Christianity in the Workplace Applied Christianity at the Office Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness; and all these things Leonard Griehs As consecrated believers we ought always to represent that which we really believe. Our actions ought to reflect the beliefs and principles we hold most precious. Christianity is an exercise in self-discipline throughout every aspect of our life (1Corinthians 9:24-27). If Christians reach a position of importance in the business world or other sphere of influence, they must battle hard to distinguish themselves from other successful people. Affluence is preached as a goal by society; indulgence is easy to rationalize. As suggested by the opening text, the Lord’s people are expected to live always for the Lord first and for the world last. Jesus said, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole word, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"* (Matthew 16:26). When one’s heart stops beating, the things that required so much work—big cars, lavish homes, expensive vacations, and large bank accounts—are of no use. What should really matter to consecrated Christians is how they have represented the Lord in all of life’s affairs. Jesus warned about the dangers of failing to get our priorities straight: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). Christian Principles in Business While Jesus focused primarily on our spiritual development, we can find principles and lessons for the workplace in his teaching. Two recent books use Jesus’ words in approaching the workplace. Leadership by the Book by Ken Blanchard, Bill Hybels, and Phil Hodges, and Jesus in the Midst of Success by Charles and Janet Morris, use the leadership style of Jesus to teach business people to build a strong, ethical workplace. First, as a leader, Jesus served. He told his disciples, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all" (Mark 10:43,44). How should Christians serve others in the workplace?
Jesus went so far as to wash the feet of his disciples—his workers. "You call me `Teacher’ and `Lord’ and rightly so. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example." (John 13:13-15) Simply because one is a leader or manager does not mean one ought to neglect serving those who are in a lesser position. The competitiveness of the workplace can sometimes result in our being excelled by a colleague. This can be difficult to take and even result in feelings of resentment. Yet resentment only creates bitterness or envy. "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice" (James 3:14,16). Jesus taught us to reach out to those with whom we have strife. When someone in the workplace gets the best of us, or gets the credit at our expense, we can overcome the tendency toward resentment by asking him or her to teach us how they did that for which they were commended. Hard feelings will dissipate and at the same time, we will set an example for others. "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. . . . If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink, in doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:17-21) Settling Differences Workplace difficulties and conflicts are inevitable from time to time. When they occur, the attempt to exercise Christian principles may be greatly challenged. Jesus gives specific advice that is difficult to practice, but when it is followed, it usually has a positive outcome: "You have hear that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:43,44). In their book Charles and Janet Morris tell the story of a Philadelphia department store executive who clashed with the local Teamsters Union after hiring a non-union delivery firm. A three-month strike resulted, the store lost $2 million, and several strikers and non-strikers were injured. Finally, a labor arbitrator worked out an agreement under which the department store hired a new trucking firm with Teamsters drivers. The executive regarded the president of the local union as the villain and would have nothing to do with him. One day, after someone quoted the Matthew 5 text to the executive, he suddenly had a change of heart. He decided to ask the Teamsters president to lunch. Although he didn’t agree with all the principles at work in the union’s decision to strike, through talking with the president he was able to understand and sympathize with the union’s point of view. The talk eventually turned to their families and their mutual faith in God. The two shook hands and agreed never to take action without speaking face to face. Six Basic Principles for Employees Many companies today publish a "Code of Conduct" under which they expect to operate. Generally the words are fairly general and often perfunctory and do not address specific situations one may face in the workplace. It is important for Christians to delineate the principles under which they operate as representatives of an employer, and to communicate these principles so that a common ground of understanding can be reached when conflicts arise. We suggest six "pillars of character" that represent ethical values and constitute standards of conduct for all individual decision making. These terms not only represent ethical concepts that function as moral guidelines, but are consistent with biblical standards laid down for a Christian in conducting life’s affairs. Trustworthiness. When we are trusted, others give us more latitude because they don’t feel they need contracts to be sure we’ll meet our obligations. They believe in us. Just refraining from lies and deception is not enough (1 Peter 3:10-12). There is no more fundamental Christian value than honesty. Paul says, "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men" (2 Corinthians 8:21). But honesty is broader than just telling the truth; it means operating on the basis of total integrity. It not only requires a good-faith intent to convey the truth as we know it, but to also avoid communicating in a way that is meant to mislead or deceive others. The word integrity comes from the word integer, meaning "one" or "wholeness." There should be no divisions in a Christian’s life, no difference in the way decisions are made from one situation to another, no difference in the way one acts at work, at home, in public, and alone. Integrity is built on values. Events, crises, and the seeming necessities of the day should not determine the course of our conduct. When we make promises or commitments that create a legitimate basis for another to rely upon us to do something, we have a moral responsibility to carry them out. Trustworthiness means keeping that commitment even if the circumstances since making the commitment have changed. We must avoid unwise and unclear commitments. While an employer-employee relationship creates an expectation of allegiance, fidelity, and devotion, loyalties must be prioritized—the most important loyalty for Christians is their relationship to God and Christ. Respect. The essence of respect is a regard for the worth of people regardless of their station in life (Ephesians 6:1-9; Philippians 2:3). We should be attentive listeners, treat others with consideration, conform to accepted notions of taste and propriety, and never resort to intimidation, coercion, or violence. We must accept individual differences and beliefs without prejudice and should judge others only on the content of their character (James 2:1-9). Responsibility. Our