Make the Gospel Beautiful (at Work)

At first glance, Paul seems to give irrelevant instructions for Christians in America today when he addressed the social and economic institution of slavery (Tit 2:9-10). Though this institution permeated first-century Greek and Roman culture, it does not permeate our modern society. Though modern social and economic institutions do suffer from a variety of serious and complicated problems, pervasive, institutionalized slavery is not one of them.Nevertheless, Paul's instructions provide valuable perspective for Christians who work for non-believing employers, managers, and supervisors today, especially those who are difficult or demanding. Understanding this guidance will enable you to be a compelling influence for the gospel.

Obey Workplace Rules

"Be obedient to your own masters." By saying this, Paul refers to the involuntary aspect of first-century slavery. It was a binding arrangement in which the master exercised complete authority over his slave(s). As a result, a slave was required by law to do whatever his master demanded.Paul also refers to a voluntary aspect of slavery. Though a slave was required to do whatever his master required, he might do so in a reluctant or unsubmissive way. Paul encourages a better way, encouraging a believer to fulfill his workplace duties with a submissive and supportive heart attitude, even when his duties are inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Exceed Expectations

"Be well pleasing in all things." By saying this, Paul encourages a believer to exceed basic demands, finding ways to do more than the "bare minimum" that his master required. In a similar way, a Christian employee should find ways to "go above and beyond" basic workplace expectations. He should find ways to please his employer by doing things that his employer will appreciate, giving attention to detail and fulfilling unstated aspirations.On this point, an important distinction must be made. "All things" does not include sin. A believer should not obey an employer when the expectations violate clear Bible teaching. In such cases, a believer should "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Unlike first-century slavery, a modern Christian employee may elect to quit his job when an employer requires him to violate clear Bible teaching and priorities. Yet before a believer takes this action, he should be sure that he is acting on clear Bible teaching.

Don't Argue

"Not answering back." By saying this, Paul teaches believers to "not talk back" to their masters. Knowing this, a believer should refrain from caustic, sarcastic, and disrespectful comments both to his employer and about his employer to others. He should resist the urge to oppose, speak in opposition, or knowingly contradict what his employer has said.A large percentage of workplace talk consists of such opinionated and contentious remarks. Yet Christian employers should refrain from participating. They should speak well of their employer and his requirements, or they should say nothing at all. When disagreement occurs, the believer should share his opinions with his employer in confidence with a respectful demeanor.

Don't Steal

"Not pilfering." This means "don't steal." Employees often indulge in the self-pronounced benefit of using work supplies in personal ways. While this stipulation certainly prohibits extreme violations like embezzlement of funds, it also prohibits using company cars for personal travel, designating job-site construction material for home improvement projects, and allocating office supplies for domestic use.To be sure, employers may often allow such practices. But a Christian employee should be sure that his employer approves of the way that he benefits from workplace resources. He should not assume this to be the case or go beyond what his employer allows.

Be Reliable

"Showing all good fidelity." By saying this, Paul affirms that a non-believing employer should be able to trust a believing employee with full confidence. Even the most difficult employer should know that he is able to trust the work ethic and count on the support of his Christian employee(s). Though he may disagree with the Christian faith, he should find that those who believe in Christ (and especially those who believe in Christ) provide refreshingly reliable service.

Make the Gospel Attractive

"Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior." By saying this, Paul explains the purpose of these instructions. He teaches that reliable, trustworthy service will make the gospel "attractive" to an unbelieving master. The same is true for trustworthy service rendered to a difficult employer or supervisor today. If such an employer can learn to trust a Christian employee, then perhaps he can learn to trust the gospel that this employee represents. But when believing employees revolt against difficult employers, they present the gospel in a revolting manner and push their employers away from Christ.