ARE YOU aware that as a decision maker—senior civil servant, a business leader or elected official you are an inspiration to junior staff? You are in that office because God chose you to lead others. Some may have dreamt or prayed for that particular job (contract), but irrespective of how you got it, it was all in God’s plan for you to be the light, life and the salt to others. Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) can even be referred to as” Creators of Economic Opportunities.” Luke 4:18-19 says: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me and He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor: He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the captives free and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Therefore, CEOs or any leaders can liberate those who are spiritually, financially or socially oppressed; and they help to inspire the light of hope to those in darkness. This can only be achieved through shared responsibilities between the employer and the employee bonded by threads of respect and submissiveness. It is well said in Ephesians 6:5-9: ”Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ…And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.” Since we live in communities, good relationships are vital. Most of life’s problems are caused by poor relationships that are a result of failure to obey the rules of the game. Therefore, a good understanding of these rules is necessary for harmonious living. Today, we learn that an employee’s responsibility to his employer is summarised by the words: “Working is Worshiping” and the employer’s relationship to his employee is summarised as: “remembering and respecting.” As God’s people we should not rebel to our masters. Rebellion is regarded as witchcraft in the bible. Romans 13:1-14 says: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good.” Everyone, from CEO to cleaners, needs care and love at the workplace. John.13:34-35 says: “This is a new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” It has not distinctly and squarely put it on the shoulders of masters or subjects but it is for both parties to follow. Therefore, I urge all CEOs to know that you are God’s chosen people to catalyze transformation among your staff. God loves you all. Rev Dan Gatera is the Group Managing Director, Good Neighbor Inc ltd and Overseer of Jesus Messiah Assembly Ministries.
