Nobody would want to have a boss who makes unreasonable demands – one who likes to ask his workers to do things that are beyond their agreed job designations, skills and capabilities, and are at times not included in the payroll.
These habits sure are frustrating, but for us Christians, these are actual opportunities for us to shine for Christ. Read what Paul has to say about the matter in Ephesians 6:5-8:
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free."
Do you have a boss who makes unreasonable, frustrating demands? Here are some things you can do in response, based on what Paul said.
1. Honour your boss as you would Christ
Your boss might ask you to do something beyond your agreed job description, but if the demand isn't sinful, it wouldn't hurt to walk the extra mile and show him that you honour him as a person and not just as a source of income.
Keep in mind that as a Christian, our master is Christ Himself. This doesn't mean that we'll do whatever our bosses tell us to do. Rather, we will strive to honour them even if it's not easy. Who knows, maybe our kind response to them might lead them to Christ.
2. Obey your boss wholeheartedly
There's a huge difference between obeying wholeheartedly and just obeying. When we take the extra mile for our superiors, we should do it with joy. Your boss will see that. God will also joyfully see that, and will reward you. Who knows, God just might touch your boss' heart and you might get promoted, or receive a raise or a bonus.
3. Remember that your master is Christ
Even if you don't get promoted, keep in mind that the one whom you are ultimately serving in that job of yours is Christ. When your boss asks you to do something sinful, respectfully decline. When your boss asks you to do something beyond your responsibilities even without pay, obey him joyfully as if you were obeying Christ.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism." (Colossians 3:23-25)
