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Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!

Living In A Loveless World Part II- No Love In The Workplace For Employees.

A couple of weeks ago I shared some thoughts on living in a world where big business seems to be crushing people and small businesses around us. My essential point was that it is man and his fallen nature that is at the core of the problem. In fact, I will say that the fallen nature of man and the problem of his inescapable sinfulness is the root of every problem that we have here on earth. This week I would like to focus in on the common experiences of the employee and by looking at God’s perfect truth, think about the Christian’s response to those experiences.

My first job out of college began in 1978, about 45 years ago. The workplace was already going through many changes that would evolve into where we are today. I grew up in a home where my father worked his backside off delivering packages for a company that was known for their brown trucks and even in the 60’s and 70’s corporations were going through philosophical changes about how they did business. Management was always pushing the drivers for greater productivity, and I heard many stories about what the drivers would say and do out of their frustration and anger. I’m not sure how often the contracts would be negotiated, but it seemed like it was every 2 or 3 years and at each of those times, the Teamsters Union (maybe the most powerful union in the country) would advise their driver members that it was time to go to war, which meant it was time to go on strike. Well, no job, no money and no money, no fun in our home. It even made me resent the company.

Back to 1978 and my first experience with a major corporation, I was fortunate to work for a company that was a little more laid back, but not much. As new systems and ways of selling product came online, new systems and ways of handling employees were also introduced. Bottom line: it is always about the bottom line, that is, making money. I had a taste of the corporate culture and after a brief time, I had the opportunity to start my own small business and never looked back to work for a big company again.

Fast forward to 2023 and things have changed even more. The goal of all companies is still to make more money and they have continued to do so using yet again new inventions and systems to create wealth. However, where improvements in machinery was the bulk of improvements in earlier generations, the improvements in computer hardware, software, and computer chips have been driving change and the currency of that change is data and speed. Because of this, change in the workplace has become even faster than past years. Companies can create, test, implement, and assess new ideas in a shorter time period than ever- and it is difficult for workers to keep up with the skills that are needed. And I have no data to support this but from what I observe in the marketplace, companies are faster than ever to lay people off or dismiss them altogether.

So, what is the typical attitude of workers in America? Gone are the days of loyalty by the company to the employee (no gold watches at retirement) and no loyalty from the employee to the company. During the Covid years (2020-2022), employees were in short supply so they took advantage and hopped from one job to another as soon as they became disenchanted with their job or found that they could make more money elsewhere. The goal of many employees was to find a job that met not only their financial needs, but also their lifestyle outside of work. In fact, many became used to the work from home days of the Covid years and demanded that they not be required to return to the office. But in 2023, the empire, that is, the employer, struck back. Many employees were crushed by layoffs, while others were given ultimatums to bend to the company’s new standards for work or be dismissed.

There seems to be no love in the workplace. In the never ending quest to create greater revenues, employees are often under-appreciated, underpaid, and overworked. Employees have responded with gaming their jobs – not working when they say they are, doing only as much as they are required or can be seen to do, stealing whatever small items they can from the workplace, deceiving their bosses about their intentions, and encouraging fellow employees to do the same.

This is the way of the world we live in, and you might say, this is the way of Satan. The ways of the world are antithetical to the ways of Christians, or you can say, the ways of Christ. If we find ourselves thinking and behaving like the world, we are disobedient to God’s commands and are in sin.

I’m going to take you to a passage you rarely hear about from the pulpit but is incredibly important and applicable for daily life. I looked in a few devotional books and there isn’t much written about it, even though we face it almost every day of the week and it takes up the majority of our waking hours.  And it doesn’t take a theologian to understand it. It is rather simple in its context and command and yes, it is one of the hardest commands to obey.

Colossians 3:22-4:1 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Before we look at the passage above, we have to note what Paul has written previously in this chapter. He tells them to set their minds on the things that are above, to put to death the sins of sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. They should no longer do the things that they did before they became Christians- put away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk. They are to show their walk with the Lord by having compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, forgiving each other, and above all these put on love, and be thankful.

