In honor of Labor Day...

Our Sunday School teacher, Jay Brown, gave a talk on 1 Timothy 6:1-2, in honor of Labor Day. Considering it is a holiday for those that labor daily, I thought this was an appropriate topic to think about as everyone goes back to their work day tomorrow. The passage really spoke to both Derek & I on how we should treat those with authority over us. I felt convicted since I really didn't respect a lot of my unbelieving bosses in the dental field. I would have been such a better employee if I had.

The first verse refers to an unbelieving boss. Since we are believers, we should still respect that boss so that we don't give that person a bad idea of what a Christian is. The second verse talks about a boss who is a believer. Basically it states that we as workers should work harder for their respect (serve them even better), versus assuming that since they are a Christian that we will get a bigger bonus, better review, etc. So even if your boss doesn't treat you justly, we are still commanded to respect them out of our Christian obedience.

Jay gave us 8 points of application:

1. Do what our boss says and do it completely
2. Talk to our boss and about our boss respectfully (in and out of the office)
3. Eagerly perform the tasks at your job
4. Perform your job excellently
5. Do your job diligently
6. Complete your job humbly
7. Manage with patience and impartiality (if you're the boss, your authority is not a means to threaten)
8. Work from the heart for eternal reward

Someone who comes to mind on these points is Jessica Lundy. Her blog, ironically titled Teaching with Heart, shows how no matter how crummy your situation, she still has an excellent attitude about her circumstances.

So for those out there doing the daily grind in a cubicle, try to remember these points when you're having a bad day.