of the problem immediately.
• Be trustworthy. The Bible refers to being trustworthy as being faithful. God rewards those who are faithful (Matthew 25:21).
• Perform with excellence. Our work is rendered unto God. We are God’s provision for the employer. However, God is the ultimate judge. (Ephesians 6:5–8)
• Have an excellent attitude. Be pleasant, forgiving and helpful (Colossians 3:12–13). Your excellent work doesn’t matter if it is unpleasant to work with you. Your performance may prevent them from firing you, but your attitude will close many doors of opportunity while you are there.

God shows His regard for faithful employees in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–28. Read this Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit to help you discern and employ the characteristics of these faithful servants in your life. As an employee, I did not always understand the importance of consistently practicing these characteristics. Now that I am an employer, I value having them in my employees.

Employers/Managers

God is no respecter of person. Our job position is not relevant to Him, but our righteousness is. God’s standard for Christian employers and managers is simple: Treat your employees with dignity, kindness and integrity. You’re not trying to win their favor. God is watching you, and He will judge you by the same measure you judge your employees (Ephesians 6:9, Matthew 7:2).

Employees should love working for Christian managers. They may not always agree with you, but they will confidently proclaim, “She’s fair, honest and treats people right.”

Co-Workers

I believe God gives co-workers special responsibilities. He most often uses these relationships for us to witness to others. As a co-worker, your days are ripe with opportunities for ministry. It is a chance to win the lost, help the needy, and encourage fellow believers.

God’s standards for co-workers are:

• Pull your weight. This goes back to Ephesians 6:5–8 and doing the will of God. The best thing you can do for your co-worker is your job.
• Be kind. First Corinthians 13:4 reminds us that love suffers long and is kind. Be God’s unconditional love in your co-workers’ lives. (Romans 13:10).
• Do not gossip, slander or speak evil of others (Leviticus 19:16, Psalm 34:13, 1 Peter 3:10). It creates strife and divisions. Christians should be known by their love and their efforts to build unity.
• Be trustworthy. Be faithful in all things (1 Corinthians 4:1–2).
• Help. When you can help your co-workers be successful, do it. Be careful not to neglect your work. Make sure your work is done, and then offer a helping hand. (Romans 15:2).

We are God’s people. That fact should be just as evident at work as it is in church. Let God’s standard of righteousness be your standard in the workplace.

Psalm 15:1–4

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts.