BOSSES & ORCHARDS

People play an essential part in any business.  The activity they engage in is called “work”.  Work occupies about one-third to one-half of our lives. 

The Bible contains a lot of information about work.  In the New International Version alone, there are 391 references to work.  Even God worked!  He worked to create everything that exists and has existed, and we who are formed in His image, were given the responsibility to also work.

There are many kinds of “daily grinds”.  In the U.S. corporate world today, to be busy working 12-16 hours a day is a sign of importance and ambition.  The more time you spend at your job, the more you are envied—the harder you work, the higher you rise up the corporate ladder. 

Somehow we’ve gotten this work thing all wrong.  God did not intend for work to be a “grind”, where we are crushed, pressed, mashed, and pounded into completing tasks and satisfying responsibilities.  He intended it to be an object of pleasure, enjoyment, and fulfillment.  His word is very clear about the danger of insatiable cravings for success and an unhealthy appetite for ambition. “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” (Proverbs 23:4 NIV) 

THE WORK RELATIONSHIP

Diligence is at the heart of the work relationship.  Those who work are called employees or workers, and those who manage or oversee these workers are called leaders or bosses.  The work relationship is somewhat symbiotic.  Bosses and workers co-exist for mutual benefit based upon certain conditions, promises and agreements with one another.