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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: "Splash" 4-11-13 Deadline (04/04/13)
    Tell him, ‘You think you are like a lion among the nations. Instead, you are like a crocodile in the water. You splash around in the water. You stir up the water with your feet. You make the streams muddy.’ This is what the Almighty LORD says: When many nations gather together, I will spread my net over you, and they will haul you up in a net. (Ezekiel 32:2-3 GWT)
As an employee, I have met many bosses and supervisors who are Christians. Not all of them are easy to work with or for and some are extremely difficult to get along, especially when it comes to meeting their demands and expectations. How should we as subordinates respond to such bosses and supervisors?

A good example of the correct working attitude we should adopt is found in the relationship between King Saul and David. Despite the dangers and hardship David went through to serve King Saul, there was never a time David harbor any thought of revenge or retaliation. Even when he was on the run, he said to his men it would be unthinkable for him to raise his hand against the LORD's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:11). Doubtless to say, our bosses and supervisors are not necessary God’s anointed. But they are the appointed authority over us and we know what God’s word says about submission to our leaders, even to those who are unfair or unreasonable (Romans 13:1; Colossians 3:22; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:18-19).

If we are employers, bosses, or supervisors, how should we treat our subordinates? By providing them what is right and fair, and not threatening them (Colossians 4:1; Ephesians 6:9). Remember what God said to the Pharaoh in the days of prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 32:2-3). God warned Pharaoh that while he thought he was a lion among the nations, to God, he is merely like a crocodile splashing around in the water, stirring with its feet to make the streams muddy. When the nations shall gather together, God will spread His net over it and the nations will haul it up in a net.

Like the crocodile, bosses and supervisors can ‘splash around’ and stir up much trouble in a work environment to make life difficult and unsuitable for their subordinates. When that happens, be aware that those who suffered in the Lord shall come together to God, and He will surely intervene.

Dear Lord, help us keep our cool amid working for those who may not treat us well. Do not allow us to harbor thoughts of seeking retaliation Lord, but put in us an attitude of complete trust in You. As bosses and supervisors Lord, help us not to abuse our authority or stir up trouble for others. Keep us in Your hands O Lord and guide us to provide whatever is right and fair to our subordinates. Remind us constantly Lord never to threaten those who work with or under us to perform beyond their abilities, for we know they have a Master in heaven too.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Sheldon Bass 
04/11/13
I really like your usage of the topic of splash. This devotional style piece, with some grammatical corrections and maybe changing a few wording choices, would be great for some of the venues where I've published devotionals. You did a good job of laying out examples that shed a little different perspective on the scripture used, which gets folks thinking. Of course your piece carries the needed challenge to more Christ-likeness that I think every good devotional has. In the hope of being helpful, may I point out two examples of grammatical errors? "David harbor" should be in the past-tense as "Harbored" and in the same paragraph: "...Supervisors not necessary..." could be changed to ""Supervisors not necessarily..." Over-all good job. You have a real talent for bringing out spiritual truth for edifying others. Your heart for serving Jesus is revealed here.
C D Swanson 
04/13/13
Your love for the Lord is apparent, and the message abundantly clear. Good job.

God Bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/14/13
This is an interesting devotion. I like how you set it up with the Bible verse and used the analogy of boss worker which many can relate to.

I did spot some little typos like a missing with and harbor instead of harbored. I was wondering if it would be a stretch on the topic, but you did sneak it in at the end and in the verse.

The prayer is beautiful and my favorite part. I think it is such a good idea to include a prayer in the devotion. You did a nice job.
Dana Anders
04/15/13
I think this has the makings of a great devotional/message. It does need some editing. I would also have liked to see a little more on what we should do - submission, yes - but what does it mean to submit? Just do nothing in the face of a boss who bullies and intimidates? People may need some strategies/encouragement - even just a quick reference to 2 or 3 - to help them cope in such a difficult situation. I only mention this because I think this message is worthy of editing. I would actually like to send it to a friend who is in a difficult work situation!
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
04/18/13
This is the only way to serve in the workplace. Excellent piece.