PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 4)

ATTITUDES TOWARD THE EMPLOYER (continued)

An attitude of respect: "[W]ith fear and trembling," "With good will doing service," "count their own masters worthy of all honour," "Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear" (Eph. 6:5, 7; 1 Tim. 6:1; 1 Pet. 2:18). The employee should have a healthy and proper respect (fear) for the employer, even when the employer is not one that shows respect in return (1 Pet. 2:18). The trembling referred to in Ephesians 6:5 is said to mean, "profound reverence, respect, dread" (Zodhiates, "5156. τρόμος trómos"). Dread can be seen in the fact of consequences (e.g., being fired, etc.) for failing to obey just as one sees in the final options available to man: Eternal life for obedience; eternal death (punishment) for disobedience. Peter in fact exhorts a proper respect for employers when he records, "But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God" (2 Pet. 2:20).

An attitude of working: "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you" (1 The. 4:11).

Remember the employer is paying for the employees work, not another's work. One that is honest and humble before God will do his own work with his own hands as that is what God commanded. To otherwise is sin--that is a violation of God's law (1 John 3:4).

This listing of attitudes has not been exhaustive, but rather representative, a sampling of the Christian graces which one should possess and as directly related to the employee side of the employee/employer relationship. The attitudes toward the employer can be summarized in the following bullet points:

• Obey those that have authority over you, yet always remembering Who has the ultimate authority over you.
• Work with a proper respect and good will towards the employer.
• Labor (work) sincerely and honestly, remembering the true employer is the Lord not men.
• Be a consistent worker, do not be lazy when the employer is not watching.
• Demonstrate reliability and the ability to be trusted--do what you have said you will do.
• Do these things no matter what; do it for the good, gentle employer; and do it for the cruel, hateful employer.