This topic is adapted from the Real Truth Real Quick YouTube channel.
Christians serve a higher power than the boss or the government, so where do you draw the line when your company asks you to do something you don’t agree with?
First Steps
It is important that you approach the situation with grace, humility and kindness. Also, you want to make sure that you communicate that you want to do everything you can to serve the company and help it to prosper. If you believe that what they are asking you to do won’t help the company prosper, speak up and let them know.
The Example of Daniel
Daniel, a young man, who was brought to live in the King’s house, was asked to do some things that were against his conscious.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.
Although he probably was under tremendous pressure, Daniel resolved not to do anything that would be dishonoring to God. As a result, God granted him favor with those in authority over him. We also should pray for God’s favor when we find ourselves in a situation where our conscious is in opposition with something at work.
Examine Your Heart
Take a look at your own attitudes. Sometimes we have convictions of convenience. Make sure that you are being consistent in the things in which you say you are unable to participate.
Fear God Not People
Galatians 1:10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
We must not make this decision just out of fear of losing a job. Strive to be excellent at your job and be someone they do not want to lose, but we need to fear God not people. We are to be a servant of God, not just a servant at a job. It may be wise to ask your boss if there is someone else that could take on this particular responsibility. This, of course, only applies if the situation is a matter of conscious and not an unethical practice.
Biblical Direction
1 Peter 2:13-23 gives great guidance on how to respond to those in authority over us. We are told to submit and to show respect to those above us. However, it is also true that because of our choice to follow God we may have to suffer and live with the some difficult consequences. During these times, it is important to remember that we can trust God with our lives. We can experience God’s favor in our lives even if we are not experiencing this from men.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Describe a time when you felt pressure to do something that was against your convictions.
- What is your reputation at work? Would others describe you as humble, gracious, and kind?
- Read I Peter 2:12-23. What do you think it means to submit for “The Lord’s sake”?
- Do you think the command in verse 16 to live in freedom is in conflict with the directions in verse 17? Why or why not.
- As a follower of God, what are you called to do in verses 20-21?
- Discuss the example that Christ left for his followers found in verses 21-23.
- There is a powerful thought at the end of verse 23. How might this enable you to follow your convictions in the face of a difficult situation at work?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
