One summer I worked as an electrician’s helper for Weyerhaeuser Lumber Co.   I then spent four years in the Navy.  I worked a short time for Longview Fibre.  Then part of a summer I set chokers logging for Weyerhaeuser and then time in their saw mill.  Part of a summer I worked on The Dalles Dam 90 feet up on scaffolding.  That didn’t last long because of my fear of heights.  If you were to rate my productivity, an overall rating as an employee, would be no better than a C-minus.

I heard a sermon on Ephesians 6:5 – 9 and it changed how I worked.  “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.  Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.  Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.  And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”

Instead of the word slaves, inserted was the word employees.  It went like this: Employees obey and respect those who you work for whether they are watching or not.  Work as an employee of Christ wanting to please my God in whatever you do.  What would this mean?

When we are hired we make an agreement to use our abilities to do specific tasks for a certain amount of money.  That means they can expect us to do certain things in accordance with their policies and procedures.  We are told to respect our employers.  Since we made an agreement, they have the right to expect from us to be cooperative and productive.

As Christians we are expected to be different from those who live by the world’s rules.  We are told by Scripture to be conscientious and loyal and we are to be positive and encouraging servants.  We are to do our best by being dependable and considerate of others.  Employers can easily tell the difference between an excellent employee and a so-so employee.  Guess who in most situations get the raises and promotions?

We should never be intimidated by our supervisors or bosses.  As Christians the only one we are to fear is God.  By not showing respect for those in authority and slacking off in doing our job, we must be afraid of displeasing God.

The Apostle Paul says we are not to do our best only when we are being watched but remember God is watching every second through the Holy Spirit that is within us.  We are not to waste time conducting personal business when we should be working.  We should not extend our break periods.  We should always arrive early for work and not leave until our time is up.

It is not unusual to work for someone that rarely gives you due recognition, or gives added rewards or praise.  However, Scripture promises that many of our rewards will be waiting for us in Heaven.  So be patient, we are continually storing up treasures for eternity.

Paul instructs us as supervisors or leaders that God is not impressed with a person’s position but what we do in that position.  Don’t you think God is aware when we abuse our leadership role or cause injustice to be done?  God always knows what is going on.  The day will come when He will settle up all accounts.  God will have the last word!

When I became a Christian and a new person in the Lord it changed by entire life.  God wanted me to hear His message and put it to use.  What a surprise I received when those in authority saw the new me.  I was treated differently and better.  Once I was promoted and became an employer and leader I could tell who was working for a paycheck and who was a team member and who followed the same advice I had been given. They were the ones I gave the extra raises and the promotions.

Do you want to improve your chances for success in the workplace?  Make God your supervisor and then do whatever you can to please Him through your work and your attitude toward authority and others.  God’s promises never fail for those who put into practice what He asks!