Be excellent

We are told from pulpit and publication that Christians are to be the best employees-the hardest workers, the most honest, etc, etc and so on.

What about Christians being the best employers?

The reason I bring this us is because a few things have been running through my head concerning this topic based upon personal observations.
First of all: I believe that Christian business owners should be:
1. The best business people
2. The best employers

For instance, if a landlord is a Christian, then it is incumbent upon them to treat their tenant's with respect and dignity. They need to show that they are aren't only vying for a profit. I am not saying that there is no room for profit, that's completely silly, however, a Christian landlord would be one who took care of problems quickly and makes sure that maintenance and upkeep are timely and quality.

This also goes for the way that a Christian employer treats their employees. What exactly do I mean by that? Well, for instance, I think that the Old Testament and New Testament show many clear examples and guidelines how an employer should be. For example, there are many Christian "ministries" that are quite profitable in their operations. That's not a bad thing at all, but what is bad is when a Christian company, or ministry is profitable, yet the employees are paid poor wages and subject to poor benefits and subpar treatment when compared to "secular" organizations.

This should never be the case. Christians should be leading, not trailing, and in many instances, falling off the map in this area.

If a Christian owns a business, they should strive treat their employees better than businesses of comparable size and profitability. I have met many people who work(ed) for organizations which were church or "christian" related/oriented, yet in talking with them, their employment experience did not resemble what one would expect. One such person worked for a major Christian broadcasting company which is extremely profitable, and was paid minimum wage for a job that would have paid more than twice that amount for any "secular" company of comparable size. This person was also told not to look at or speak to the "Christian" leaders who were being taped for the broadcast when setting up prior to the program.

I could point out other examples as well, but I do not believe it is necesarry in order to make my point because I am sure that many of us have had experiences or know people who have had experiences with Christian business that are poorly managed, or operated.

We must not tolerate this because it is offensive to the cause of Christ and is antithetical to the Gospel. Pastors need to emphasize this in their applications in sermons which deal with work, or vocation, and people need to begin practicing this outside the halls of the sanctuary.

Christians are supposed to be a different type of people. Christianity is a "new way to be human" and because of this we should expect not only Christian employees to be the best, but also Christian employers.