"FAITH IN THE WORKPLACE"

INTRODUCTION

1. As Christians, we are but pilgrims and sojourners in this world...

   a. We have duties regarding our spiritual growth and development

      - 1 Pe 2:11

   b. Yet we also have a duty toward those who are still of this world

      - 1 Pe 2:12

2. One arena where we fulfill our duty to those in the world is "the

   workplace"...

   a. Places of employment where we work

   b. Relationships we maintain with those with whom we work

3. What impact should our faith have as members of the workforce...?

   a. What effect should it have on us as laborers or managers?

   b. Should the workplace become a place to evangelize the lost?

4. In 1 Th 4:11-12, Paul gave general instructions concerning Christians

   living in this world...

   a. To lead a quiet life

   b. To mind our own business

   c. To work with our own hands

   d. To walk properly toward those who are outside

[What this entails may be gleaned further as we consider passages which

speak of Christians as laborers and managers.  So let us start by

looking at...]

I. THE CHRISTIAN AS LABORER

   A. SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES FOR LABORERS...

      1. From the epistles of Paul - Ep 6:5-8; Co 3:22-25; 1 Ti 6:1-3;

         Ti 2:9-10

      2. From the epistle of Peter - 1 Pe 2:18-20

      -- Instructions to servants can be easily applied by Christian

         laborers today

   B. SCRIPTURAL GUIDELINES FOR LABORERS....

      1. Obey those who are over you (unless they ask you to do that

         which is unethical or illegal)

      2. Work with proper respect and good will toward your boss

      3. Labor sincerely and heartily, as to the Lord and not to men

      4. Do not work only when the boss is watching, or just to please

         those over you

      5. Demonstrate that you can be trusted with responsibility

      6. Offer such service, not just to good employers, but even to

         those who are unfair

      -- In so doing, you are adorning the doctrine of God our Savior!

[Additional counsel for laborers can be found from the wisdom of Solomon

(e.g., Pro 12:24; 22:29).  Those who follow such guidelines will not

only please the Lord, but likely be very successful in their work!  Now

let's consider...]

II. THE CHRISTIAN AS MANAGER

   A. SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES FOR MANAGERS...

      1. From the epistles of Paul - Ep 6:9; Co 4:1

      2. From the Old Testament - Deu 24:14-15; Pro 22:16; Jer 22:13-17;

         Mal 3:5

      -- From both Testaments there are principles to guide the

         Christian manager

   B. SCRIPTURAL GUIDELINES FOR MANAGERS....

      1. Remember that you have a Boss in heaven!

      2. Treat employees with justice and fairness

      3. Do not oppress or exploit those who are under you

      4. Don't resort to threatening (seek positive motivation instead)

      -- Applying the golden rule (Mt 7:12) will go a long way to

         managing properly

[Managers who so govern will likely be highly esteemed, both by those

they manage and those under whom they serve.  Yet as Christians, our

goal is not just to provide honorable service, but to encourage people

to glorify God (cf. 1 Pe 2:12).  This raises the issue of evangelism in

the workplace...]

III. THE CHRISTIAN AS EVANGELIST

   A. CONCERNS TO CONSIDER...

      1. As Christians, we are to seek and save the lost - Mk 16:15-16

      2. As workers, honorable service demands a proper day's work for a

         day's wage

      3. Adorning the doctrine of Christ requires that we not pilfer

         (including time) - Ti 2:10

      -- The challenge is to properly balance our efforts to save and

         our duty to work

   B. GUIDELINES TO GOVERN...

      1. Don't forget the power of a good example - 1 Pe 2:12; 3:1-2

      2. Don't let your speech betray your profession as a Christian

         - cf. Ep 4:29; 5:4; Co 4:6

      3. Wisely consider the best use of one's time on the job - cf. Co

         4:5

         a. Circumstances at work are rarely conducive to substantive

            spiritual discussions

         b. Seek to turn casual conversations related to spiritual

            subjects into opportunities for home Bible studies

      -- Spiritual zeal is no excuse for cheating those who have hired

         us

CONCLUSION

1. Involvement in the workplace is a wonderful opportunity...

   a. To be able to provide for one's self and family

   b. To be able to serve the Lord through making a positive impact on

      others

2. Let your faith in the workplace be an opportunity...

   a. To demonstrate the value of a vibrant faith in Christ!

   b. To reach others for Jesus Christ!

What kind of laborers and managers are we?  Do we encourage others to

glorify God...?