Christians have a responsibility to lead with integrity, making decisions that uphold a high standard of ethical behavior. It is important for Christians in leadership positions to model moral behavior and set an example for the rest of the organization. This not only ensures the company’s success but also reflects positively on any faith-based values.
Christian leaders should be mindful of how their decisions affect those around them and strive to always act with honor, kindness, and justice. It’s not just about getting results – it’s about respecting others and having a strong sense of what is ethically right or wrong. By upholding this standard of ethical behavior at work, Christians can serve as role models for others while showing that they take their faith seriously.
As Colossians 3:23-24 states “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.” The reason Christians need to uphold a high standard of ethical behavior at work is because your true boss is the Lord Christ.
Keep in mind that your work is not just work. You are in service to the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether your job is at Walmart, local elementary school, or Goldman Sachs we’re called to conduct ourselves with integrity. We should speak the truth, and embody the fruits of the Spirit. Work is where we spend most of our time as adults and interactions with you may be the Bible someone ever reads.
The famous Protestant theologian Martin Luther said “I am a workman who must be paid for my work. I receive money, not to be idle with it, but to buy food and clothing and other things to enable me to do more work.” In this statement he recognizes the dignity of labor or in this case his trade.When we were baptized into Christ’s baptism (Mark 10:38) we were given a new identity as those who are sanctified by holy God through His grace (1 Peter 2:22). The bible says that all things are ours in Christ. But also we are Christs and we should conduct ourselves accordingly, even in the mundane acts of washing dishes and correcting Excel spreadsheets .So before we get to making something of the mundane, let’s take a moment to do some creative thinking about how we can make the mundane make sense.What would it look like for us to do all things in Christ?
What would it be like for us to show up as a son or daughter of the King in our workplace? Would we be less apt to tear down and more to build people up ? Would we be more patient and compassionate? Would we be less apt to engage in gossip?Who would my coworkers turn to if they need advice or help ?
Take some time to imagine what it would be like if you showed up as your Sunday self on Monday. Would it disrupt the status quo? Some of you need to find new employment because you’ve made a full living off of dishonesty for a long time. Some of you might get a few people who appreciate you for your new and improved self. And some of you might just feel really lonely and isolated. A Chinese Proverb says “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” We can’t go back to twenty years ago but we have today. If you mess up, you still have tomorrow. We can always begin again. Start today and lead with integrity.