work life is full of choices. Being responsible means we are in charge of our choices and that we are accountable for what we do and who we are. Responsibility makes demands on us as employees to do what we can, not because we are being paid or because we will be fired if we don’t, but because it is our obligation. Responsibility means finishing what we start and overcoming obstacles and excuses rather than surrendering to them (Galatians 6:5). Fairness. Fairness and justice involve issues of equality, impartiality, and openness. It is unfair to handle similar matters inconsistently (Proverbs 24:23). It is unfair to impose punishment that is not commensurate with an offense. We must employ open and impartial processes for gathering the truth in matters for which we must make decisions. Fairness also requires that we correct mistakes, promptly and voluntarily (John 7:24). Caring. There are many who love humanity but not individuals, who exhibit a big gap between ideals and behavior. While embracing ideals, they show insensitivity to individual needs and the views of others. A Christian must be genuinely concerned with the welfare of others (1 Thessalonians 3:12). Genuine concern means feeling an emotional response to both the pain and pleasure of others. While some decisions in the workplace, such as the need to dismiss workers due to a lack of performance or staff reductions, do cause pain, Christians must consciously cause no more harm than is reasonably necessary to perform their duties. Citizenship. Although our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), the laws of the land bind us and we must obey them (1 Peter 2:13-17). But that is not all. As "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20) we are to conduct ourselves as representatives of our country in a foreign land. We should stay informed on the issues of the day to be sympathetic to the problems of those with whom we work. We should represent God’s principles in helping solve those problems. Six Basic Principles for Employers Some consider the Ten Commandments as the basic tenets of Scripture that are to be used in business dealings. But for those who have consecrated their life and their means to the Lord, there are other principles that Jesus taught that should set them apart from others in the business world. These are particularly difficult to follow because others we encounter in business—even co-workers—rarely follow the same principles. Since Jesus spoke of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, we must exercise these principles as employers even if others do not. Reflect Christ in business practices. Anyone operating in a manner that glorifies Christ will be faced with many opportunities to suffer as a result. Take the practice of total honesty. Proverbs 3:32 says, "For the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence." If the issue were just to steal or not steal, most Christians would have no problem. But in real-life, that principle becomes more difficult. Be Accountable. Those in positions of authority must be accountable. Too often those with authority surround themselves with people who support their decisions without question. While this may seem like an asset, in the long run it is a great liability. Without a system ofchecks and balances, leaders will eventually drift off course. Even David, a king chosen by God, went off course when he listened to his generals who told him he was too valuable to risk his life in battle. Provide a quality product or service at a fair price. When a Christian accepts a standard for service and products that the Scriptures prescribe, the end result will be the best product at a fair price. This is in contrast to the norm in society which is to deliver the minimum acceptable at the highest possible price. When a Christian shows good value, clients will be happy and satisfied. Honor creditors. "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow, when you now have it with you" (Proverbs 3:27,28). Too often, suppliers are treated as no-interest sources of operating capital. When business is slow, it is considered normal to delay paying others to make up for one’s own reduced cash flow. The Scriptures teach that our implied promise to pay must be honored. Treat employees fairly. The first step in recognizing fairness is to adhere to the principle that all people are important regardless of their position. During the early part of our country’s history, slavery defined the role of boss as taskmaster. This is not to say that everyone should be paid equally or given the same benefits. However, James gives some good advice: "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. If you really keep the royal law found in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin" (James 2:1,8,9). People should always be respected for the job they do, no matter what that job is. They ought to be treated with honor and paid fairly. Treat customers fairly. Customers should see that Christians living according to their principles provide a good product or service at a fair price, and are conscientious in making customers satisfied. Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3,4). This applies beyond the conduct in an ecclesia or with those of like precious faith. It is a principle of life that Paul urges us to apply all the time. If we truly care for others, we will not want customers to feel we took advantage of them. Set an Example. Character in the workplace begins by examining ourselves. When it comes to helping co-workers become better people, the most powerful tool is how we live our life. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). How do we best reflect our light in the workplace? Approach a crisis or conflict with a level head. If we react to a situation based on mood,we may teach others it is acceptable to be rudeor dramatic. In dealing with customers, whether internal or external, we want people to be objective. Even if a crisis has just occurred, even if a shipment is late, even if the last batch of burgers got burned, people need to be off anemotional roller coaster. We should be the model for that, especially if we have managerial responsibilities. Temper criticism of others. Avoid unnecessary criticism and correction. It is easy for managers to feel like they need to correct everyone all the time, but that sends people the signal that they are not good enough. Constructive criticism is often necessary, but it should be helpful and warranted. Balance work and personal pursuits. We need to balance how much we work and how much we don’t work. Burnout sometimes undermines integrity. Experts believe that the pressure of an overloaded schedule might be one cause of unethical or illegal behavior in the workplace. If possible, it is beneficial to create a private space within one’s office or workplace. Put the Bible on display. Take a few minutes away from work periodically to be refreshed. While being sure to give an employer the full time for which we are paid, it is possible to do better work and teach others the importance of staying balanced. Strive to understand others. If we go out of our way to see things from a point of view other than our own, we can instill a spirit of responsibility in others and in the organization. Consider the prayer of Francis of Assisi which reads in part: "O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life." |