Obedience to Christ at Work

“You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:16

As a Christian, have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, torn between the demands of your job and the tenets of your faith? Ethical dilemmas in the workplace are more common than one might think, and it’s all too easy to become desensitized to them over time. You might wonder, does God take note of how I handle my job? Do the Scriptures offer guidance on the everyday decisions I face in my professional life?

In his first epistle, the Apostle Peter delivers a powerful message on respecting authority, emphasizing the need to “Honor the emperor”. This instruction is nested within a broader discourse on submitting to every human institution of authority (1 Peter 2:13-25). Peter’s message extends further, urging believers to “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”

Living as servants of God, our conduct in the workplace holds immense significance as it serves as a testament to the Gospel of our Shepherd. This becomes particularly crucial when we encounter situations where we are asked to undertake tasks that conflict with the teachings of the Word of God or that trouble our conscience. The workplace often becomes a fertile ground for such ethical dilemmas to surface.

The Obedience of Peter

Peter himself serves as a powerful and practical exemplar of this crucial principle. As one of the chosen apostles, Peter, under the divine mandate of King Jesus, received the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations”(Matthew 28:19-20). His mission extended to teaching these disciples to observe all the commandments of Jesus. In unwavering obedience to the Lord’s directive, Peter embarked on this sacred task.

Following Jesus’ Ascension and the awe-inspiring events of the Day of Pentecost, we witness Peter’s commitment to his mission. He performed a miraculous healing, mending the broken body of a disabled man, and then boldly addressed the astonished crowd of onlookers. However, this act of courage drew the ire of the religious authorities, including the high priest Annas and the council, who sternly charged Peter and John with a grave warning: “Do not speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:13-22).

At this pivotal juncture, Peter’s fidelity to King Jesus faced its ultimate test. Would he heed the authority of the religious establishment or remain steadfast in his allegiance to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? In response to this profound challenge, Peter eloquently declared:

“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Acts 4:19-20

Obedience to King Jesus in the Workplace

As Christians, it is incumbent upon us to uphold the principle of submission to our employers and those in positions of authority over us. This includes respecting local governors, magistrates, presidents, or emperors. We must recognize that God, in His divine order, has established these governing bodies as instruments that ultimately serve His purposes for the greater good of society, as articulated in Romans 13:1-7. The Bible teaches us that we serve a God of order (Genesis 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 14:26-40), and we must align our perspective on these institutions with the guidance provided in God’s all-sufficient Word.

In acknowledging the divine order of governance, we must also remember that God will hold every individual accountable for their actions and the stewardship of His creation (Revelation 20:11-15). This truth underscores the significance of our ethical conduct in our professional lives.

In the workplace, we may inevitably encounter tension between our obedience to King Jesus and the directives of earthly authorities. We may be called upon to engage in activities that blatantly contradict the teachings of the Bible. Often, creative euphemisms may be used to obscure the underlying intent of deception. Phrases like “bolster the yearly report” or “please rearrange your findings” might be employed.

However, we mustn’t allow ourselves to be misled by such subterfuge. We must remain vigilant and unwavering in our commitment to honesty and integrity. Scripture serves as the lamp to our feet in this regard, reminding us of the unambiguous commands it contains. Remember this:

“You shall not steal.”

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

Exodus 20:15-16

These timeless words from the Ten Commandments underscore the unequivocal standards of truthfulness and ethical conduct we are called to uphold. They are a steadfast reminder that our allegiance to God’s Word should always supersede any conflicting directives we may encounter in our professional lives. Through the justification granted by our faith in Jesus, we not only uphold the law (Romans 3:21-31) but also embrace a heightened standard of moral accountability.

Ethics and the Cross

If we were to conclude our discussion at this point, we would find ourselves with a message that resonates with many, transcending religious boundaries. Both the mosque and the synagogue would be in complete agreement. However, it is imperative to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to the Lord and King, Jesus Christ. While we acknowledge and respect earthly authorities, even honoring the emperor as a servant of Christ, it is at this juncture that the profound difference in our Faith comes into clear focus.

The undeniable truth is that, regardless of how earnestly we have striven to live ethically and morally, we must humbly confess that we have all fallen short of God’s glorious standard. At some point, each of us has rebelled and committed an act of high treason against the Supreme Court of divine authority. Yet, in this moment, the significance of Jesus as our redeemer, representative, and substitute shines brilliantly.

Jesus has paid the ransom for our transgressions through His sacrificial act, standing as our advocate before the highest tribunal. He has secured our redemption, and as a result, we find ourselves liberated from the shackles of sin and condemnation. In Christ, we experience true freedom—a freedom born of grace and characterized by surrendering to His lordship. In Christ, we find true freedom—a freedom that allows us to uphold the divine law of God with unflinching devotion. We are now empowered to love God and our neighbors with pure hearts guided by the righteousness that we have received.

This newfound freedom may call us to take a stand against unrighteous directives from our employers, distance ourselves from office gossip, or even make choices that prioritize our spiritual well-being over worldly success, like rejecting a promotion for the sake of the Name. Consider the profound words of Jesus: ‘I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who can harm the body but cannot touch the soul. Instead, fear the One who, after the body has been killed, has the authority to throw both body and soul into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!’ (Luke 12:4-5)

Peter brings this section on submitting to authority to a powerful conclusion, underlining the profound significance of his imperatives in light of the finished work of Christ. In parallel fashion, I will also conclude this thought by emphasizing the ultimate foundation upon which these principles rest: Christ’s completed and redemptive work.

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 2:21-25