Challenges To Face In 2011

Bob knew, and I knew, that there hundreds of workers not doing their best work. That was especially galling because they were getting very good salaries and benefits from Lockheed. Why wouldn’t they put forth their best effort? Because they knew that no matter how bad their welds were, not matter how sloppy their work, they would get paid and the folks in Palmdale would correct any mistakes before the plane taxied for its test flight.

Kind of reminds me of my kids; whatever they don’t get done, they’re pretty confident that I will come along and pick up after them; if they break something, I’ll fix it or replace it. Lack of pride in a job well-done is decreasing, isn’t it? Paul says, “Do your best at all times - be well-pleasing to everyone around you.”

3. Do not answer back

I don’t know about you, but responding to people with a quick remark has been something I’ve been able to do for a long time. We like to be witty and always have something to say. I think those of us who grew up in America learned this rather quickly.

Usually a quick retort to something that was said to us is more negative than positive. There is a tendency to put someone down, or to say something harmful when we answer quickly. We don’t think before we speak though we probably should. But responding quickly and sharply usually brings about conflicts and disagreements and arguments.

Paul would rather that we handle conflict with wisdom and courtesy. There are many proverbs and verses in James that speak of the damage a quick and sharp tongue can produce. A slow, quiet, measured response is more likely to bring peace than a sharp, quick wit. Take your time, consider that what you say should be encouraging rather than discouraging, helpful rather than harmful, peace rather than conflict.

4. Do not steal

Since most Jews were familiar with the Ten Commandments, repeating number eight wouldn’t be necessary. We must assume that Paul is speaking to these Greeks and reminding those that were slaves in a household to not steal from their masters. When the masters have so much and the slaves so little, the temptation was probably great to steal.

In fact, it may have been an accepted way of life in those times - if you had slaves, you could expect that some of the silverware would disappear at some time. But states that this should not be the norm among those slaves who were Christians. Christian slaves should honor God by being different and doing the unexpected - not stealing from their masters.

A big problem today is stealing from an employer. Almost every company has problems with workers taking something from their employer - paper, food, equipment. And when employees do that and get caught, most of the time they are fired and not prosecuted, unless what they have stolen is of high value. Again, the Christian is to be different and respect the company’s inventory and not to steal any-thing.

5. Show all good fidelity

This means to demonstrate loyalty and dependability to their masters. A disloyal servant could do a great deal of damage to the master. Certainly the slave was knowledgeable about everything that goes on in the household. The slave would know if others are stealing, would know if there is cheating going on, would know if there is infidelity among members of the family.