Work as unto the Lord
Years ago, I met a young man who wanted to start a business, and I never forgot what he said. He said, “It was an awesome burden because he would be responsible, not only for his own family, but also for the families of those who would come to work for him.”
Over the years, I’ve heard many sermons and sat in Bible classes, too, where the admonition to “work as unto the Lord” was discussed. This is a very important Christian principle. There is also, as an employee, great satisfaction in knowing that you are good at what you do. Occasionally, an opportunity arises to help a customer or patient in a special way that you’ll remember long after you’ve forgotten the paycheck you collected that week or how it was spent. This is a gift.
On the other hand (and my memory could be faulty), I don’t ever recall hearing a sermon or lesson based on James 5:4 (NIV), “The wages you failed to pay … are crying out against you,” a verse that is usually skimmed over quickly on the way to some other point. How many business owners have considered that passing the lion’s share of the profits along to management and shareholders and a pittance to employees is not just unwise, it’s a sin? That “trickle down” is not only a false concept (it doesn’t work) but is also patronizing and demeaning. The worker is worthy of his hire and holding back what’s due breeds resentment and an adversarial attitude. A good employee, one that feels he or she has a stake in the survival and prosperity of your business is invaluable.
Consider, too, the cost of a high turnover rate and the constant need for training new personnel. Respect and loyalty isn’t a one-way street. Pity the businessman whose favorite expression is “you’re fired.”
I don’t know if that young man ever accomplished his goal, but I hope so. And I hope, too, that in the often brutal world of business, he was able to hold onto his ideals. What a pleasure it is to work for someone who cares about something more than a balance sheet or the size of his own bank account.
Peggy Jo Averso Bella Vista