I started this blog over the summer and haven't really promoted it because I wanted a chance to start developing content and ideas before I shared those ideas. However, I'm starting to mention it to more and more people, so I wanted to revisit some of the reasons for writing. I think all too often, we think of our "Christian" identity and our "work" identity as separate. This blog is an attempt to bring together all that the Bible says regarding work in one place. To that end, I am reading through the Bible and blogging about passages that seem particularly applicable to workplaces (although I'm not necessarily going through the Bible in order). These passages seem to be generally one of three types: a) Scriptures that explicitly mention work and business transactions such as Leviticus 19:35-36, b) Scriptures that discuss relationships between masters and slaves such as 1 Timothy 6:1-2, and c) Scriptures that deal generally with Christian living but seem very relavant to workplaces. I admit that some may question the connection between master-slave and work supervisor-employee, but I find most of the admonitions to masters and slaves to be very consistent with what I would expect Paul to say to employers and workers. I also admit that some my question or add to the passages that I reference under "general living," and I certainly welcome those conversations as they relate to workplaces. More than anything, I hope this blog will start dialogues, between you and me, between you and others, and between all of us and God regarding how we can be more Christ-like at work.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Philemon and Onesimus
Philemon 8-21
I've written several times recently about the importance of submitting to authority at work. I don't want to be one dimensional, and there are certainly other important points as well. So this will be my last post on the subject for a while. Philemon provides an opportunity to review some ideas about relating to supervisors as well as nuance those ideas a little more.
The book of Philemon is an interesting letter that addresses the issue of how a Christian slaveowner should treat a Christian slave, particularly when that slave has wronged his owner according to the laws of the day. By law, Onesimus could be killed or tortured for escaping (and possibly stealing from Philemon, see v. 18). But as an escapee, Onesimus had become a Christian. Paul appeals to Philemon that he not treat Onesimus harshly but "as a very dear brother."
I see two very important applications here regarding how supervisors and subordinates should treat each other. First, Paul tells Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to accept him back as a brother. We don't know for certain whether Paul is arguing for his emancipation, but at the very least, Paul is suggesting that Philemon not punish Onesimus for running away. He is advocating for forgiveness. The application to supervisors is that, when employees have messed up in some ways, forgive them. Even when those mistakes cost you money, use mercy as you deal with your subordinates. Especially when those subordinates are Christians. If you cannot treat Christians with love and mercy, how can you model Christ to others? This doesn't mean getting rid of performance standards, but it does mean recognizing the humanity in others and recognizing that we all need forgiveness from time to time.
Second, Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon. That's important to note. You can probably imagine the conversation between Paul and Onesimus as they were discussing this. "You want me to go WHERE?? But you know what he's going to do when he sees me!" Nevertheless, Paul knew that Onesimus had to come clean. I see this as indicating that subordinates need to fulfill their obligations, even those obligations that aren't pleasant. If you accept the connection between slave masters and supervisors, Paul talked in other letters about respecting your boss and being subject to your supervisors. Onesimus returned to Philemon before he knew what his fate would be, and we need to fulfill our duties at work, regardless of how our supervisor treats us. Remember, Peter says to obey your supervisor, regardless of whether he or she deserves that respect (Peter says to obey harsh supervisors as well as considerate supervisors). Don't miss the fact that Paul promises to restore everything to Philemon. Paul says, "if he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me...I will pay it back." Don't think that being a Christian with a Christian supervisor allows you to slack off on doing what you are supposed to do. If anything, work harder so that others can see Christ in how you treat your boss. Work so that, as the Hebrew writer says, you are not a burden to your supervisor.
Two powerful lessons in this short little book. These aren't the only places the Bible talks about masters and slaves, or if you will, supervisors and employees. But this letter presents a fascinating look into supervisor-subordinate relationships, especially between Christians.
I've written several times recently about the importance of submitting to authority at work. I don't want to be one dimensional, and there are certainly other important points as well. So this will be my last post on the subject for a while. Philemon provides an opportunity to review some ideas about relating to supervisors as well as nuance those ideas a little more.
The book of Philemon is an interesting letter that addresses the issue of how a Christian slaveowner should treat a Christian slave, particularly when that slave has wronged his owner according to the laws of the day. By law, Onesimus could be killed or tortured for escaping (and possibly stealing from Philemon, see v. 18). But as an escapee, Onesimus had become a Christian. Paul appeals to Philemon that he not treat Onesimus harshly but "as a very dear brother."
