"As Unto The Lord" [col. 3:23]

by R.B. Fullarton, Innerleithen | Category: General | Feb 1982

"Time 15 a gift of God, its duration is uncertain, its loss irreparable, therefore spend it to His glory". The Christian is a steward, never an owner, of the time God has given him. The Scriptures speak of "redeeming the time", that is, appreciating its value for the opportunity of serving God. Contemporary business and working life with its career steeplechase and pressured environment contain ever-present perils for the Christian.

Responsibility Toward God

Although in the world, the believer is not of the world, as his Saviour was not of the world (John 17:16). He is in the world with regard to bodily presence, but morally he is apart from it. The employment aspect, therefore, is to be characterized by this principle. He cannot "opt out" in the way of the twentieth century "drop-out". Scripture clearly states "if any will not work, neither let him eat" (2 Thess. 3:10). Diligence in working life is firmly enjoined. Conversely, the Christian must not "opt in" either. He is not to allow his occupation to swallow up all his time and energy. His adversary will seek to side-track him not only in this, but also in other directions, such as consecrating primarily to material ends talents, energies and finances that might be employed in his Master's service. Possibly, the present malaise of Christianity, particularly in the more materially prosperous western hemisphere, is an indication of the success of the adversary's strategy in the diversion of effort. We may all pause to reflect on this. How often people are assessed by their apparent income and social status. They are habitually labelled by their professions or trades, such as salesman, banker, director, mechanic, and so on, thus being allocated to a scale of importance or the lack of it according to their particular employments.

Responsibility Before Men

No Christian is to earn his living by means that are morally wrong. Criminal, dishonest, obscene and similar flagrantly evil methods do not require explanation. He is not to be involved in bribery. Gambling is equally to have no place. The book of Proverbs insistently warns against get rich quick schemes. Many countries enjoy the advantages of a welfare state's guaranteeing a high level of security. Such schemes are not to be unduly exploited.

The mainspring of business today in so-called capitalist societies is reward or profit. Socialist societies seem to require similar incentives though perhaps this is not always admitted. The Christian has to treat incentives wisely and be careful of pursuing selfish ends such as covetous-

ness and greater power over people. That which may not be wrong in itself can become a snare. "What doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?" Christ asked. The Lord faced the challenge Himself one day when offered the kingdoms and glory of this world for false worship. The Christian has learned from his Master that a man's life is not to be equated with his possessions. Rich and poor alike are equally the work of God's hands (Job 34:19). Silver and gold cannot purchase God's favour. What is everything to the non-Christian is of secondary importance to the Christian. Agur, son of Jakeh, has set an all-time pattern for men and women of faith when he asked to be preserved from the dangers of both riches and poverty (Prov. 30:8).

Servant-Master Relationship

The New Testament clearly states the principles that should exist in relations between employee and employer using the servant-master relationship common in those days. Many professional associations and business organizations today adopt a code of ethics or regulations which members or employees are expected, if not bound, to observe. To cite a few examples: Member or employee must:

1.Undertake to achieve and maintain a high standard of professionalism in work and keep abreast of new knowledge and techniques.

2.Serve his employing organization effectively, honestly and with integrity and promote products and services of his company.

3.Accept full responsibility for his work and not misuse authority over subordinates for any personal gain, to the detriment of the company.

4.Protect the best interest of those he serves and observe strict impartiality when giving independent advice.

5.Observe complete discretion in confidential information.

6.Participate, whenever possible, in activities of his organization inside and outside normal working hours.

With many of these points the Christian could agree. Whatever the character of the work done it is to be regarded as "unto the Lord Christ". This sanctifies and raises the dignity of the most monotonous and arduous of tasks:

Servants be obedient to them that are your earthly masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart ... not as menpleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will ... unto the Lord and not to men (Eph. 6:5-7).

The employer's responsibility follows:

Forbear threatening ... both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with Him.

The work of the Christian employer and employee is enhanced and elevated when done for the right reason and in the right spirit.

Attitude and Service

The Christian has to hold faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19); have no tryst with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11); maintain good works and honestly occupy his time (Titus 3:8). He is to refrain from participating in wrongful conduct (Eph. 5:7). The Christian in business is to be subject to his employer and separate himself from any who propagate any other policy. Effective work and a loyal attitude are services to God. Joseph of Arimathea is described by the four evangelists in this way: "a rich man" (Matt. 27:57), who, undoubtedly, exercised faithful stewardship in material possession; a "councillor of honourable estate" (Mark 15:43), emphasizing his standing before men; "a good man and a righteous" (Luke 23:50), what he was in character and life; "a disciple of Jesus" (John 19:38), his true profession.

But unsavoury situations crop up regularly in business life. The Christian is to beware of placing himself under a bond to obey decisions which run contrary to God's will (Acts 5:29) with consequences which may be disastrous to conscience and testimony. The "unequal yoke" of 2 Cor. 6:14 is an agreed bond or contract under which those who have been enlightened by the Word of God are constricted in following God's ways. "Unrighteousness" and "darkness" spell out the state of unbelieving people who, uncaring about divine principles and conduct, may take and impose decisions binding on their fellows. Nothing is to impinge on the Christian's devotion and loyalty to God. In the work sphere and doctrine of God our Saviour is to be adorned (Titus 2:10).

The Real Wealth

On occasions the Christian in business may feel the pressures of being strongly requested to engage in certain pursuits or activities outside his employment hours. The response must be governed by Peter and John's words in Acts 4:19. The ambition to succeed, the desire to acquire, total involvement and motivation must be considered in the light of 1 Tim. 6:6-10. Contentment is the true and great gain. Some have fallen into the category of verse 10 in a burning ambition to "get and have". Self-inflicted wounds and grief have been the result.

Being unwilling, although able, to work is termed "disorderly" in the Scriptures (2 Thess. 3:11). The general principle of working, when opportunity is available, is enunciated by Paul who set a good example by working to support himself materially (though not needing to do so - 1 Cor. 9:14).

Not only is the Christian to provide for himself and his family (1 Tim. 5:8), but, where possible, to assist others in need (Eph. 4:28). The matter of fairness lies at the heart of attitude to the whole concept of relating Christian principles of working life.

The Christian is caused to cry in prayer to the Lord of Sabboth whom James knew (Jas. 5:4). David, in the court of Saul, "behaved himself wisely" even when the spirit of the ruler rose against him (I Sam. 18). He acted reasonably and commendably with integrity towards his superior and with fairness towards his subordinates. The Lord is well able to defend His own.

R.B. Fullarton, Innerleithen | Feb 1982
General