As Christians in the workplace, how are we expected to act?
The answer to this question can be found in Colossians 3:22-25. Although these verses in Paul’s letter to the believers in Colosse refer to slaves, it is important to note that, in that culture, a slave was considered a member of the household who held a position of responsibility. In our culture, they would be closer to what we consider an employee than what we would consider a slave. These slaves were also counted among the believers in Colosse. With these things in mind, let’s look at how these verses apply to us as employees and believers.
Colossians 3:22 says that slaves were to obey their masters in everything. In doing so, they were demonstrating godly behavior. Christians in the workplace are expected to do the same. We demonstrate godly behavior when we follow the direction of our bosses and employers unless, of course, we are being asked to do something that would be a violation of what God’s Word teaches us.
In that same verse, slaves were also told to always do their work well, not just when they were being watched. They were told to work with sincere hearts, not to please people but to please the Lord. As Christians in the workplace, we are held to the same standard. The way in which we do our jobs should always reflect the Gospel and not discredit it.
As Christians in the workplace, we are called to approach our work with the right attitude. We should do our work as if we were doing it for the Lord and not just for our employers. We need to display integrity in our work and show reverence for Christ. This means that we must always be conscious of the Lord as we work. Our attitude at work should be one that is pleasing to Him.
Finally, as Christians in the workplace, we should have the heavenly reward in the forefront of our minds. When we get to heaven, we will be rewarded for the work that we have done for the Lord in our lives. We will be rewarded for the work we do to further His kingdom through our churches and ministries (1 Corinthians 3:8-9). We will also be rewarded for the work that we do in our jobs. Even if our jobs are in the “secular” world, it is still the Lord Jesus who we are serving (Colossians 3:24).
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