2013 JULY WEEK TWO STUDY / ACTIVITY

WEEK 28: Sunday July 14, 2013.

Study Discussion on Work - Building Sound Working Relations

Main Text: Matthew 25:14-30

Memory Verse: Matthew 25:21

Introduction

Often it is possible for individuals to work on their own to make a living. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to work within the following arrangements: Working with others as colleague employees; working with others as an employer; and working with someone as partners and joint owners of the business. Each of the scenarios calls for good relationship.

 

Relationship between the Christian Worker and Employer

¨      Obey your employer as you would obey Christ. (Col. 3:23-25)

¨      Respect your employer, even those who are harsh to you – (1 Pet. 2:18).

¨      Serve him/her with all your heart – (Eph. 6:7).

¨      Serve faithfully. Don’t hide sales or embezzle funds – (Matt. 25:21).

¨      Don’t gossip or say bad things about your employer – (Prov. 20:19).

¨      Expect your ultimate reward from God not man – (Eph. 6:7-8).

Relationship between the Christian Worker and Fellow Workers

¨      Be cooperative and accommodating.

¨      Don’t say bad things about your fellow worker to your employer – (Prov. 30:10).

¨      Respect and honour your fellow workers – (Matt. 7:12).

¨      Don’t plot with fellow workers to steal or do anything that will retard the progress of the work.

Discussion Questions

1. Who is the real owner of the work you do for a living?
2. What are you doing with the resources God has given you?
3. What is the relationship between you and your employer?
4. What is your relationship with your fellow employees?
5. What is your relationship with your employees?
6. What is your relationship with your business partners?

Conclusion

For lasting fruitful and cordial working relations Christians should be seen to set good examples in our various work environments. We should seek to promote good human relations and work ethics whether as employers or as employees. We should do the same when we are in partnership with others. Some building blocks for good human relations in the work environment are faithfulness, trustworthiness, and effective and efficient application of available resources.