Many young Christians just starting out in the work force and fresh out of college will find themselves working in a place that they would rather not stay too long. You’ve heard of these places. They are known among your colleagues as the “sweatshop.“ The sweatshop is that place where the pay and working conditions are not the greatest. It is that entry-level job right out of college. The trap the Christian falls into many times is saying that this job in the sweatshop is not God’s will and use that as an excuse to justify poor performance. But did you know that this job you’ve been given by God could be exactly his will and how your future goes depends on how you perform today?

God Uses the Sweatshop

Think about Joseph in the Old Testament. If anyone got treated unfairly by mankind it was Joseph. But his sweatshop experience of serving his masters in prison after being unjustly accused by Potiphar’s wife is an example for all of us to follow.

Do it Even if you do not like it

Take a look at this scripture here from the Bible:

Matthew 21:28-32 (KJV)

28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

The first guy didn’t like it and voiced it too. But when he had a change of heart due to a repentant spirit, he went ahead and got it done. The other just lied and said he would do it but didn’t. Ask yourself which one is the poor testimony?

Whatever Your Hand Finds to Do

Do it as unto the Lord. The verse in Ecclesiastes 9:10 make it very clear how you are supposed to work:

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (KJV)

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

It Shows Your Boss Something Different

You have to remember never to compromise your Christian standards but when your boss is directing you within in the limits of your Christian convictions you should listen to him or her and follow directions. This is especially true in a sweatshop as your boss typically hears all of the complaining from the other employees.

Now, just because you are compliant, does not mean that your boss will suddenly subscribe to Christianity. He or she might even find your compliant reactions a little odd when compared with others. And you don’t need to go overboard with it either. Remember that is God who does the work to change your boss’s heart towards faith in Jesus. You are commanded to do God’s will and be the best employee you possibly can so that you will be faultless before your boss and represent Christianity well.