It is only after he describes this new character in Christ that he specifically addresses servants. Of course, we are not slaves or servants in the way that servants existed in that day, but when we are in the employ of another, we are in the servant role so this teaching from Paul applies.

Think deeply about this:

  • “Not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” How many times have you and I worked harder and actively looked to appear busier when the boss came around? That is not doing your work with a sincere heart. That is a deceiving, hypocritical heart. Well, maybe you say that everyone does it and the boss really doesn’t know, but Paul follows with, “fearing the Lord.”Maybe you have forgotten that we are all under the watchful eye of God, but if you have the reverent fear that every Christian has toward God, you will always work diligently and with sincerity. You may change your job to another one, but while you are working for the current company, you must give your best efforts.
  • Work heartily, as for the Lord. Do you need any other motivation to work hard on your job than this? This is a hammer that comes and shatters the thinking of the world. You are NOT working for yourself, your immediate boss, or the company. In essence, you are working for the Lord. Let that sink in and believing it, ask yourself if there is ever a day that you would refuse to give your best? And Paul says again, You are serving the Lord, Christ.
  • The wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done.” But you say the boss you have is a wicked, horrible person? Clearly, God already knows that is often the case so He graciously has Paul write that the Lord will take care of every injustice in His way and in His timing. An ugly boss is not an excuse to devise ways for you to return that evil with evil. Consistent with many other scriptures, God is the one who avenges, not us.

Do you hate your job? Not getting paid enough? Terrible boss? Bored with the work? Bad fellow workers? Sorry, but that kind of attitude dishonors God. We have to stop thinking like the world and think like Christ. We must remember that our God is a sovereign God and He has placed you in that position for perfect reasons. We must remember that God only does good for us, and we are called to be thankful (Colossians 3:16). We must remember that we are being watched by those around us and when we don’t act like the world, we are the light that reflects Christ to them.

If we can obey what God is commanding us to do and be on the job, it would be a game changer in our lives. Think of how the right attitude would relieve levels of stress and frustration and maybe even add a number of years to our lives. But it will take an effort that we do not own. It will take the grace of God given through the Spirit of God. Therefore, my suggestion is to look at those three verses each morning and pray that God will give you what you need to honor Him in your work.

Finally, think of what this means to your children because this is part of obeying Ephesians 6:4. Your children will learn how to think about work from you, by the way you talk about your job. Do you want to saddle them with a vision of work that dishonors God? Think about it.

THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT! How you think about your job is connected to how you think about money. Find out who your master is by listening to: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. The links are immediately below-

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

 

Title: Critical Considerations For Christian Parents About Your Child’s Education, By Michael Lee

Description: As we search the Bible for answers to the question: How shall we raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” we can see that the system for educating children was done primary by the parents in the home. However, the world in which we live now is quite different and the vast majority of parents use an educational system that is outside of the home and is that system is called the public schools, or the government schools.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-critical-considerations/id1678162250

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjnvjc7QuytT2V3lVr53oqa

 

Title: From Religion To Christ, Written By Peter Jeffery And Read By Michael Lee

Description:  Tired of the many systems of religion that you have observed or been part of in the past? Are you ready to say goodbye to religion? The author Peter Jeffery, agrees! Doing “religion” is empty and will not get you to heaven. There is something more-something much greater. Take a careful listen through this podcast and discover what a real relationship with God actually looks like.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-from-religion-to-christ/id1687134464

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQg_lCngBTcjs_dXT1VYvYWA

 

Title: Rediscovering The Lost Treasure Of Family Worship. Written By Jerry Marcellino And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Family Worship was once the normal practice that most Christian parents led in their homes. Led by either parent, the children would be taught daily from the word of God, pray and sing songs. It was considered to be a vital part of the Christian life.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-rediscovering-the-lost/id1692401602

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgNq7asslVBsKyq0FC3arMs

 

A Call To Prayer By J. C. Ryle.  Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id1672880807

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

 

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

 

Title: Why Should I Believe Anything About Jesus Christ? Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This Podcast features three famous recordings of booklets written by John Blanchard that will strengthen your own understanding on the death and resurrection of Christ and also serve as a great evangelistic tool for a friend or family member. The first booklet is called, “Ultimate Questions.” The second booklet is called, “Why The Cross?” And the third booklet is called, “Jesus, Dead Or Alive?”

