As Unto God

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ."
Ephesians 6:5

I find it amazing that the Bible teaches about virtually every area of life. Any subject or relationship that you can name is covered. God has direction for all of these things because the Bible is intended to teach us how to live. Some may say it is a historical book, others may say that it is simply legends that were passed down through the years. But when the Holy Spirit inspires the words that are written, the Bible comes alive and gives us insight into every situation.
    Concerning the relationship between employees and employers, there is plenty of insight and direction shared. The scripture above is but one reference of many regarding that subject. Instructions are given to both employees and employers. Of course, we don't have slaves today, even though we may sometimes feel that way, but the directions given apply to the workplace which many of us are found. It changes our perspective when we realize that we are to work at our jobs as if we are working directly for God. The workplace may be a difficult place. The boss may be a hard man, fellow employees may be difficult to cooperate with, conditions may be difficult. But all of that must be prioritized below the fact that we are working for God.
    I know human nature. I know that we have tendencies to grumble and complain. We gossip and say negative things about our employers and coworkers. All this is part of the old nature that we need to defeat. Others live this way because they do not have the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We do. So it is time to stop the complaining and begin working as unto the Lord. Whether we agree with the boss or not, we must respect him or her because they have been placed as authorities over us. We are to follow them and obey what they say in the same way we follow and obey Christ. This may be difficult to receive because it hits us right where we live. We go to work every day and face the struggles of the workplace. But even in this daily grind, God has given us clear direction.
   Let's begin to think of our job as something that we are doing for God, not a distraction from serving him. This may just change our attitudes. It may change the whole atmosphere of the companies we work for. After all, there are few who act this way. We will stand out and others will wonder what the difference is. The peace that follows believers is contagious. It will cut through strife and it will convict those who gossip and complain. I say let's try it. Like everything else involved in being a Christian, it requires us to change our minds about the situation. Once we do it, things will change. So let's start thinking that we work as unto God.