Colossians 3:22-25 “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”
This is the third mention of this principle to Christians in the same geographical area (Colossae). Laziness must have been widespread in that society. Diligent employees receive both wages and a reward from God. What a great promise!
Principle: Christian employees need to submit to authority and do their best for Jesus.
Years ago a group of businessmen in a large metro area were asked about the quality of work performed by Christian young people attending a Bible school in the area. The employment office in the school noticed that placement was getting harder as the years went on. The worst case was realized when many employers decided that the young people from the Bible college were generally poor workers and un-teachable.
Do your best at work at work and do it with enthusiasm, for His sake! Honor Christ by your diligence and dependability at work. This is necessary for both employees and employers. Employers might have these verses in mind as motivators for Christian employees. Every employee should be required to do a careful reading of a work manual and a 30-day review after hire. Employer should make a stay/go decision before the 90-day period is over, Honestly evaluate the work every six months and do it in writing on the anniversary date. Deal with struggles in a corrective way. Change responsibilities as an alternative to dismissal. If it is a Christian employee, go the extra step and refer to the Colossians verses.
Discussion:
1. Employees, when has your diligence at work resulted in a raise?
2. Employers, when was the last time you gave performance-based raises?
3. Be sure, God will reward your diligence! Keep it up!
