Solving Problems on the Job
Is it always right to tell the truth, especially when you know it will hurt someone? If I tell the truth about my business affairs, it will ruin chances for the happiness of my family.
I would rather answer you by stating the matter in quite another way. It is always wrong to be dishonest. Dishonesty is never justified. God will never approve, and even your own conscience will rise up to condemn you sooner or later. I have not known of a single instance when a man has been ruined or his family injured because of his basic honesty. It may not always be either wise or expedient to publicly announce all of your personal affairs, but to conceal the truth from persons involved is never the right course of action.
If you had been sure of the matter, you would never have raised the question. The Bible says: "But he that doubteth is condemned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; and whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Do nothing until all the doubts are removed. This is a fairly safe procedure in all matters.
In my work as an accountant I am constantly in knowledge of the dishonesty of those who work in this organization. It doesn't involve my work in any way, but how can I be silent about it and still know that it is going on?
Recently the American people have been told of the largest swindle in history. It is the daily dishonest practices of men in business of all kinds, making use of legitimate channels to increase their income at the expense of the company. If such men held up a bank or store at the point of a gun, would you report it? I'm sure you would regard it as an act of a good citizen. Once when the children of Israel were being plundered, the Edomites stood by and watched, but gave no aid nor reported it. God said: "For the violence done to thy brother, shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off forever. In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his substance, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast one of them" (Obadiah 10-11). Thus God held a people responsible because they, knowingly, watched and did not protest against evil being done. You have a responsibility you cannot shirk and maintain a clear conscience.
I am a partner in a small manufacturing concern. Due to business reverses we have been forced into bankruptcy. When the people of my church learned that I had filed bankruptcy, they insisted upon dropping me from the membership. Was my action so wrong that I can no longer have the fellowship with Christians?
That depends entirely upon the reasons and upon the motives of bankruptcy. Personal bankruptcy in order to avoid the payment of just debts is certainly not honest and not Christian. However, even men in the world of business recognize that there is a legitimate cause for bankruptcy when it is intended to avert law suits and litigation, in order to give you opportunity to make good debts that have been honestly incurred. People unfamiliar with the procedure of business are not able to detect what your motives are. You will, however, have to give an answer to the Lord. Our prayer for you will be that your reason was to glorify Christ by being honest in all of your relations and this was merely a method to accomplish that in the least possible time. Meanwhile, do not condemn the people of your church for their action. They simply did not understand your reasons and acted most likely according to the best light they had.
I have a job in an office which is so large and in which there is so little supervision that some of the girls do practically nothing all day long. They say they are "riding the gravy train" and got mad when I said they were stealing. What is right?
The accepting of pay for which a corresponding service is not rendered is dishonest. I think, from what you write, that you are correct in saying these girls are stealing. But I am not sure you have approached the problem in a helpful way. If you are a Christian, your first obligation is to see that you yourself give a full day's work for your wages. Then, as opportunity presents itself, you can wisely bring up the discussion of what is right and what is wrong. If such a discussion is started in a proper spirit, some of these girls may be led to be more faithful in their work. If all tactful methods fail, it would not be unethical to suggest to the head of the office force that some system of supervision be set up to insure more effective work by all. One of the Ten Commandments is "Thou shalt not steal." There are many ways of taking that which is not our own. Many of us have been guilty of failing to do all that we could to earn that which we are paid. Make this problem a matter of prayer. See if there may be other Christian girls in the office and ask them to join in praying about it. Above all, do not assume a holier-than-thou attitude. Be sure you are living as a Christian, not only in relation to your office work but also in other ways.
I am one of the policemen who was converted in one of your meetings. The other night I caught a young man involved in a crime and led him to a personal faith. He promised to go straight, and I didn't turn him in. Was I wrong in this and did I fail in my duty?
You are to be commended for speaking directly to the spiritual needs of the young man. It is always thrilling to hear of policemen who are witnessing for Christ. You did more than catch a criminal and punish him. You were used of God to change his life.
But he must have wronged someone in the crime, and you are given the duty to protect such persons. Since I do not know all the details, you may have acted within your right as a law-enforcement officer, but it does not seem wise to dismiss such a person. After coming to Christ, the young man should have been made to see that he has a debt to society. Even God does not let the sinner go scot-free. Christ had to bear the penalty of our sins in order for us to be forgiven. While you have done a wonderful thing in leading him to Christ, it is possible that you have been guilty of a misjudgment.
