Secular Job Hassles: 18 Principles

How should the Christian relate to his secular job and other workers? Can he serve both God and man? Here are some Bible principles including some where believers are in very worldly and sticky situations:

1. Is God’s primary concern stretching and changing you or organizational improvements?

2. There is a big, big difference between doing right and trying to prevent others from doing wrong. Godly Joseph and Daniel served God is very secular, work environments. (Dan 6.1-5). Sinners often act like sinners. You will not find a perfect employer. The world is to be evangelized. It will never be Christianized. (2 Tim 3.1-7; Rev 16.9; 19.19). To use Vance Havner’s words, “when you are fighting alligators it is not the time to drain the swamp.”

3. In 2 Kings 1, 102 soldiers died needlessly because they worked under a hard hearted king that did not acknowledge God. No boss is perfect but some are to be avoided. Their fight with God can spill over on you. They can pin their sins on you. “Lie down with dogs, rise up with fleas.” - Ben Franklin. Have peace about where God wants you.

4. Daniel let his big bosses, the king and God, deal with his enemies. (Dan 6.24).

5. Daniel’s evil peers did not like him though they recognized his godly character. (Dan 6). Do not spin your wheels, wasting time trying to get flesh to love Spirit. They are forever enemies (Gal 5.17). Wise sheep do not try to fit in with wolves.

6. Jesus loved man but did not trust him. (Jn 2.24-25). Do not be naive. Do not assume that unsaved people have the same moral standards as Christians, though some do. Do not assume that others will treat you, your reputation, property or work projects with the same respect you show theirs. Consider keeping multiple, dispersed or off-site copies of time-consuming projects and vital documents as the Spirit leads you.

7. At best Christians will suffer in a fallen world. The world is not fair, we know. Cling to Jesus. “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4.19).

8. You cannot reason or out talk lust. Run. Flee. like Joseph did (Gen 39.9-16). That is the best defense against the temptation of lust.

9. In Genesis 12 Abraham told his wife Sarah to lie for him. She did but he ultimately paid the consequences. David asked Joab to take a census of the people, against God’s wishes. Joab and others did so but later this sin was put to David’s account. (2 Sam 24). In both instances the “boss” would have been better off if the other had disobeyed, it seems to me. In any case no ongoing pattern of sin should be established. If asked to doing something questionable try to get the order in writing. “Be wise as serpents but harmless as doves.” (Matt 10.16).

10. Love is the most powerful force in the world. (1 Cor 13). Returning love for hate can win some sharing, witnessing, ministry opportunities when enemies get in the ditch. Try to maintain relationships. Be friendly.

11. Esther worked in a very secular situation in Persia. The name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther. Yet the Divine Providence of God is a key theme of the book! God often works behind the scenes. Because God is silent does not mean He is indifferent.

12. The blessing of God remained with Joseph from Potiphar’s house to the Egyptian prison to the heathen Pharoah’s palace. In each worldly circumstance God continued to bless Joseph. The key was not where Joseph was but God’s long range plan for him. (Gen 50.20).

13. God’s enemies were permitted to stone and kill Stephen. (Act 7). Stephen received a different type of blessing - immediate heavenly reward. After all, we are soldiers in a war. Life is not about us but playing our role in carrying out God’s plan from eternity past.

14. God did not deliver Daniel from the lion’s den but made provision for him IN the lion’s den. (Dan 6).

15. Don’t speak or make rash actions. Eve made a quick, knee-jerk decision with the serpent rather than saying, “Let me pray and think about this big decision, snake. I’ll sleep on it and talk to my husband and godly counselor (God) first.” What is the hurry? (Psa 27.14; Matt 6.33).

16. The Christian does not fight for victory but FROM victory. Jesus has won! Praise God. Glory to His Name! We arrive as victors - confident in the final outcome of God’s plan. Keep your eyes on Jesus not the problem. “Jesus, today I give this issue over to You. I trust You to work it out in your wisdom, your timing, your power. Thank You.”

17. As salt and light the believer can ask God for outreach opportunities: start a lunch time Bible study on some issue of interest to others, prayer meeting, be known as the go to person for bargain shopping, BBQ, receipes, comfort, counsel or joy.

18. I agree with Erwin Lutzer that the better way to approach one spewing foul language is privately. Sharing your heart that it offends God and hurts you. Some will listen. Also I repeatedly have replied to YouTube cursing comments with: “We are created in the image of a pure, holy God. Our mouths do not have to be toilet bowls.”