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Life, it seems, is seldom fair in the way
it treats people. Those who work hard and stand for principle are
appearently punished or simply passed over while others who don't seem
to deserve it are rewarded greatly. This disturbed me considerably until
recently when I was reminded who our source really is.
When things like this happen
it is the human tendency is to hold back knowledge, slack off in the
amount of work done, or flat out refuse to help when doing so would be
easy. All of these actions demonstrate a poor team attitude and hurts
productivity. Let's consider the consequences of these actions for a
moment.
Withholding Knowledge --
From a secular viewpoint, one who does
this will not be viewed very favorably. Chances of promotion will be
reduced and there is a possibility of being terminated if this action is
made known to the individual's boss. All in all, not the desired effect!
From a Christian viewpoint, there are
other considerations.
Col 3:23
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
(KJV)
God commands us to do all things as if we
were working for the Lord. This means to give our all, our best on a
daily basis. We should not consider what men think of us but what the
Lord thinks of us. Ultimately, it is God that rewards us for our work.
Ruth 2:12
12 The
LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD
God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
(KJV)
2 Chr 15:7
7 Be ye
strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be
rewarded.
(KJV)
Slacking Off --
Here again, the secular viewpoint is not
favorable. One who does this would get the reputation of being lazy and
not wanting to work. Ultimately, this would again lead to termination.
God can not bless nor condone this
action. God is a God of righteousness and rewards people according to
their work.
Prov 11:18
18 The
wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness
shall be a sure reward.
(KJV)
Eccl 8:11-13
11
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily,
therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
12 Though
a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely
I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before
him:
13 But it
shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days,
which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
(KJV)
II Th 3:10
10 For
even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not
work, neither should he eat.
(KJV)
God's word is quite clear on the subject!
Refusal to Help --
Refusing to help is defiant refusal to
obey a lawful order. Those of you who have been in military service know
full well the consequences of this action, immediate punishment of the
offense. The same applies to the civilian work place.
God commands us to obey those who are in
power over us. Keep in mind though that we are not to violate God's
commandments even when ordered to do so.
Titus 3:1
1 Put
them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
(KJV)
Heb 13:17
17 Obey
them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch
for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with
joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
(KJV)
It doesn't matter if things appear that
wicked people are being rewarded. Disregard those things that seems to
put you down. Pray for those in power over you, because God will require
a reckoning for your actions. God who sees all and knows all will reward
you for being faithful to His word by diligently working at your job.
Col 3:22-25
22
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not
with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing
God:
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:
for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he
that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and
there is no respect of persons.
(KJV) |
