Christ is our ultimate employer

“I’m fed up,” John told me. “I’m tired, frustrated—ready to quit. I’m the only Christian here and the pressure of trying to be a ‘good’ guy in this mess is getting to me. Any advice?”

“Maybe,” I said, “but first help me understand what’s getting you so upset?”

“I’m not sure,” he replied. “It’s small things that build up until I want to explode and chuck it all. I feel alone, out of step. It’s not just the loneliness but also the ridicule of being weird, and the guilt of having no positive impact. I’m sure this sounds like immature bellyaching, but that’s where I am.”

John is typical of folks who come to me for advice concerning work. The questions, industries, and complaints may vary, but the issues are universal: How do I become a godly worker in an ungodly world? Why is it so hard? When can I share my faith? How can I be a good witness, obey laws, submit to superiors, and please God? Can I work too much?

In my next few columns I will tackle these issues, and I begin today with two beliefs.

Beliefs drive attitudes and behaviors, and what we believe is tested in the trials of life. These tests solidify into convictions, which then form our attitudes. And attitudes lead to behavior. This is why theology is important—it is what we believe. Our theology drives our behaviors whether we realize it or not. And everyone has a theology. It needn’t be stated or even consciously acknowledged, but it can be inferred from our behavior.

The first belief is work is a gift from God. Many wrongly assume that “work” resulted from the Fall, and that if Adam hadn’t sinned they’d be sitting on the beach sipping lemonade. They approach work with drudgery or as a necessary evil. One woman I know describes it this way: “I endure it. It’s a nuisance like sticker burrs. As the day goes on I hate it. I feel punished.”

This attitude is far from the truth. God gave Adam the gift of tending the garden before the fall. Adam, made in God’s image, was graced with the gift of work. God is always working diligently, productively, and creatively. Adam was blessed to work as God’s regent—so are we.

Consider the immense difference in these two attitudes: Work is a punishment to be endured and work is a gift to be enjoyed.

The second belief is all work is done for Christ. The apostle Paul said it best: “… whatever you do … do it all in the name of the Lord …” (Colossians 3:17). Notice there are no conditions in his message, such as, “If I like my job,” “If I have a good boss,” or, “If my co-workers are friendly.”

Christ is our ultimate employer.

Imagine how different your workday would be if you woke up to serve Christ; you dressed to please Christ; you labored to hear Christ say, “Well done”; and you went to bed that night knowing you had faithfully given your loving service.

May we underpin our work with these beliefs.