Should Christians obey their employers?

One sensitive issue many believers face is subject of how they should act around their employers.  Obviously, most people believe that Christians should obey God, their ministers and their parents.  However, does this same teaching extend out to believers submitting to their employers?  What if the employers have differing or opposing views about religion?  Do believers still submit to their employers in all circumstances?

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, as well as Titus, he addressed the issue of believers submitting themselves to authorities.  Paul made it clear believers are in a sense rebelling against God, when they disrespect God-ordained authority, since everything should function in an orderly manner and everyone is ultimately accountable to God for their actions.  Basically, he emphasized believers should do whatever is right in these situations, as a testimony of their faith…without compromising their faith.

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.  Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?  Then do what is right and you will be commended.  For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.  But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.  They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:1-4 NIV)

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (Titus 3:1-2 NIV)

For those of us who go to work a routine basis, the work environment can sometimes be challenging for people of faith.  In many jobs, you have the basics of putting up with people who sometimes disrespect your faith throughout the work day, whether intentional or unintentional.  Maybe you have to put up with cursing all day, hearing negative comments about your personal beliefs or convictions, being ostracized for speaking up about issues, or something similar.  Of course many employers and bosses will tell you the old cliché – if you don’t like the job, just quit and go somewhere else.  In reality, finding better employers is sometimes the best answer, but believers should not be required to give up their personal convictions and beliefs as a litmus test for employment.

Throughout the Word of God there are numerous examples of believers subjecting themselves to their employers, even under the most excruciating circumstances of slavery.  However, you will find just as many verses, if not more, teaching against employers who knowingly oppress their workers and the many negative repercussions they may face as a result of the inappropriate actions…especially since they are ultimately accountable to God for their actions.

In the Old Testament, Moses spoke various laws to the Israelites about ethics in the workplace.  Many of these laws are later quoted or paraphrased in the New Testament due to their relevance.  In addition, Jesus Christ gave a parable speaking against ungrateful employees who were upset with their employer due to previously arranged wages. (Matthew 20:1-15)

“Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him.  Do not hold back the wages of a hired man overnight.” (Leviticus 19:13 NIV)

“Whatever the land yields during the Sabbath year will be food for you – for yourself, your manservant and maidservant, and the hired worker and temporary resident who live among you, as well as for your livestock and the wild animals in your land.  Whatever the land produces may be eaten. (Leviticus 25:6-7 NIV)

“Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” (Deuteronomy 25:4 NIV)

“’…the worker is worth his keep.’” (Matthew 10:10 NIV)

“Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Colossians 4:1)

In summary, believers need to remember the importance that their personal testimonies have on the workplace.  In reality, there may come times where workplace issues need to be confronted and believers should go through the appropriate channels in properly resolving any disputes, whether talking through issues on an individual basis or choosing other measures as they abide by the laws of the land. (Deuteronomy 19:15, 25:1)  In no way do believers have to give up their integrity and beliefs in the workplace, but rather their personal characters should reflect the values of God in all aspects of their work and ethics.
 

The Apostle Paul does a great job at summarizing the purpose of why believers should subject themselves to their employers, as well as God-ordained authority, with the following words.

“Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” (Romans 13:5 NIV)

Should children obey their parents?

When it comes to obeying parents, there is often differing views among Christians in how they believe children should respond to their parent’s role of God-ordained authority.  Some Christian parents believe that their children should be in total submission to them, regardless of the situation.  While other parents believe their role is to lead and mentor their children.  So comes the question, how should children respond to their parents in these various situations?

In the Old Testament, the Fifth Commandment – of the Ten Commandments – instructs the Jewish people to honor their parents, so that they may live long in the land that God is giving them. (Exodus 20:12)  However, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul elaborates further on this commandment in his letter to the Ephesians by adding – “Children, obey your parents….” (Ephesians 6:1 NIV)

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12 NIV)

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  ‘Honor your father and mother’ —which is the first commandment with a promise — ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’” (Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV)

On the surface, this may seem like a minor issue, but a lot of churches and their congregants often have high expectations for their leaders…especially their pastors, based off the teachings found in the Word of God.  For example, in the Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he made explicit standards for the overseers of the church in regard to how they should manage their family affairs…especially their children.  The question is how this passage should be interpreted – force your children to be obedient or lead them into obedience, with all honesty.

“This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work…One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (I Timothy 3:1, 4-5 KJV, italics added for emphasis)

In regard to the preceding passages, it sounds like pastors should use all means possible, to include force (e.g. gravity), for ensuring their children are in subjection.  Unfortunately, many churches interpret this passage to mean forcing children into submission and, as a result, sometimes set the standards for pastors to unrealistic expectations.  In reality, the word gravity is synonymous with honesty.  The word gravity is also referenced in Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus describing the character of believers – “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech….”  (Titus 2:7-8 KJV, italics added for emphasis)   In other words, church pastors should have their children in subjection with “all honesty”…not force.

This clarification about doing things in “all honesty” helps explain the often overlooked fourth verse, of Ephesians 6, about children obeying their parents…which also ties together the other verses.  The overall theme of the verses actually emphasize children obeying their parents “in the Lord” and fathers bringing up their children “in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  Additionally, the term obey [your parents] is actually referring to children intensely listening to their parents instructions.  So with all honesty, parents are to make a difference in their children’s lives by instilling Biblical principles and depending on God to make the changes.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1, 4 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

The deeper meaning among the relationships between parents and their children is not so much one of children obeying their parents in every little detail of life, but rather one of children honoring their parents…as commanded in the Ten Commandments.  In conclusion, Christian parents need to realize the unique role they have in developing their children’s personal and spiritual lives – in that one day their children will hopefully honor them, God-willing, by living out their adult lives according to the teachings of God instilled by their parents and passing them onto the future generations.