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Originally Posted by BaptistInCrisis  People...puhleeze. Gimme a break. I don't know whether Matt was joking or not when he suggested poor Johnny finds a job that is more ethical. For those of you who are not tea drinkers exclusively  , don't you think that is a bit hypocritical? You'll buy your wine, beer or liquor and probably not think twice about those who drink to excess and are alcoholics. The same thing goes for those who eat at Mickey Dee's, Burger King or Wendy's. Should we tell the Christian employee who works at a liquor store to get another job because of those who abuse alcohol? Mmm?  | 
Even the plowing of the wicked is sin (Prov 21:4), but God never condemned working for an unbelieving master (1 Tim 6:2) so long as the Christian did not personally sin himself. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and Joseph all served horrible pagan masters but did not consider it a sin to do so though their many duties would inevitably brought them in indirect contact with sin. They refused to sin themselves, but did not consider it wrong to simply hold the positions they did. Paul was happy to call Erastus a brother though he was chamberlain of the city of Corinth (Rom 16:23,27). I do not believe being in a job that brings you into indirect association with sin is any cause of concern for a christian, or all jobs would have to be condemned.
Regarding the original question, I honestly believe that the answer is the same irregardless of the job he works. Basically he should a) be a Christian, b) work hard and diligently at his job. I agree with Paul that if he does so consistently sooner or later he will distinguish himself from being just another ‘hardworking pagan.’
To put it another way, if we were to ask the question what is the Christian work ethic regarding employment, I think what the bible has to say is simply to work hard, treating each ask your employer gives you as if the Lord himself has asked you to do it. And to honor and obey your boss as being an authority figure ordained by God, because God loves authority, as it is one of his fundamental attributes. There might be more to say regarding the way he relates to and evangelizes his co-workers, but this has more to do with the general way Christians relate to those around them as opposed to being specifically about work or employment. Quote:
Ephesians 6:5-8 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Colossians 3:22-25 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
1 Timothy 6:1-5 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Titus 2:9-15 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
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Mark
Independent baptist
Singapore
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