I see two very important applications here regarding how supervisors and subordinates should treat each other. First, Paul tells Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to accept him back as a brother. We don't know for certain whether Paul is arguing for his emancipation, but at the very least, Paul is suggesting that Philemon not punish Onesimus for running away. He is advocating for forgiveness. The application to supervisors is that, when employees have messed up in some ways, forgive them. Even when those mistakes cost you money, use mercy as you deal with your subordinates. Especially when those subordinates are Christians. If you cannot treat Christians with love and mercy, how can you model Christ to others? This doesn't mean getting rid of performance standards, but it does mean recognizing the humanity in others and recognizing that we all need forgiveness from time to time.
Second, Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon. That's important to note. You can probably imagine the conversation between Paul and Onesimus as they were discussing this. "You want me to go WHERE?? But you know what he's going to do when he sees me!" Nevertheless, Paul knew that Onesimus had to come clean. I see this as indicating that subordinates need to fulfill their obligations, even those obligations that aren't pleasant. If you accept the connection between slave masters and supervisors, Paul talked in other letters about respecting your boss and being subject to your supervisors. Onesimus returned to Philemon before he knew what his fate would be, and we need to fulfill our duties at work, regardless of how our supervisor treats us. Remember, Peter says to obey your supervisor, regardless of whether he or she deserves that respect (Peter says to obey harsh supervisors as well as considerate supervisors). Don't miss the fact that Paul promises to restore everything to Philemon. Paul says, "if he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me...I will pay it back." Don't think that being a Christian with a Christian supervisor allows you to slack off on doing what you are supposed to do. If anything, work harder so that others can see Christ in how you treat your boss. Work so that, as the Hebrew writer says, you are not a burden to your supervisor.
Two powerful lessons in this short little book. These aren't the only places the Bible talks about masters and slaves, or if you will, supervisors and employees. But this letter presents a fascinating look into supervisor-subordinate relationships, especially between Christians.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Be Ready to Give An Answer for Your Faith
1 Peter 3:15-16
This is a tough one to talk about. When I started this blog, I started with the idea that Christianity in the workplace had to be about more than just proselytizing. I think when many people think about any religion in the workplace, negative stereotypes of "Bible-bangers" come to mind, people who distract from the process of "work" in order to convince coworkers to become Christians. And I think Christianity in the workplace is much more than that.
However, it has to include that as well. 1 Peter 3 says to be ready to give an answer for your faith. The Greek word there includes the same connotations that accompany a company's defense in the face of a PR attack. You are giving a defense of why you believe what you believe. I don't think that means cramming it down coworkers' throats. But it does mean that, if someone asks you what you believe, you are ready to share. I remember talking with a coworker from another faith one time. He shared a great deal about his religion, and then asked what Christians believe about a particular subject. I knew what I'd been taught. I knew what I thought the Bible said about that subject. But I admit that I really stammered when it came to explaining it. I took a very politically correct stand rather than explaining what I believed. And that coworker, a new convert to a non-Christian faith, continued to mover further away from Christ. We never know when those opportunities will come, so Peter tells us to be always ready.
But there's another aspect to this idea of a defense of our faith. Peter explains that this should never be a shouting match. Our answers should be filled with "gentleness and respect." Very rarely will shouting persuade anyone. As you talk with others, even when they are not respectful, respond with tact.
This is a tough one to talk about. When I started this blog, I started with the idea that Christianity in the workplace had to be about more than just proselytizing. I think when many people think about any religion in the workplace, negative stereotypes of "Bible-bangers" come to mind, people who distract from the process of "work" in order to convince coworkers to become Christians. And I think Christianity in the workplace is much more than that.
However, it has to include that as well. 1 Peter 3 says to be ready to give an answer for your faith. The Greek word there includes the same connotations that accompany a company's defense in the face of a PR attack. You are giving a defense of why you believe what you believe. I don't think that means cramming it down coworkers' throats. But it does mean that, if someone asks you what you believe, you are ready to share. I remember talking with a coworker from another faith one time. He shared a great deal about his religion, and then asked what Christians believe about a particular subject. I knew what I'd been taught. I knew what I thought the Bible said about that subject. But I admit that I really stammered when it came to explaining it. I took a very politically correct stand rather than explaining what I believed. And that coworker, a new convert to a non-Christian faith, continued to mover further away from Christ. We never know when those opportunities will come, so Peter tells us to be always ready.
