Scott Adams is a cartoonist and creator of the Dilbert comic strip. Dilbert, the title character, is an engineer and known for his satirical office humor. The San Francisco Examiner dubbed Dilbert “the cartoon hero of the workplace.”
Here are some of Dilbert’s “Rules for the Workplace,”
Don’t be irreplaceable, if you can’t be replaced, you can’t be promoted.
You can go anywhere you want if you look serious and carry a clipboard.
Everything can be filed under “miscellaneous.”
If you are good, you will be assigned all the work. If you are really good, you will get out of it.
Following the rules will not get the job done.
No matter how much you do, you never do enough.
Dilbert’s “rules” are a mixture of humor, some truth and a lot of worldly wisdom. Fortunately, we have a “rule book” that provides some practical and relevant direction in the workplace.
On this Labor Day, our word of the week is “Work.”
Consider these seven Biblical rules of the workplace.
#1 God wants us to work!
The Thessalonians who had quit working and became idle busybodies were commanded “to work” (2 Thess 3:7-12). We are commanded “to work” to provide for our families ( I Timothy 5:8)
In a day of entitlement, avoiding working and living off the labor of others, we need to return to an old-fashioned work ethic. William J. Bennett was right, “there are no menial jobs only menial attitudes.
#2 Perform Your Duties with excellence.
Paul commanded the bond-servants to work “heartily, as unto the Lord.” That means to “work from the soul.” It means with gusto or enthusiasm! Christians are not slackers! We do our best. We plan. Prepare. And take personal responsibility for our work.
#3 Respect Others in the Workplace.
Often Dilbert’s satire displays the problem of mutual respect in the workplace. Between employees. And employees and employers. Paul told first century slaves to “obey your earthly master with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ” (Eph. 6:5)
If this was true of those indentured servants, could it be any less true of those who work with benefits and enjoy some of the best working conditions in the world?
#4 Be a Person of Integrity in Your work.
Paul commanded “Do what is honorable in the sight of all” (Rom. 12:17). The ancient wise man wrote, “Honest scales and balances are from the Lord” (Prov. 16:11)
Business ethics should be Christian ethics. Keep your word. Be honest. Represent your product accurately. Do what is right.
#5 Lead by Serving and Serve by Leading
Jesus said, “He that is greatest among you shall be the servant of all” (Matt 23:11) This fits with Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 6:5-9.
If you are the employee you lead by serving. Doing your work well. Be willing to go “the extra mile.” If you are the boss, treat your employees fairly. Be a servant-leader.
#6 In the Workplace Be and Share the Good News.
No, not by preaching on company time! But by being salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16). By living a Christian life. By exhibiting godly values. By exemplifying the character of Christ. By displaying moral virtues.
#7 Realize that in the workplace you serve Christ and not man.
The Bible speaks of the Christian worker as “fearing the Lord,” working “as to the Lord, and not to men, ” and “doing the will of God.” As a result he says “from the Lord you will receive your reward.”
For Christians work takes on a new meaning. You are not just serving an earthly employer, but a heavenly Master. Your work has deeper purpose, greater potential and higher motives. The way you work, the values you live by, and the attitudes you display honors God.
Remember your work has value. Dignity. Worth. Everyone should honor God with their work. From the teacher to the janitor. From bank president to the teller. From the CEO to factory worker. God wants us to work. Even if you are selling cupcakes in the mall, work in a way that glorifies God!
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
