“For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. (Colossians 3:25 (ESV)
Continuing our study in Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians, a new paragraph begins in Colossians 3:18-4:1. The truth of what believers “are” in Christ is to be balanced by how believers are to live for Christ. The practical truth of Jesus Christ as the only and all-sufficient Savior, and as Lord of the believers’ life, is now applied to specific groups and situations. What people groups does the Apostle Paul, and the Holy Spirit, have in mind?
To begin with, Paul addressed wives and husbands (Col. 3:18-19). He then wrote of parents and their children (Col. 3:20-22). Thirdly, Paul considered the Christian responsibility of work (Col. 3:23-4:1).
How are believers in Christ to respond when treated unfairly or unethically in the workplace? Everyone has experienced an unethical employer who took advantage of their employees. By intimidation, threats, condescension, lying, or harassment, an immediate superior or boss can make the workplace a hellish environment. So also, can an unethical co-worker. What can the employee do in such circumstances?
First, follow the counsel found in the immediate context of Colossians 3:23-24. The employee can work heartily. In other words, in spite of what the boss may say or threaten to do, make sure to do your job to the best of your ability. Always remember you are serving the Lord Christ and not a human superior or a fellow worker. You may not be able to control someone else’s behavior, but you can control, with the Lord’s help, your own.
The second discipline is to always remember the Lord will right every wrong and correct every injustice. This may not occur in our timeframe, or perhaps even in our lifetime, but the Scriptures promise God’s righteous justice will prevail. “For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”
This verse may refer to the employer, but also to the unethical employee who has not done their job. God shows no partiality to either people group. All workers, whatever their responsibility, are accountable to the Lord.
Pastor Richard Philips offers insight and wisdom regarding the Christian worker.
“Eric Liddell was a Scottish Christian runner who refused to compete in the 1924 Olympics on the Lord’s Day. In Chariots of Fire, the movie that chronicles Liddell’s bold stand at those Olympic Games, Liddell is depicted sharing with his sister, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” When this line is quoted among Christians, the perceived pleasure of God is usually presented as a kind of litmus test or affirmation for whether or not we are doing God’s will.”
“That’s fine as far as it goes, but let us recognize that this test places the focus almost exclusively on the human side. “When I run, I feel….” But the most important part of that statement is the last two words: “… God’s pleasure.” In doing what he was born to do in a way that honored God, the most important thing was not that Liddell felt God’s pleasure but that he brought God pleasure; he pleased God. Likewise, Christian men should use their God-given abilities to the uttermost, seeking to give God pleasure through the labors we offer up to Him.”
“In all our work as Christians, whatever season we may be in and wherever we happen to find ourselves on the ladder of our chosen pursuit, the best way for us to honor God in our work is to offer up everything we do directly to the Lord Himself. In all things, our goal should be to please Him. This is what Paul urges: “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).”
“Because nearly all of us do our work in association with other people, in a practical sense, almost everything we do, we do for others. Those who are on the lower rungs of the ladder are called to serve those above them in ways that please God. Those on the higher rungs are called to lead those below them in ways that please God. Clients have godly obligations to vendors just as vendors do to clients. We do our work for men in a manner that will be pleasing to God. This involves working with biblical motivations and an attitude of holiness, diligently pursuing excellence, and all the while seeking to love others as we love ourselves.”
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed Lord’ s Day.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 