 Could very low-level work be dignified? Why shouldn’t boss exploit employees to maximize profit? Why shouldn’t employees do the least possible? Let’s learn from Paul teaching the 1st century slaves and masters.
But first, did Paul condone slavery? During Paul’s time, slaves were servant by contract, not race based, nor permanent. Slaves could own other slaves and properties. Many were war captives. In Eph 6:5-9, Paul focused on how slaves and masters should behave in such a social structure, not whether there should be such a structure. Also, following Paul’s teaching would end the structure. Early churches were filled with slaves, working in humiliating and painful environments. In Eph 6:5-9, Paul treated them with respect, addressing them first. Paul told the slaves to obey their masters. He also told them to serve their masters wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, because the Lord would reward each one for the good they do. Then Paul said something totally against the norm. He told the masters to treat their slaves the same way. He also added that God wouldn’t show favoritism to anyone. Before God, masters and slaves are equal, both made in the image of God, saved by grace, not work. Their status does not depend on their work but depends on being God’s children. Naturally, each should treat the other with respect. Also, each should serve the other. God would reward them for the good they do. If bosses have such attitudes, they would treat their workers very well. And workers would not work only when their bosses are around. Such attitudes would end the slavery structure during Paul’s time. Centuries later, during the abolitionist movement, Christians did vigorously push for abolishing a different type of slavery. As to the work themselves, they are dignified whether they are of high or low level. During the Reformation, Martin Luther argued that different types of work could all be God’s calling. Milkman, housemaid, lumberjack, monk or priest, all could enhance human flourishing. To conclude, we are equal before God. Our status is based on us being God’s children, not our work. Both bosses and employees should respect and serve each other. God would reward the good work we do. High or low level work could all be dignified. All could help human flourish. Adapted from a Tim Keller sermon https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/our-work-and-our-character-6099/ 低层工作能得到尊严吗？ 基层工作可否得到尊严？为什么老板不可剥削员工来得到最大的利润？为什么员工不应尽量得过且过? 让我们从保罗教导第一世纪中的奴隶和主人来学习。但是首先，保罗支持奴隶制度吗？ 在保罗时期，奴隶是按合同聘用的，不是基于种族，也不是永久的。奴隶可以拥有其他奴隶和财产。而许多奴隶是战俘。 在以弗所书6：5-9, 保罗关注奴隶和主人在这种社会结构中应如何行事, 如何做人，而不是应否有这种社群结构。而且，如按照保罗的教导，这种结构迟早会结束。 早期的教会充满奴隶，在羞辱和痛苦的环境中干活。 在以弗所书6：5-9中，保罗尊重奴隶, 先对他们讲话。 保罗告诉他们要服从主人。他亦告诉奴隶们要全心全意地为主人服务，就好像为神服务, 因为神会因他们所做的好事而奖励他们。 然后保罗说了些完全违背那时规范的话。他告诉主人们也要以同样的方式对待他们的奴隶。 保罗还补充地说上帝不会偏爱任何人的。 在上帝面前，主人和奴隶是平等的，都是按照上帝的形象而造，是靠恩典, 不是靠行为得救。因此，他们的地位并不取决于他们的工作，而取决于他们是上帝的孩子。所以他们都必须尊重对方。 他们也应当互相服务。神会因他们所做的善举而奖励他们。 如果是这样，老板肯定会好好对待他们的雇员。雇员也不会只有老板在身边时才工作。 随着这种态度，可令在保罗期间的奴隶制结构终停。许多世纪以后，在废奴运动中，基督徒确实大力地推动废除另一种奴隶制度。 至于工作本身，无论是高尚还是低层，都应得到尊严。 宗教改革期间，马丁路德辩称不同类型的工作都可以是上帝的唤召。 挤奶工人，女仆，柴夫，凡僧或牧师都可以促进人类的繁荣。 最后, 我们在上帝面前都是平等的。 我们的地位是基于我们是上帝的儿女，而不是我们的工作。老板和员工都应彼此尊重和服务对方。 神会因我们所做的事而奖励我们。 高层或低层的工作都可得到尊严。它们都能促进人类的繁荣。 Comments are closed.
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