Closely associated with one's attitudes toward the job are one's attitudes toward the employer; in fact the two are inseparable. One's attitudes toward the employer will and does directly affect the attitudes toward the job. One may truly enjoy the work that they are employed for but with wrong attitudes toward the employer the job will become drudgery. How does one avoid this and what should one's attitudes be toward the employer?
An attitude of obedience: "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh" (Eph. 6:5); "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh" (Col. 3:22); "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters" (Tit. 2:9); "Servants, be subject to your masters" (1 Pet. 2:18). God has reminded the servant (in principle the employee) to be obedient to the master (in principle the employer) over and over. When one looks and applies common-sense we know this does not authorize one to do that which is illegal or violates other commands and principles of God. Rather, this is the command to have a proper attitude toward one's employer doing the job the way the employer desires.
Does this allow the employer to "order" one to do those things that would violate the law of God or other righteous principles that the Father has given? NO! One is never under obligation to disobey the law of God; rather one is obligated at all times to obey God above all others (Acts 5:29). The reason for obedience to the employer is to glorify God is to be done "as unto Christ," "as the servants of Christ," "doing service, as to the Lord," "do it heartily, as to the Lord" (Eph. 5:5, 6, 7; Col. 3:23). Why? "[F]or ye server the Lord Christ," "that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed," "that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things," (Col. 3:24; 1 Tim. 6:1; Tit. 2:10). One must always remember Who the real Employer is!
An attitude of consistent service: "Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers," "not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart," "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily," "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity" (Eph. 6:6; Col. 3:22, 23; Tit. 2:10). "Eye-service is begrudging service that is performed only when the master's eye (or the inspector's eye) is upon you, or looks over your work" (Fields 228). The Christian should be one that desires to do his/her best the way the employer wants it done no matter how menial, how visible, or even how cruel (as in the days of slavery) the master (employer) may be. The Christian should be one that can be trusted at all times, in all places, with all things, by all people, to do what he has said he will do.
(to be continued...)
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