Our Workplace Ethics
The Bible gives us several principles that can be applied to workplace ethics. There are FOUR that we, the staff at MEA Worldwide conduct our activities by.
- Corinthians 4:2 :- “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”We at MEA Worldwide have been given a position of responsibility being stewards of the monies given to the various missionaries, ministries and their humanitarian efforts that we serve. We also submit to authority (Canadian government) in terms of taxes, rules and regulations.Each person is given a responsibility and we are to be “faithful” in that trust. The word “faithful” is translated from the Greek word “pistis” and it means to be steadfast to one’s word or promises, worthy to be believed, trustworthy, and having dependable speech. We find this same word used to depict the faithfulness of God also. “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, KJV). This same word is used for the character of God and it therefore should be seen in those who are His children. The conclusion is that the basis for workplace ethics is that those in the workplace, both employer and employee, should see their lives as being a steward who is responsible to govern their actions by the viewpoint and the model of God’s faithfulness.
- Ephesians 6:5-9 :- “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him”Colossians 3:22-25 :- In order to be blameless children of God in a crooked and depraved generation, we must do everything without complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:14). We are to obey our employers by working hard and cheerfully, even when they are not looking.
- 2 Timothy 2:15, 24 :- “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach and not resentful.”Even when no one is looking, we will conduct ourselves with integrity so that we have no cause for shame. Even then, kindness, compassion, understanding and forgiveness will temper any self-righteous wilfulness.
- Parable of the Ten Minas, Luke 19:11-27 :- Don’t miss the part where the man did not put his mina to work. His master took it away and gave it to the man who invested his saying; “everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.”Through God’s grace, MEA has been called and given abilities and resources to facilitate and promote strategic Christian ministries. We have an expectation of financial blessings in every area. The money that was taken away from this Biblical character and given to the ones who were faithful was not his profit but his capital. The opportunity of retrieval was lost. He had wrapped this precious resource in a napkin of secret fear and doubt.
It is our desire of our staff and organization to be found faithful. “Risk your life and get more than you’ve ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag!” (The Message) Contemporary Translation.
– Paraphrased. Courtesy of www.allaboutgod.com
