Word@Work Eph75 - Ephesians 6:9
Published: Mon, 01/19/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
MANAGEMENT MODELLING
Ephesians 6:9 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 favouritism with him. (NIV)
It is a popular joke that some bosses think that they are God. The truth is that they are expected to have the same wisdom that God exercises over His 'bond-slaves'. God is not cruel or bullying. He does not take advantage of the weak or abuse the willing. He does not pick favourites or decide who is on His hit-list. God may work His people hard, but He rewards them generously, He may expose them to danger but always goes with them. His training courses are always harder than we want but God never demands what He has not modelled and never stretches people beyond their ability to grow (with His help).
Every employer is more accountable to God than to the shareholders. God is the bosses' Boss. He expects fairness in the workplace, compassion to those who struggle; and the growth of every skill to the maximum of everybody's ability. God is looking to see that people are treated equally irrespective of their gender, age or ethnicity. He is as concerned about the managers' motivation as their methods; and He is able to measure the extent to which employers honour Him in their hearts.
So much management becomes a series of semi-automated processes, in which people can become a part of the factory workflow. They can then become slaves to the system in which the human touch evaporates. Wonderfully, God does not operate like that! He treats individuals with exquisite care and yet achieves all His purposes magnificently. He is the role model for every foreman, director and project leader. "Treat others as you would have them treat you", is a good rule; but the golden rule is "treat others as God treats them!" And, not surprisingly, we cannot do that without His help!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that, as well as being my friend, you are my Master. Help me to manage those who work for me in the same way that You treat me, and help me to realise that my boss is answerable to You and not to my petty sense of justice. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
It is a popular joke that some bosses think that they are God. The truth is that they are expected to have the same wisdom that God exercises over His 'bond-slaves'. God is not cruel or bullying. He does not take advantage of the weak or abuse the willing. He does not pick favourites or decide who is on His hit-list. God may work His people hard, but He rewards them generously, He may expose them to danger but always goes with them. His training courses are always harder than we want but God never demands what He has not modelled and never stretches people beyond their ability to grow (with His help).
Every employer is more accountable to God than to the shareholders. God is the bosses' Boss. He expects fairness in the workplace, compassion to those who struggle; and the growth of every skill to the maximum of everybody's ability. God is looking to see that people are treated equally irrespective of their gender, age or ethnicity. He is as concerned about the managers' motivation as their methods; and He is able to measure the extent to which employers honour Him in their hearts.
So much management becomes a series of semi-automated processes, in which people can become a part of the factory workflow. They can then become slaves to the system in which the human touch evaporates. Wonderfully, God does not operate like that! He treats individuals with exquisite care and yet achieves all His purposes magnificently. He is the role model for every foreman, director and project leader. "Treat others as you would have them treat you", is a good rule; but the golden rule is "treat others as God treats them!" And, not surprisingly, we cannot do that without His help!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that, as well as being my friend, you are my Master. Help me to manage those who work for me in the same way that You treat me, and help me to realise that my boss is answerable to You and not to my petty sense of justice. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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