I try to stay ahead of things so that nothing takes me by surprise at the last minute. I feel badly when I should have done something but forgot, or it was an unintended oversight. But in this case, no harm, no foul.

Did you realize that this past Monday, October 16, was National Boss’ Day? Can you imagine - someone felt it necessary to set aside a day of recognition, of celebration, of note to honor our bosses. I don’t know about you, but there were many a day when I sought to avoid my boss, much less shower him (or her) with accolades. I was always thankful for my job, but much less often thankful for my boss.

I think one of the problems with bossmanship, (may I coin a new word?), is that, endemic to the position, is a presumed superiority. Too many bosses, especially those who had worked their way up the ranks, quickly forgot what it was like to be down in the pits with the regular people. As for me, never being in the position as a boss, I saw no reason to recognize my boss as any other laborer, except that he had authority over me. For that, I gave him (or her) respect and obedience due to the position and its duties.

Did you realize that the Bible teaches that we are to respect those in authority over us. You may recognize the passage, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, [yet also remember to] render to God that which is God’s"  (Luke 20: 25). From those of us in high position, to those of us in low positions, such obedience is required: of children to parents (Eph.6: 1 - thank you, Lord); of servants to masters (Col. 3: 2); of wives to husbands (Titus 2: 5 - that is God’s idea, not mine dear); and, people to their rulers (Heb. 13: 17). Indeed the Son of God was submissive to the Father (Mark 14: 36), even unto death. Our human nature rejects this type of humility, (turn the other cheek), but this is the order God intended.

I trust you have a Christian boss who not only recognizes his duty to his company, but his responsibility to obey Christ’s commands. The result will be mutual respect and peace - part of God’s plan.

So bosses, we wish you well, but caution you to view your position of authority in a new light if you haven’t already.

Come on over to Blake’s Chapel Advent Christian Church where we are trying to apply God’s word to all aspects of our lives. Our church is located at 248 Sloop Point Road in Hampstead, North Carolina.