“Business is business, let’s just leave church out of this.” This attitude expresses the view that many Christians have today. Religion is Ok, but let’s not get too carried away with it. So, your boss tells you to leave your Christianity at home or at church, but don’t bring it to work. After all, how can anyone expect to make a profit if they follow biblical principles?
What does the Bible teach about Christian work principles? Many passages in the Bible support good business ethics and practices.
First let’s deal with ethics. Proverbs 20:10 says, “Differing weights and differing measures— the Lord detests them both.” One way that people could cheat customers years ago was by using two sets of weights in a balance. A crooked merchant could use one set when buying and another set when selling. The differing weights and measures would give him the benefit while cheating the customer. God detests people using two different sets of standards. Christian should be honest in all their dealings.
In the first century, employers would hold back the wages that were owed so they could hold on to the money a little longer. They were cheating their employees. James 5:4 says, “Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.” Christian employers should not cheat their workers. Jesus said, “the worker deserves his wages” (Luke 10:7). Employers, you should pay your workers what they are worth, what you owe them, and pay them on time.
Next, let’s look at some biblical principles for the worker. Not only should employers not cheat their employees, employees should not cheat their employers either. Employee, do you waste time at work while on the company payroll? Things such as social media, long coffee breaks, extended lunch periods? If so you are stealing from your employer. How many have been caught using a company credit card for personal purchases, just until payday?
How well do you get along with your boss and coworkers? Do you gossip about them around the water cooler, do you assassinate their character behind their back? Do they easily offend you? Are you completely honest with them? Do you communicate openly and respectfully with them?
Christian workers should be the best workers, the most honest hardworking members of your team. They should be loyal and trustworthy. They should also treat their employers with respect.
Also, Christian bosses should be the best bosses. They should honestly care about the well-being of each employee. Yes, Christian business owners should make a profit, but not at the expense of the safety of their employees. Romans 13:7 says, “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Employers should provide everything employees need to do the job. Current federal safety regulations state that you must provide all protective equipment to your employees at no cost to them. This may cut into your profits, but you must protect them because it is the law and the right thing to do.
So, what does church have to do with it? Putting biblical principles to work will make work better for everyone. As an employer, you should be the kind of boss that everyone wants to work for. As an employee, you should be the kind of employee that people want to hire. Christianity should touch every aspect of our lives.
Mike McGuire Ministries 