Scripture provides principles and teachings that can guide the believer's behaviour and attitudes in any area of life, including the workplace. Here are a few key principles from the Bible that can be applied to the workplace:
1. Work as unto the Lord As Christians we should approach the work context with diligence, integrity, and excellence, considering it as an opportunity to serve God. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." 2. Honesty and integrity God's Word emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, including work. Proverbs 11:1 states, "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight." As Christians we are called to be trustworthy and to conduct ourselves with integrity in our interactions with colleagues, clients, and employers. 3. Treating others with respect and fairness The Bible teaches that Christians should treat others with love, respect, and fairness. This applies to how Christians interact with their coworkers, subordinates, and superiors. Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule, says, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them." 4. Diligence and responsibility The Bible encourages Christians to work diligently and responsibly. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor." As believers, we are called to be diligent, responsible, and reliable in our work. 5. Prioritizing God and maintaining ethical standards While the workplace may present various challenges and temptations, we Christians are called to prioritize our relationship with God and maintain ethical standards. Colossians 3:17 advises, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." It is important to note that the practical application of these principles may vary depending on the specific circumstances, job responsibilities, and workplace policies. Christian, you are to seek to live out your faith in a manner that aligns with these biblical principles while also respecting the rules and expectations set by employers.
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From the young toddler who just learned the word “no” to the older child acting out in willful defiance, all parents face the challenge of disobedient children. And, at the heart of the matter, disobedience is not just a child issue.
The Bible shows us we all battle the desire to rule ourselves and do as we please because we all are born into sin and rebellion (Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:3; Romans 3:10; 7:17–21). This battle against self-rule can wage an all-out war on our children if their disobedience is left unchecked; a war that will affect their future relationships with teachers, employers, friends, spouses, aging parents, and even their Heavenly Father. Yet, when we turn to the Bible, we find great hope in the fact that God gives the tools to train and discipline disobedient children and even promises blessing to those who learn and grow in obedience. The command to honor and obey parents permeates Scripture, beginning in Exodus when God gives the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) all the way through the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:3; Deuteronomy 5:16; Proverbs 1:8; 6:20–21; 23:22) and into the New. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul reaffirm the fifth commandment (Matthew 15:4; 19:19; Ephesians 6:1–3; Colossians 3:20). Children are encouraged that their obedience will bring blessing (Exodus 20:12; Jeremiah 35:17–19; Ephesians 6:3; Colossians 3:20), while disobedient children who dishonor their parents are admonished that their behavior will bring punishment and shame (Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 21:18; 27:16; Proverbs 10:1; 15:5; 20:20; 30:17; Matthew 15:4). Widespread disobedience to parents will characterize society in the end times (2 Timothy 3:2). The nation of Israel, whom God calls His children (Exodus 4:22), provides an example for disobedient children. Repeatedly, God commands Israel to obey Him, promising great blessing for obedience and dire consequences for disobedience. In Joshua’s day, Israel obeyed God and was blessed with victory over their enemies (Joshua 11:23). Later, as the whole book of Judges shows, Israel’s disobedience brought trouble. The Bible teaches the necessity of correcting disobedient children. Discipline is a part of life for everyone, and those who rebel against the authority of parents are to be chastised. Proverbs 19:18 says, “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; / do not be a willing party to their death.” In this verse, discipline of a child is presented as a matter of life and death. Disobedience, left unchecked, will lead a child to eventual ruin. Proverbs 13:24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, / but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Here, love and careful discipline go hand in hand. The idea is refuted that a “loving” parent will never discipline a child. To turn a blind eye to rebellion is to hate the rebellious child. Ephesians 6 is a key passage. Verse 1 speaks to children: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord.” That is, obedience to one’s parents is the God-given duty of every child. As long as the parents’ commands do not violate God’s Word, the child should obey. Verse 4 speaks to fathers: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” It is the duty of fathers to train their children in a godly way and to instruct them in the Lord’s Word. In so doing parents set their children up for the best chance for a long and prosperous life in this world (verse 3)—and treasures in heaven, too (Matthew 6:20; Galatians 6:8–9; Ephesians 1:3–4). Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9 |
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