RPG Adults
AN HONEST DAY’S WORK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
1 Peter 2:18-20
Psalm 37:1-11
“And I will walk at liberty:
for I seek thy precepts.”
AN HONEST DAY’S WORK
Often what Scripture teaches as proper Christian action is quite contrary to the popular trend. This becomes apparent when Scripture teaches about employer-employee relationships.
The popular attitude among many workers today seems to be to do as little work for as much pay as possible. It is easy for the Christian employee to fall into this manner of thinking and thus lose an opportunity to be a witness for the Lord.
The word “servant” in 1 Peter 2:18 refers to an household help, and similar instructions are given to slaves in other portions of Scripture. If under the cruel laws of slavery of ancient Bible times, the Christian was instructed to be a testimony for the Lord, how much more should we live for God in our places of employment.
Christians must follow the instructions of their employer or superior, and this is to be done with an attitude of willingness and respect. In other portions of Scripture, the Christian worker is instructed to do a good job even if the boss is not there to see him (Col 3:22-25; Eph 6:7). Furthermore, the child of God must work well, not only for the employer who is fair and kind, but also for the one who is not. The Christian worker is to always do a good job regardless of the attitude of his employer and the treatment he receives because this is what God wants us to do. We are, after all, actually living and working for God. We do this as a testimony of His grace and not for personal gain.
We are reminded in closing that there is no merit in being treated badly if we deserve it. But if, after giving good service, we bear poor treatment in a Christ-like manner, this is noted by God and is a sacrifice acceptable to Him. A Christian’s reputation in his place of employment should be that of one who gives better than full value for the wages in a trustworthy and respectful manner.
THOUGHT: What must be the Christian’s attitude toward his employment?
PRAYER: Father, help me to do all things as unto Thee (Col 3:23).