ON too many occasions employers have said they dislike the work ethic of some purporting to be committed Christians. I have heard it said, “I don’t want to hire a Christian”, and I believe that employer was a Christian. I too have been an employer and I’ve had some unpleasant situations as well. So I know what some employers are reporting is not far-fetched. In fact, I used to be one of those unruly employees.

I recall my behaviour years ago when I had recently become a Christian and worked in New Kingston; I was rather slack about my work. I thought the job was unimportant and “worldly” after I became a Christian. My pursuit of righteousness through vigorous Bible study (while being at work) was more important to me. I even deflected clients to others because I wanted time to read the ‘Word’, or to witness to someone. That was wrong and I was doing a disservice to the managers, the owners, and the Lord.

One particular manager mentioned to me a situation where an employee reported very late for work because she had “attended a crusade” the night before and “woke up late”. She’d expected the manager to understand because the manager was a Christian. On occasion, things will happen and you’ll report late for work — but that should be on a rare occasion. It is not acceptable to be tardy, lazy, or distracted, especially as a Christian. A mature Christian should never be an unprofitable employee in a normal organisation. And more so, pilfering, maligning, or cheating on the job indicates immaturity or at worst disproves one’s Christianity.

A good work ethic is imperative for a believer. Being a good Christian and a bad employee doesn’t compute. The Bible instructs readers to be the best at what they do: Proverbs 27:23 says, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” The text advises diligence in the manning of posts. Christians are admonished to do a good job in the eyes of employers and co-workers. In Ephesians 6:5 to 6, it says, “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ. Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” This text is also admonishing Christians to have respect for their employers. Unfortunately, some Christians berate their managers and supervisors even in public.

It must be noted that gentleness, meekness, longsuffering, etc, are “fruits of the Spirit” that must be displayed even with difficult employers; it’s imperative to credible Christianity. Yes, some owners and operators of businesses are deeply unfair, and some are belligerent. Yet, if we choose to remain employed, there we must yet treat them with respect. To do differently affects the Christian’s testimony and spirituality. As long as the institution we work with is legal and the job given is not immoral, nor violates anyone’s rights, it should be done without complaining. Being celebrated as an asset or the most valuable person on the company’s team should be the quest of every Christian.

Like Daniel in the Bible, the “boss” must be almost afraid to lose the service of their Christian employee. No employer should disdain or abhor the conduct or work ethic of a believer. Whether they are in the government as civil servants, in the security forces, with a non-governmental organisation, or otherwise, the Bible instructs those adhering to its teachings to be at their best on the job. Being ambitious and competitive for the best posts and the best remuneration is acceptable. Being “in the world but not of the world” does not mean ignoring professionalism and professional advancement. It means maintaining virtue and values while working in this world.

Rev Christopher Brodber is a counsellor and minister of religion. E-mail him at chrisbrodber@yahoo.com.