I am a clerk in a small-town bank. I have reason to believe that the cashier is dishonest. I am afraid to report him lest I lose my position, yet I believe it should be checked on. What is my responsibility in a case like this?
Your report would never need to be made known. The bank examiners would appreciate any information and it would be kept in strictest confidence. You have a higher responsibility than to a dishonest employer. You are a servant of the community and you have a responsibility to them. To remain silent would be to participate in the crime just as much as we sin when we give assent to the sin of others. The Christian has a great obligation to be ethical and honest in all things, even sometimes at personal hazard. It is in the difficult situation that the qualities of a Christian are seen. They may go without notice in normal conditions, but when the crisis comes, then the distinctive qualities of the Christian are clearly seen.
In my business in order to make a profit, we always depend on outwitting our clients and customers. Seeing this is a standard way of conducting this kind of business, do you think it is right for me as a Christian to follow that practice?
For the true Christian, there is no double standard. The ethics of the Christian faith are truly expressed in Luke 3:10 through 14, that nothing less than absolute honesty has the approval of God. The moral collapse of our times is due to the fact that we have based our morals on social custom rather than on the word of God, which alone provides an absolute standard.
The Bible says: "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight" (Proverbs 11:1).
Can a Christian be a member of a labor organization? I have been advised not to join, but unless I do I will continue to be out of work.
The Bible does forbid our being unequally yoked together with unbelievers, but only where that yoke forces us to partake in their wickedness. A labor union as such is not evil. In fact, some of them have had definitely beneficial effects on the entire history of labor and industry.
Today, a few of them have gotten into the hands of unprincipled and unscrupulous men that have brought disrepute on the entire organization. In unions, as in politics, this has happened because men with high standards and Christian convictions have withdrawn and turned the entire movement over to the forces of evil.
Now at last, many good Christians are aware of their former errors and are taking places of responsibility in the world, not willing that wicked men should have the control. Take your place and accept responsibility, but never with the intent of compromise or participation in the evil practices. Commit yourself to Jesus Christ, and then go on to extend the gospel and Christian standards. Remember that Jesus said: "Ye are the salt of the earth," and also that "Ye are the light of the world." We cannot do our duty unless we invade the world for Christ.
I am a Christian and a worker in the church. I want my life to be an example for the Lord. I work as an accountant for a large business firm. Recently, I was approached by the owner of a large night club and gambling house to become their accountant. I would have the same work I now have with a greatly increased salary. Would you advise such a change?
I do not wonder that you were sought out for such work. Even men who earn their living through dishonest and questionable means appreciate the honesty of the Christian. Certainly this man would like to hire you at such a high salary, for he would no doubt save it by having one he could trust with his money. Although the world may at times laugh at the Christian for his simple faith, it will admire the standards and the life of those who so believe.
It would be a doubtful change for you to make. Remember, you are not dealing with a person who is possessed of the scruples you appreciate. The increased salary can never compensate for the deadening influence such a place would have on your spiritual life. In the place where you now work, the small salary is still legitimate and justly earned. There are principles that we must hold to maintain a clear conscience. You cannot afford to sacrifice the influence of your life for the questionable increase in salary. Take it as a token of recognition from the world of the sterling qualities of the Christian, and thank God for what He gives you honestly.
I am interested in going into a small business for myself. If I do so, I will be sometimes involved in Sunday work. I would like to have your opinion on the use of Sunday for business purposes.
I wish it would be possible for all of us to reserve Sunday as the Lord's day and as a true Christian Sabbath. This would give free opportunity for everyone to engage in Christian worship and activity. Nothing hinders the progress of the Gospel in and through the church more than the increasing secular use of the Lord's day. If you can do so, you should reserve the one day in seven for unhampered worship and service for Him.
