Colossians 3:22-4:1 “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 his wrong and there is no favoritism. Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.”

This is high-bar expectancy in slavery days when there was no union, Fair Employee Practices Commission, governmental oversight, or ethics committee.

Principle: In the Christian community there was, and is now, oversight and obligation to God, the owner and supervisor of all.

Annually, Fortune magazine lists the 100 best places to work. While Christian run companies don’t often get a mention, some should.  Many Christian-owned companies like Chick-fil-A are closed on Sunday. Their customer relations program makes “go the second mile” a corporate culture. In-and-Out Burgers prints John 3:16 on its coffee cups and treats their employees with dignity, fairness and honor because the Bible says to do so. Hobby Lobby and thousands of small businesses owned and operated by followers of Jesus do what is right and fair for their employees and customers. May their numbers increase!

Discussion:

1. What decision has your company implemented that reflects your identity as a Christian?

2. What impact has this decision had on your “bottom line”?

3. What company decision could you make today to reflect God’s ownership?