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PROGRAM D-8175
Romans 13:1-2 tells us that we are to submit to and respect those who are in authority because authority is God’s order and plan. But how do you respect and submit to someone in authority who is incompetent?
Smart employees understand that their unwritten job description includes making their boss look good. First Corinthians 13 describes the kind of love we are to develop in our lives—a love that is like God’s love. That kind of love “does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (I Corinthians 13:6-7).
As Christians, we should try to make our bosses look good because God’s love motivates us to protect others from bad exposure, to delight in the good things they do rather than the bad things, and to try to cover up their mistakes whenever we can.
Proverbs 17:9 says, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” It’s likely, if you work for a truly incompetent boss, that everyone else feels the same way you do and, therefore, at lunch and on breaks that’s what you talk about. Instead of covering up the offense, you repeat the matter and make the situation much worse.
If you work for an incompetent boss, stop talking about him or her to other people. Pray for that boss; talk to the Lord; get counsel from respected Christians outside the company. Just don’t be a part of the office gossip and character assassination which usually happen when you have this type of boss.
Should we ever confront an incompetent boss or take any steps to try to correct this kind of situation? Yes, if that person’s incompetence is affecting the customers, causing unfair treatment for employees, or doing things that are contrary to your organization’s stated standards and policies. If you’re convinced there is a larger picture, then confrontation may be advisable. But, again, this must be done with great respect for their authority.
This kind of situation is simply not easy, I know. However, the good news is that it should cause you to pray more and depend upon God more to get you through your days and to respond appropriately. The good news is that, because of Jesus, you have the power to be victorious, even when you work for a difficult boss.