On the other hand, Christians are in constant danger of a legalistic attitude toward Sunday and toward other Christian observances. We must retain the Gospel freedom that has been purchased by Christ. Nothing should be cherished more than our liberty in Christ. We must not submit to a legalistic Christianity that is encumbered with commands and prohibitions. Our first and greatest commandment is to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Therefore, you must make the final decision in this matter. You will ultimately be required to answer to God for the use you make of your money and of your time. I believe you will make no mistake if what you do is done in sincerity that is enlightened through a study of the Bible. Above all, do not allow your proposed business to ever become an obstacle to your devotion and service to Christ.
I am a Christian and am trying to make my life count for God, but I work in an office where racy stories and sexy conversation is in vogue. How can I cope with this without being prudish or appearing "better-than-thou"?
A Christian businessman from Florida who faces a similar problem writes that he has found an effective way to lick this problem. He says that he keeps a New Testament on his desk in plain view of everyone. He says that he has yet to have anyone come into his office who did not respect his "silent reminder" and refrain from profanity or smutty stories.
There are many ways that we can rebuke those who are given to obscenity without being offensive. I find that the average person respects a person with ideals, if we let them know by our manner of life where we stand. As a rule, it is the person they are in doubt about, in whose presence they spill out their filth. So make sure that your testimony is clear, and that your life is of a quality that will inspire respect.
Woodrow Wilson once told the story of a man who used profane language in the presence of the President's father, a Presbyterian minister. "I beg your pardon," the man said to Wilson's father. "Oh sir, you have not offended me," he said. "All profane language is an offense toward Him whose name is profaned."
I am a pupil nurse in a very large hospital. Most of the doctors treat all of us with respect and consideration but one of the most famous surgeons curses before us and makes vile jokes about the nurses working with him. I am a Christian and willing to take anything I should but this seems too much.
It seems to me you have several definite courses of action. Get one or two of your fellow nurses and face this doctor with what he is doing. Ask him if he would be willing to have his own daughter subjected to what you are subjected to. Tell him you will do any work which he requires of you and try to do it faithfully and to the best of your ability but that you will not submit to his actions further. If this does not get the desired results you should report the situation to your superintendent of nurses, and to the hospital administrator, if necessary. It is my understanding that all hospital staffs have a committee which deals with personnel problems, where necessary. It may be that you should appeal to this committee. In any case, be sure that you keep your Christian witness clear. You have right on your side so stick to your guns. The Bible says: "The wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
I am a Christian, a trained office-machine worker, and have a good job. My problem is that all day long I hear talk about things which are either suggestive or downright vulgar. What should I do?
The easy way out, except for losing your job, is to quit. But the easy way is not always the right way. I can advise you but you should do nothing until you have acted on this advice. Make this a matter of definite prayer. God knows the situation and He loves all of those people who are now indulging in vulgar talk. Tell Him you are willing to do whatever He leads you to do, then ask Him to show you what it is. It may be that God will give you the wisdom to talk to these people, not in a prudish way but by saying there are so many good and lovely things to talk about and by helping you to change the general habits of conversation in the office. Let those around you realize that their talk distresses you but be sure you do this with both tact and patience. I know of instances where this very thing has transformed an entire office. Once it happened in a shop where one Christian man was used to change the entire atmosphere of the place. As a Christian, remember that you are both light and salt. Let your light shine and be sure that your life gives forth the savor of salt which is good. If you do this, your witness will certainly be blessed: to a few, or possibly to a larger number.
I am a woman who works in a laundry. Our work is very hard and uninteresting. All day long there is complaining by those with whom I work. I have been very troubled about this matter lately. Can you help me find an answer to his problem?
If we live for this life alone, then there are no doubt situations and conditions that would cause one to complain. The difference between the genuine Christian and the non-Christian is more noticeable here than in most places because complaining seems to be such an accepted thing. For the believer in Christ, and for the one who has placed his life in God's hand, there is little cause for complaint. We are told that we are to do our assigned tasks "Not in the way of eye service, as men-pleasers: but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service as unto the Lord and not unto man" (Ephesians 6:6-7). Faith in God and surrender to Christ involves the whole of life. Your life is planned, and your complaint is against His plan. If "All things work together for good to them that love God, even to those who are called according to His purpose," then you will glorify God by your present disposition. Pity those who complain, and try to use their complaint as an opportunity to present God's plan for their lives as the solution.
I am a Christian businessman, but somehow I never prosper as many others do who are not Christians. In fact, God seems to overlook their wickedness and prosper them. This troubles me, though I don't intend to forsake my faith because of it. Is there any explanation that will put my mind at rest in the matter?
