4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
The Apostle Paul discusses how our new nature affects not only the employees, but also the employers. I will call these concerns the conditions of employment. Employers have a tremendous responsibility because they also are under submission to Jesus Christ. No boss can do whatever he wants just because he or she is an employer or manager. The Christian master was to treat a slave as a brother or sister in Christ, not to mistreat them or be unjust but to be fair in all of one's practices, remembering that he is under the authority of Jesus, to treat others the way He instructs.
Over 250 million children around the world work in poor countries. Poverty increases because instead of hiring adults to do the jobs, children are forced to work long hours with little pay. Kenya estimates 42% of their children work full or part time. Although the products may be cheaper, working conditions for the poor will not improve if the companies keep pocketing the profits at the expense of abusing others. China also thrives on slave labor and I am sure other countries do the same.
A Christian employer is also to be fair and just by rewarding, complimenting and recognizing good work. This is important. I first became introduced to Sherm Swenson in a seminary class I was auditing. He was the CEO of B. Dalton Bookstores. When faced with inevitable disappointments and frustrations, Swenson goes on "thank you walks regardless of the weather." He focused on thanking God for all the positive things God was doing in his life.
As an employer Sherm noted Christ calls us to serve, even as employers, to do our best serving Him by serving our employees. The best rule is the golden rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Treat people the way you want to be treated. If you want respect then you must show respect to all people. If you want service, then you must give service. If you want friendly working relationships, then you need to provide friendship. Remember "as you do it unto the least of these my brothers you do it unto me." Jesus said. (Matthew 25:40 & 45)
How would you treat Jesus Christ if He was working for you? That is how you are supposed to treat your employees as well as fellow workers. It makes for much better working conditions and honors God.
Application: Look for opportunities to show favor to those serving you in any way.
Prayer: Lord, in whatever way I may serve in the role of a supervisor or employer, help me to be just by rewarding, complimenting and recognizing good work.
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