But there's another aspect to this idea of a defense of our faith. Peter explains that this should never be a shouting match. Our answers should be filled with "gentleness and respect." Very rarely will shouting persuade anyone. As you talk with others, even when they are not respectful, respond with tact.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Harmonize
1 Peter 3:8-9, 13
This passage is referring primarily to husbands and wives. Live in harmony with each other. Who will harm you for doing good? However, I think both thoughts can be applied to workplaces. As much as you can, live in harmony with others. Why? Because you're less likely to have others wanting to harm you. That doesn't mean that coworkers, supervisors, or subordinates may not occasionally resent you for something. But if you are seeking harmony with others, your time at work will be much more peaceful than if you are consistently involved in conflict. When someone crosses you and you're tempted to pursue the conflict, consider, "is this really something I need to do." It may be. But take a moment to think about the costs of disharmony before you act.
This passage is referring primarily to husbands and wives. Live in harmony with each other. Who will harm you for doing good? However, I think both thoughts can be applied to workplaces. As much as you can, live in harmony with others. Why? Because you're less likely to have others wanting to harm you. That doesn't mean that coworkers, supervisors, or subordinates may not occasionally resent you for something. But if you are seeking harmony with others, your time at work will be much more peaceful than if you are consistently involved in conflict. When someone crosses you and you're tempted to pursue the conflict, consider, "is this really something I need to do." It may be. But take a moment to think about the costs of disharmony before you act.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day
At least for the American readers of this blog, today is Labor Day, the day when we have a holiday to remember "the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country" according to the US Department of Labor. As I was thinking about today, I thought it would be a good time to reconsider the importance of working. The Bible has strict warnings against idleness and laziness. This doesn't apply to those who cannot work because of a disability or who have lost a job and haven't been able to get a new one. But if you can work, the Bible is pretty explicit that you should work.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Submit to Others at Work
1 Peter 2:13-20
This is a tough passage, no doubt about it. "Submit ... to every authority instituted among humanity" (emphasis mine). Think about that in terms of workplaces. God is calling you to submit to your supervisors. Now I know what some of you may be thinking. "But my boss doesn't deserve to be the boss in the first place." Look at verse 18: "Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." If you consider the master-slave relationship to be analogous to the employer-employee relationship of our society, then the application is very clear. It doesn't matter whether or not they deserve your respect and obedience. Unless they ask you to do something that is illegal, unethical, and/or immoral, you need to obey. Look at verse 20: "how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?" In other words, if you disobey your supervisor and get punished (demotion, reprimand, fired), you deserve what you got. This doesn't mean that you can't disagree with your supervisor. But at the end of the day, if your dissenting voice isn't heard and accepted, you need to do things your supervisor's way. And hard as it may be, you need to pray for him or her.
This is a tough passage, no doubt about it. "Submit ... to every authority instituted among humanity" (emphasis mine). Think about that in terms of workplaces. God is calling you to submit to your supervisors. Now I know what some of you may be thinking. "But my boss doesn't deserve to be the boss in the first place." Look at verse 18: "Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." If you consider the master-slave relationship to be analogous to the employer-employee relationship of our society, then the application is very clear. It doesn't matter whether or not they deserve your respect and obedience. Unless they ask you to do something that is illegal, unethical, and/or immoral, you need to obey. Look at verse 20: "how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?" In other words, if you disobey your supervisor and get punished (demotion, reprimand, fired), you deserve what you got. This doesn't mean that you can't disagree with your supervisor. But at the end of the day, if your dissenting voice isn't heard and accepted, you need to do things your supervisor's way. And hard as it may be, you need to pray for him or her.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Obey Your Leaders
Hebrews 13:17
This passage is referring to church members respecting the authority of church leaders, but based on other passages, I think the same principle could be applied to respecting the authority of workplace bosses as well. Work for your supervisors in such a way that "their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." Think about that. What good is it to you to not obey your supervisor? Now I'm not talking about those times when your supervisor asks you to do something illegal, unethical, or immoral. Acts 5:29 says "we must obey God rather than men." But when your supervisor asks you to do something that is not inherently wrong, you should do it. It doesn't help you if your supervisor feels "burdened" because you're not doing what he or she wants. In fact, it may hurt you in the long run (and possibly in the short run). God wants you to be a peace with people at work, and one easy way to do that is by obeying your supervisor.
This passage is referring to church members respecting the authority of church leaders, but based on other passages, I think the same principle could be applied to respecting the authority of workplace bosses as well. Work for your supervisors in such a way that "their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." Think about that. What good is it to you to not obey your supervisor? Now I'm not talking about those times when your supervisor asks you to do something illegal, unethical, or immoral. Acts 5:29 says "we must obey God rather than men." But when your supervisor asks you to do something that is not inherently wrong, you should do it. It doesn't help you if your supervisor feels "burdened" because you're not doing what he or she wants. In fact, it may hurt you in the long run (and possibly in the short run). God wants you to be a peace with people at work, and one easy way to do that is by obeying your supervisor.
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