Questions On Christians Relating In The Workplace

Question 1. What does the Bible say about bankruptcy?

Answer The Bible does not say anything specifically about bankruptcy, but there are principles in both the Old and New Testaments that might help know how we should act in regard to debt and related matters.

First, God teaches that we should perform honest, honorable work and pay our taxes and our debts, both personal and business. See Eph. 4:28, Rom. 13:710.

However, what happens when we cannot pay our debts in a timely manner or we cannot pay them at all? In the Old Testament, God required Israel to forgive all debts owed and release all slaves that were owned every seven years. This shows God's mercy and compassion that was to be expressed in these situations so that no one would unnecessarily oppress others. See Lev. Ch. 25.

But, we do not have control over people forgiving us debts today, so the most reasonable thing to do is, approach the person or company we owe and seek to make arrangements regarding payments, even if we can only partially pay the debt or if will will take us a longer period of time to pay it. See Luke 16:1-15.

If this does not work, then we can use the laws regarding bankruptcy to try to work out payment plans to satisfy creditors. Here, the court can help impose fair payment plans so we can dispose of our debts in an honorable way. Contact Gary

Question 2. Let's face it! We are judged (here) by others by what we have and how well we've done for ourselves. There is even a noticeable distinction among the people within our churches between the haves and have nots.

What does the Bible say about the pressure from society and even our closest friends about keeping up with the Jones'?How do we overcome this pressure?

What in the Bible will give me the same satisfaction as the rewards of having better material things?

Answer The Bible points us to a greater purpose in life than just to make money and acquire things. We are pointing to our true purpose pleasing God. This replaces all other goals as our first priority. This being done, then all other things come into proper perspective. How much material things do we need becomes less important and even those things we acquire have a broadened purposes that goes beyond our selfish interests. With them, we are able to help other and contribute more to the Lord's work. In this way, we focus on our spiritual character and are not deceived by material things. We are contented for what we have, but we are not driven by comparing ourselves to others" material standards. See Matthew Chapter 6, Luke 12:13-21, Eph. 4:28, 1 Tim. 6:6-11. Contact Gary

Question 3. I was wondering if you could possibly answer a question pertaining to the types of business which would be suitable in the eyes on the Lord. My husband was recently offered the chance to own a new upcoming franchise.  The problem that I have, is that, it has a bar inside a wing type restaurant.  It is basically a sport-bar, wing-type restaurant.  I personally don't think that the Lord would approve of making money off peoples bad habits.  If you know what I mean.  Please send me some scripture passages that I can share with my husband regarding this issue. 

Answer From the beginning, God had expected and demanded on man that he work. Gen. 2:15.  However, after they sinned, work became more difficult than before.  Gen. 2:16-17, Ch. 3, especially vs. 17-19.

Although we are still suffering from the consequences of Adam and Eve's sin, God has shown us that work has positive purposes and should be carried out as we would do in our service to Him.  Work is for the purpose of providing what our family needs as well as sharing with others who are in need.  And, if we do not make the effort to work and provide for our families, we are told we are worse than unbelievers.   Eph. 4:28, Col. 3:17-4:1, 1 Tim. 5:8.

All that being said, how should we as Christians determine what type of work we should do?  Although the Bible does not give us a specific list of occupations, we are provided with guidelines that should help make this important decision.

1.  Is the occupation good, something that will not call on us to participate in that which is evil?  Instead of participating in evil, we should be speaking against it and encouraging others to leave it.  Eph. 4:28, 5:1-17.

2.  Does it provide what is needed (not necessarily wanted) by my family?  Also, am I able to share with others?  1 Tim. 5:8, Acts 20:35.

3.  Does the example I set promote that which is good or cause doubt and lead others to compromising situations?  1 Cor. 8. These are at least a few principles that we need to keep in mind when choosing an occupation. Contact Gary

Question 4. Does the Bible make any reference to a person’s work ethics, or about being lazy, not working to one’s ability?

Answer Yes, the Bible does address this important subject.  First, we will look at it from the positive and then from the negative.

As far as work is concerned, we should seek to find an occupation which is good.   It is not in and of itself sinful and does not promote sin.  Eph. 4:28.   This work should be conducted not only for our own beefit but also the benefit of others.

As far as our attitude goes while we are at work, we should conduct ourselves as if we were rendering service to the Lord.  However we act toward the Lord, we should act in the same manner as far as our work is concerned.  Eph. 6:5-9, Col. 3:17-4:1, 1 Peter 2:18-25.  In this way, our example before others might lead them to accept the Lord.

On the negative side, we should not be lazy in our work efforts.  2 Thes. 3.   If we are, then this should not be encouraged by other Christians.  Work is a God-given responsibility that we should engage in to the best of our abilities before Him and others. Contact Gary

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