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-why-should-i-believe/id1692832161

YouTube: Each of the John Blanchard booklets has its own recording. See below.

Ultimate Questions.  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQggMxnbCbkLux2C6QB1W0VG

Jesus- Dead Or Alive? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjeqfP9L1olkHULFCNHVDDF

Why The Cross? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgJEuKxJL0dgjCDM85tyqrQ

 

Title: Thoughts For Young Men From The Book By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: A wonderful book of Biblical truth and advice for young men. Helpful to parents as well as the young men themselves. Full of wisdom for a life filled with Christ. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) served God in England as a pastor and teacher for more than 40 years. His words are still being used by the Lord today and are applicable to all Christians in all times.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-thoughts-for-young-men/id1673847428

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQixZIaBE95_JRojVSkzq1nl

 

Title: Stand Firm Written By Peter Jeffery and Read By Michael Lee

Description: So you just became a Christian and now what? Get ready for a life of walking with the Lord and experiencing the joy of knowing you have peace with God. However, you also have an enemy- the devil. Peter Jeffery wants to help by teaching you about the battle with the wicked one and how you can STAND FIRM against his attacks!

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-stand-firm-written-by/id1681861976

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjhDFeGYG5Tt5EWjeuz-e1p

 

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

 

Title: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. Written And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

 

Title: A Call To Prayer By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is a passionate plea from the famous preacher and teacher, J.C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id1672880807

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

 

Title: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices From The Book By Thomas Brooks. Read By Michael Lee

Description: (This is one that you can listen to a “precious remedy” each day). Thomas Brooks, born in 1608, was a Puritan preacher who wrote a number of essays during his time with possibly the foremost entitled, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.” In writing the book’s dedication, he wrote, “Christ, the scripture, your own hearts, and Satan’s devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter.” Brooks believed that all Christians have particular weaknesses in their faith and those weaknesses would be exploited in some way by Satan.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-precious-remedies-against/id1671364198

YouTube: Not on YouTube just yet.

 

Title: Messages You Want To Share With A Friend Or Loved One. Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This one has 11 different recordings of parental concerns including how to love difficult people, how to deal with angry children, family feuds, how can I know I am a Christian, and more.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-messages-you-want-to/id1681581764

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfa3amEo_gqzBt6ypv4KX1

 

Title: Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God, By Jonathan Edwards And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards will sober you up to the awesomeness of God. It is updated in modern English by Modern Puritans.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-sinners-in-the-hands/id1695783947

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjGDaS1xyeRC8vUJFwsxxaX

 

Title: The Mortification Of Sin By John Owen And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This famous treatment on killing or “mortifying,” sin by John Owen, has been updated in modern English by Modern Puritans. You will have to think hard but it is worth the journey.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-mortification-of/id1696454280

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQhOf-5DP2eZY4M91_NdlKwI

 

Title: Can You Trust God? Written and Recorded by Michael Lee

Description: Trusting God is not always easy in the midst of difficulties. We tend to trust in the things that we can see and feel and often succumb to anxiety or despair. My purpose in writing and recording this booklet is to create an ironclad argument for trusting God no matter what the situation.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-an-important-question/id1680420137

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHI31v5yt695Yuvc_VSyHA

 

Title: Cherish Ephesians 6:4 Written and Recorded by Michael Lee

Description: This is the podcast that has the weekly article from the Cherish Ephesians 6:4 ministry.

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4/id1658865547

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQj2iqoMVx36VEbpUZEQcyom

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Last modified: December 12, 2023

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