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OUR DAILY BREAD             Tuesday, July 11, 1995   
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READ:   Ephesians 6:5-9

        
                  THE REAL WORLD

     "Whatever you want men to do to you, do
                   also to them."

                           - Matthew 7:12

The owner of a company was talking with one of his
managers about an employee who was stealing from the
firm.  The owner, who was a follower of Christ, asked,
"What do you think we should do about him?"

"Give him the ax!" replied the manager.

"Suppose he admits his wrong-doing and agrees to 
pay for what he's stolen," said the owner, "Why 
not let him keep his job"  Isn't that how you 
would want to be treated?"

"Well, yeah," said the manager, "but that's not 
the real world."

Jesus calls us to follow the rules of HIS world,
which IS the real world.  His rules demand our
integrity, responsibility, and accountability.  
When they are practiced, employees become more 
dependable and fulfilled.  And employers make 
their workers' welfare as important as making 
a profit.  The result? More people stay off 
welfare rolls and out of unemployment lines.

Paul had some advice for workers and employers.  
He urged workers to carry out their duties "as
bondservants of Christ,...as to the Lord, and not
to men" (Eph. 6:6-7).  And he instructed masters
not to threaten their servants, reminding them
that their Master shows no partiality (v. 9).

What about us?  Are we living in the real world 
by the rules Jesus gave us?

                                -- Dennis J. De Haan

                THINKING IT THROUGH

  What principle does the golden rule (Mt. 7:12)
  give us for serving others?  How does it apply
                in the workplace?
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             THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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 The reward for honest labor is always greater
           than the wages received.     
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THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 148-150

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