If you are an employer – are you fair in your wages?  Are you fair in the coffee breaks and lunch breaks you give each one of your employees?  Are you trustworthy to keep your word?

If you are an employee – are you fair in giving your time and work for the good of your employer, not slacking or taking advantage in any area?  Do you work as if you are working for the Lord Himself?

In the story of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 30 and 31… Laban unfairly took advantage of Jacob for twenty years!  He changed Jacob’s wages ten times.  Then when Jacob asked to be released from working for Laban… Laban was not willing for Jacob to leave.  Laban recognized that the Lord God had blessed him through the faithful and conscientious work of Jacob.  (Genesis 30:25-43)

Jacob makes a deal with Laban.  Since Jacob had no animals, he bargained with Laban to give the speckled, spotted, ringed animals to him.  Laban agreed!  The Lord blessed Jacob with healthy and strong herds and flocks.  Jacob could now fully support his large family and servants.

Laban was the employer, an unfair employer.  Jacob was the employee who was diligent in his work even though he was taken advantage of over a long period of time.  In God’s timing, Jacob did leave and he left wealthy.  When God leads anyone out of a situation it will be in His perfect timing.

Employers ~ how do you treat those who work for you?
(NASB) Colossians 4:1 “MASTERS, GRANT to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.”

Employer – God says to treat your employees with respect.  You are not to threaten them.  As a follower of Christ you are responsible before the Lord Jesus in how you treat others.  God plays no favorites and your employees are just as important to Him as you are.  (Ephesians 6:9)

Employees ~ how do you work for your employer?
(Amplified Bible) Colossians 3:22-23 “Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all  your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him.
23 Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”

Employee – God says you are to do your job with respect toward your employer.  You are to work with a sincere heart, just as you would obey the Lord Jesus.  Doing your job – not only to impress them, but doing the will of God in your place of employment.  Do your job with your whole heart.  The Lord knows, He sees, and you will be rewarded by Him.

~ Take it to heart ~

Are there some things which need to change in your workplace?