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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
How we manage our time, the finances of our company, our relationships, and trials we experience are all ways we can show our faith at work. I would argue one of the most difficult tests of our faith comes when we are asked to do something that is questionable or become aware of someone else’s conduct that may be questionable. How we uphold our company’s code of ethics can show us as faithful stewards of the work God has placed before us.
It is in these times Colossians 3:23 becomes even more important. Afterall, you are working for the Lord and not for man.
Your colleague says, “Hey, I am running late, clock me in. If I am late again this week, I will lose my job.”
“Let’s sell this old inventory on marketplace. They are throwing it out anyways.”
Your colleague is drinking on the job and operating machinery.
Your boss is secretly providing insider information to a competitor of the company about a new product.
A coworker is using the petty cash to buy tickets for a sports event in town.
You overhear a manager using derogatory language about someone of a different ethnicity.
I was shocked to learn 75% of companies lose money each year from “buddy punching.” 20% of every dollar earned by U.S. companies is lost to employee time theft.
The U.S. Department of Labor reported 65% of workplace job accidents are caused by drug and alcohol use.
Intellectual property theft costs the U.S. up to $600 billion annually.
Some of these issues seem less egregious than others, but how you respond can make all the difference as you consider God is watching your work.
God doesn’t take kindly to dishonesty at work. Let’s recall Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. While they sold their land to give the proceeds to the early church, they lied about the profits. Both were struck dead on the spot.
Beyond these statistics, the behaviors noted above are not only financially damaging to companies, but they make the workplace difficult.
It can be tempting to help your coworker or to earn a few extra dollars when you think your company won’t miss a product. It can be hard to consider reporting a colleague for drinking on the job, and especially hard to report your superiors for misconduct. Making yourself aware of the expectations of your organization for reporting is one way to start. Most companies have an anonymous hotline you can call to report such incidents.
If you find yourself amid any of these troubling circumstances, finding a trusted believer to pray with can help you discern the best steps to take. We are walking in a fallen world and cannot expect work to be easy, but surrounding yourself with community that supports your faith walk can make things a little easier.
Maybe you are even questioning something you did at work; remember, God knows we aren’t perfect— this is why he sent Jesus. James 5:16 calls you to confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