There have been others who have had the same dilemma. One who spoke with authority, David the Psalmist, was confronted with the problem and it troubled him for a long time. Not until he got a vision of the final judgment did he see the issue. What you are doing is looking at the matter without any perspective.
When David finally got the right point of view, he wrote it down for our help and said: "Behold, these are the ungodly who prosper in the world, they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain." In other words, he felt for a moment that righteousness did not pay. Then he said, "When I thought to know this it was too painful for me, until I went into the Sanctuary of God, then I understood their end" (Psalm 73:12-13, 16, 17).
You must never look upon the immediate profits of any action, but upon their outcome in the final judgment.
Since becoming a Christian I have the problem of being in business with a man who is not one, and who does not conduct the business on Christian principles. My life's investment is in the business, so I can't very well leave without tremendous loss. What shall I do to make him change?
Your problem is a complex one for it also involves the matter of your Christian stewardship. You want to live your life and conduct your affairs as a Christian, and at the same time you must be custodian of your earnings and regard them as a stewardship. Many prosperous men make the mistake that is warned against in the Bible saying: "My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth." We have the right to say only that it is the Lord who "giveth thee power to get wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:17).
But your partner has a conscience even if he is not a Christian. He will recognize the merit and rightness of the "Christian way" even though he may not accept the redemption provided in Christ for sinners. Get him to conduct the business on Christian principles as a trial and then depend upon God to change his heart.
I work in one of the shops in our city among some very ungodly men. Our work is done on a quota basis, and over the established quota we receive a bonus. The men are not producing a fraction of what they could, but they still insist that we chisel on time so the bonus will be easy to get. My conscience bothers me so much that I feel that I must report this matter to the authorities. Would I be wrong in doing so?
I believe that every employee should be an honest worker, earning his total wage. I also believe that the employer should deal honestly with his workers and give them the full reward for their efforts. I do not see how you can cover the dishonest practice of your group when you know what they are doing and when you approve their actions by doing so yourself. Most of the troubles, if not all, that go on between labor and management would cease if both would adopt such a policy. It is not likely that either of them will do so unless there is a beginning somewhere. Perhaps you are to be the one who acts according to the highest ethics, and in so doing you may influence your entire working situation. The men with whom you work do not need to know how the employer received knowledge of their dishonesty. He will carefully manage such situations. If he does not, you had better find your employment elsewhere. A basic principle of Christianity is fair play and fair work. Non-Christians will be deeply affected by such courage and forthrightness.
My husband and I want to teach our children the dangers of drinking alcohol but we are invited to parties where, for business reasons, we may find it necessary to take a sip or two so as not to hurt the feelings of our hostess. What shall we do?
Why ask me? By your own admission you consider the feelings of your hostess more important than setting an example for your children. Never forget this: you cannot fool your children with pious phrases if they see inconsistencies in your life. There are many people in the world who, "for business reasons," have compromised their convictions. Such compromises hurt the individual and they hurt those they love. Years ago a man left his home, walking in the snow, to go to a place of ill repute. As he left this place he met his son, taking giant strides through the snow. When asked what he was doing, the little fellow said, "I am walking in your steps, Daddy." If you want your children to grow up to be good men and women, surely you must set them such an example in your own home.
I am associated with a man in business who is active in his church on Sunday but who cheats his customers during the week. This has disgusted me with Christianity.
Some of your customers may possibly pay you with a ten-dollar bill which proves to be a counterfeit. Will you stop accepting ten-dollar bills because of a counterfeit? If your business associate is a hypocrite, it is he who is wrong, not Christianity. One can but wonder how you are working out the proceeds of the cheating you mention. If you are profiting by it, you are just as guilty as he. To be perfectly frank, one can but wonder if your so-called disgust with Christianity is not really an excuse for not being a Christian. You know that all of us need Christ. He alone can change our hearts and give us the grace and strength to live as a Christian should live. You evidently have high ideals for Christians. That is fine. See that you live up to those ideals in your own life. You are probably right in your disgust with your associate. Let me urge you to give your heart to Christ so that you can set the right example before him. If you do this, both of you will honor the name of the Christ you profess.
