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How to Relate with a Boss You Don't Agree With! Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 Ecclesiastes, Part 13 Solomon tells us in these verses how to elate with authorities we may disagree with, or how to get along with an employer or boss who is wrong, v.1-9. How does a good man follow the commands of a wicked boss? This is an interesting application to a real problem for many people. Should you disobey, desert, or defy an ungodly boss or employer? Or do you discern the situation and act in wisdom? What if you are asked to lie? Or do something that compromises your convictions? Often those in power bring great injustice. Beginning with Cain and Nimrod, to the Pharoahs, Nebuchadnezzar, Caesar and even modern dictators like Stalin, Hitler, and Hussein, millions of good people have been oppressed by wicked rulers. The rulers in Solomon's day were not elected, but they were despots. Life and death was in their hands, and for many kings, life meant very little. In this chapter Solomon describes an officer in the king's court who had the follow through on the orders of a wicked ruler. We need wisdom! Solomon gives this advice: 1. Have a Clear Mind: "Who knoweth the interpretation of a thing?" The word "interpretation" means "someone who sees through the mystery of something, seeing the solution." God is the ultimate authority, and when wicked men rule, it is still a good God who rules over all. Wicked rulers are in the hand of God. Sometimes we may be treated unfairly, but even then compliance is a response that is acceptable with God. Peter admonishes Christians living under the wicked rule of Rome to still obey their authority. "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well." 1 Pet.2:13,14. 2. Maintain a Cheerful Face, v.1 A man's wisdom "maketh his face to shine." We must maintain a positive faith attitude, God is in control! "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." 3. Display a Loyal Spirit, v.2-4 Solomon describes someone who leaves the kings presence and rushs into a plot to have him overthrown. That person better watch out, for there is power in the word of a king. The king could have the plotter killed very easily! If we disagree with those in authority, we must not act rashly or hastily. We must maintain loyalty, even if you disagree with those over you. It is not wise to disobey, desert, or defy those in authority. The counsel stands: do not act impulsively, v.3. When we become disgusted, we must not let our emotions rule us. We ought not hastily seek to overthrow the king if we disagree with him, or quit a job because we are not in agreement with the company, or vote out a pastor if we do not agree with his methods. 4. Exercise Discernment, v.5-7 Solomon here says there is time and judgment for everything. A. Have a sense of timing: v.5: "A wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment."
Notice that this admonition is repeated in verse 6. Wait on the Lord
for the right time. B. Map out a plan or procedure, "Judgment." If you don't agree with your employers, you can map out a plan to get another job. Do not impulsively quit one job without having another C. Expect times of difficulty: v.6: "Therefore the misery of man is great upon him." Whenever established authority has been challenged, there is always great difficulty, often bloodshed and loss of life. D. Expect the unexpected, v.7 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? Or, no one can predict everything that is going to happen. Unforseen things always take place. The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray! We must discern and pray, and not act hastily. Now, the king may be eventually be impeached, or we might have to quit that job, if I am being constantly compromised (to lie, to sell beer, pornography). A wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment....because to every purpose there is time and judgment therefore the misery of man is great upon him. You may ask: Is there ever a time to disobey authorities? Yes, When the law of man (Government) definitely conflicts with the law of God. Acts 5:29, "We ought to obey God rather than men." Remember, though, that God can allow ungodly governments to help God's people, when they discern the times like Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2.) God can allow ungodly governments to promote God's people, when they discern and do not act impulsively, like Daniel. (Daniel 1-6). 5. Keep a Humble heart, v.8,9 All men have their limitations, no matter how much power on earth they
have, they do not have power to know the future or to control the day
of their death: Ahab, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and many other
men in power died prematurely, showing that earthly power still does
not guarantee ultimate power. |