By Mark W. Christy, PhD
After giving His Sermon on the Mount which lists the identifying marks of true believers, Jesus said this of Christians, “You are the light of the world” (Matt 5:14).[i] Those who follow Jesus, who is Himself the “Light of the world,” are therefore expected to exhibit Christlikeness in all aspects of their lives (John 8:12). Paul put it this way, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life” (Phil 2:14-16a).
Given this expectation, Christians should at all times examine their behavior to determine whether it is in line with Scripture because, among other reasons, their behavior directly affects their potential to be a light, that is a witness, for Christ in this fallen world. For most Christians in contemporary American society, the primary place where they have the most opportunity to exhibit the Light (Christ) is at their workplace. Therefore, this article will offer multiple biblical precepts on how Christians are to exhibit Christlikeness in the workplace and specifically with regard to their relationship with their boss.
First, believers should obey their bosses so long as they are not being instructed to violate the commands of God. In Ephesians 6:5, Paul takes this principle to the extreme in his command to slaves: “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ.” As in this verse, Paul, in Colossians 3:22, reiterates that such service must be done with “sincerity” within and “not with external service, as those who merely please men.”
Second, a Christian employee should manifest the utmost respect for their boss regardless of their boss’ own behavior. Once again, Paul took this to the extreme when he commanded slaves to do likewise even when dealing with unjust masters (1 Peter 2:18-19). Like these unjust masters, bosses who mistreat their employees are most certainly failing to show respect to them, but nevertheless a faithful servant of Christ will ‘turn the other cheek’ (Matt 5:39; cf. Lev 25:46).
Third, believers are called to exhibit excellence (in accordance with their abilities) in the workplace. As Paul writes, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Col 3:23). This statement offers a clear look into the heart of a faithful employee whose mind is set on being a light for Christ in this world. Such an employee puts their whole heart into all of their efforts at the workplace irrespective of how they are treated or how they are compensated. By obediently working in line with these precepts, a believer will faithfully represent Christ at the workplace. Even when faced with difficulties and pressures at the workplace, including those caused by an unjust boss, this employee will not give way to temporal feelings. Rather, he/she will hold to the Word of God and its promise to reward those who faithfully serve as Lights to this fallen world (Col 3:24-25).
[i]All Scripture references are taken from NASB1995.