Employer as “King”

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In our day, some Christians view their employer (or pastor) as a sort of “king.” However, this notion is not in the New Testament.

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

Employer

In our day, some Christians view their employer as a sort of “king.”

They resolve to obey their employer in all matters. They try to see the decisions of their employer as corresponding to the will of God.

They ask God to steer the heart of their of boss in a way that benefits them personally.

Some of that resonates. For example, we Christians are to be servants of everybody. That includes being a servant of our employer.

 

This notion of employer as “king” has some precedent in the Old Testament.

Back when the people were in Egypt, the LORD God occasionally steered Pharaoh’s heart in a way that benefitted his people.

Later, Solomon wrote that the LORD God was directing the king on a moment-by-moment basis. However, that sentiment was probably just a manifestation of the narcissistic tendencies of Solomon.

 

History shows us that rulers are NOT infallible. They make terrible mistakes. Their own personality quirks go uncorrected and can lead to national catastrophes.

And employers are not kings. In our day, God’s Will is rarely mediated to us through our employer. In fact, some employers are Bad Guys.

This notion of employer as “king” is NOT in the New Testament.

The closest is a passage that urges slaves to obey their owner. But employees are not slaves.

 

Pastor

In ancient days, Moses was considered to represent the mind and leadership of the LORD.

In our day, some churches practice a “Moses” style of leadership. The pastor is believed to have absolute authority. His whims and preferences are equated with the leading of God.

This is most often seen in small independent churches. It is also seen in parachurch organizations.

Even in liturgical denominations, some pastors and bishops act as with a “Moses” style of leadership.

That is a very dangerous type of leadership. It gives way too much authority to the ego of the leader.

It is absolute power.

And it corrupts absolutely.

 

BIBLE VERSES

 

Genesis 47:6. The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and your brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.”

Numbers 16:11. Therefore you and all your company have gathered together against the LORD! What is Aaron that you complain against him?

Ezra 6:22. and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy; because the LORD had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of God, the God of Israel’s house.

Proverbs 21:1. The king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires.

 

1 Esdras 7:15. because he had turned the counsel of the king of Assyria toward them, to strengthen their hands in the works of the Lord, the God of Israel.

 

Colossians 3:22. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. (NIV Translation)

 

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.