In my last post, I laid out some basic biblical guidelines for employers and employees to follow at work. Now, I will share a few additional principles that are beneficial specifically for employees.
One of my favorite scriptures on work is Colossians 3:23-24, where Paul exhorts Christian employees to work in a radically transformed way: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men . . . It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
As the Theology of Work Bible Commentary (TOWBC) instructs:
Paul reminds slaves that their work is to be done in integrity in the presence of God, who is their real master. More than anything else, Paul wants to recalibrate the scales of both slaves and masters so that they weigh things with the recognition of God’s presence in their lives. Slaves are to work ‘fearing the Lord’ (Col. 3:22) because ‘you serve the Lord Christ’ (Col. 3:24).
Here are some other key passages from the New Testament directed to Christian employees.
New Testament Teaching on Employees
John the Baptist preached a message of repentance in preparing the way for Jesus and mentioned two occupations. In Luke 3:12-14, he addressed tax collectors and soldiers. He said to the first group that the proof of true repentance as believers should be their ethical behavior on the job.
To the next group, he said it should be reflected in contentment with their pay. Jesus illustrated this in conversation with a short tax collector who had climbed up in a sycamore tree in Luke 19:5-9. When Jesus called Zacchaeus to follow him, the man demonstrated his true repentance and newfound faith by declaring that he would radically change the way that he went about his tax-collecting work.
In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul exhorts the church that in light of Jesus’ resurrection, we are called to stand firm and give ourselves fully to the work God calls us to do, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Insights on Ephesians 6:5-8 given in TOWBC help us to better understand the situations of slaves in first-century Rome and the employees of today. “The chief similarity is that both ancient slaves and contemporary workers serve under the authority of masters or supervisors. Concerning the work itself, both groups have a duty to meet the expectations of those in authority over their work.” These are timeless principles.
Philippians 2:14-16 asks us to consider doing everything without complaining or arguing so that our behavior will stand out as blameless and pure. This will ensure that our actions match the gospel message we share. Later, in Philippians 4:11-12, Paul states that he had learned to be content in every situation with little or plenty, knowing that God would meet all of his needs. Paul’s teaching expands upon what John the Baptist taught concerning soldiers in the Gospel of Luke.
Paul taught the church how their life-changing, selfless, and sanctified faith in Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, should influence the way they approach fulfilling their everyday work responsibilities so that the unredeemed all around them would take notice. In Colossians 3:17, he taught this principle: Whatever you do, do it in Jesus’ name for God’s glory.
Our work should not be for our own glory, the glory of the company that signs our paychecks, or just the benefit of our customers. We are to work with God’s glory in mind. It is our main goal. As we rub shoulders with unbelievers at work, we are to be wise in how we treat them and make the most of every opportunity. Our speech should be full of grace and point to something better so that we are prepared to answer those who may express interest in learning more about Jesus (Col. 4:5-6, 1 Pet. 3:15).
In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, some neglected their earthly responsibilities due to their belief in Jesus’ imminent return, but we see Paul’s command to them. He exhorts them to make it their ambition to lead a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands so that they might earn the respect of nonbelievers and be independent. Later, Paul writes to respect those who work hard among them and warn those who do not work hard (1 Thess. 5:12-14). In 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, Paul exhorts the church to keep away from those who are idle by choice; e.g., the sluggard from Proverbs.
A few writers have commented on this unusual command, which may explain the strong words of exhortation.
Tom Nelson, in Work Matters, indicates, “Paul does not rebuke those who, for various legitimate reasons, cannot work, but he does say that an unwillingness to work is no trivial thing. For anyone to refuse to work is a fundamental violation of God’s creation design for humankind.”
Paul Stevens, in his book, Work Matters: Lessons from Scripture, states, “The sluggard knows nothing of the creation mandate, that work is good, that work is part of our God-imaging dignity … In short, the idler has no theology of work. Realizing neither the intrinsic value nor the extrinsic value of work, the sluggard refuses to see work as a gift, a calling, and a blessing.”
In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Paul encourages us to be content with what we have, even if only our basic needs are met.
In Titus 2:9-10, Paul reminds employees to be submissive to their masters with all integrity, demonstrating their faith with actions. He reminds his readers in Titus 3:1-2 to submit to authorities in general, to be ready to do what is good, slander no one, be considerate, and show true humility to all. In his final remarks in Titus 3:14, he mentions that the church must learn to devote themselves to doing good to provide for their families.
We are to show respect to all because God has established them and they are sent by him.
Conclusion (Application)
All of these biblical instructions are for the good of the employee, employer, and the kingdom of God. We would do well to read, remember, and respond to them.
Jesus said in John 17:16-18 that he delivered his disciples out of this world’s value system. As Christians, we strive to keep ourselves apart from the ways of the world. We also have to remember that Jesus sends us back into the world to be salt and light. As we become employees who work biblically, the watching world will notice. They will want to know more about Jesus.
Editor’s note: This article was adapted and republished from the author’s blog with permission.
