Consider the following three areas of daily life and discuss the Christian’s responsibilities in regard to lifestyle and behaviour.

1. Employer/Employee relations (James 5:4-6, Eph. 6:5-9) The Lord has high standards for the Christian worker. Even when we are at work we should represent Christ and work as if we are working directly for Christ, with sincerity of heart and integrity. There are times when our superiors are not the best people to work with or for, but we must respect them and their authority, always doing the will of God from the heart. Also, a Christian employer does not oppress his/her labourers, nor threaten to terminate an employee unless there are adequate and substantial grounds for termination. One is expected to be fair and provide the labourer adequate and appropriate wages for the work done, also treating them with respect. For Christ is the Master of the Christian employer as well as the employee and He will show no partiality in judgement.

2. Civic Duties (Romans 13:1-7)
I believe the first verse in that passage just about sums it up. “Let Every soul be subject to the governance authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” This is a different perspective on our authorities, including police officers. To think that they have been appointed by God and they are around to minimize evil and crime, to keep the streets safe. This passage really spoke to me because I don’t always think about it in that way. I usually think that the police officers are out to get people and see who they can give a fat ticket so they can increase their quota. I’ve experienced my share of discrimination and what I felt was unjust, but not all police officers are like that. Truth is, they serve a very important role in our neighbourhoods and if we just follow the traffic regulations, and obey the law, then there would be nothing to fear. As Christians we have civic responsibilities that we must uphold, that also includes paying taxes and respect to whom it is due.

3. Social Responsibility (Isa. 61:1-3, Matt. 25:31-46)
Christ gave us many examples of how we should treat others. He even went as far as explain our responsibilities to one another. We are our brother’s keeper. When we love our neighbours we will do what we can, from the heart, to help them. As Christians, we should be actively engaged in civic work, providing comfort, hope, love, and care to others. Sometimes that might mean stopping the next time you see a homeless person and providing them with some food or warm clothing, or even sharing with them about the good news of God. It may call us to comfort those who mourn, visit those in prison, feed the hungry, visit the sick and shut-in, or visit the elderly in a nursing home. There’s so much we can do…in fact, there’s a lot of work to do. There are many who are in need of our help. Won’t you take the time to help someone today?

In your work and social interactions, are people able to detect your Christian values? Which aspects of your life, if any, draw people to your faith? What does your answer tell you about the way in which you live?

Most of my colleagues know that I am Christian. Not because I told them, but because of the way I conduct myself in the workplace and because I chose not to participate in certain activities that go against my beliefs, especially when it comes to working on the Sabbath. Another thing that sets me apart is food. My food choices and preferences are vastly different from that of my colleagues. I enjoy eating healthy whole foods, non-dairy and no meats. This is almost a new concept to some of my colleagues, but they have asked me about what I eat and I’ve been able to share with them the health message that God has given us. Thus giving me an opportunity to witness. There are many ways that you can witness to others. Sometimes you may not even know you are being watched, but believe me when I tell you this, people do notice when you are different and sometimes they might just ask you “Are you a Christian?”

Prayer:
Father, thank You because You have given us clear instructions on how to live complete Christian lives. Thank you for Your mercies towards us. Help us to respect the governance authorities that You’ve appointed and obey the laws that are there to protect us. Please help us to help others and live a Christian life that You would approve. We love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.