Have you ever experienced unfair working conditions because of your Christian convictions? I once worked at a job where my boss continued to intimidate and micro-manage me because I led a Bible study during the noon hour. He got very upset when one of the participants invited him to the study. Sometimes your working conditions will deteriorate because you are standing up for Christ. Co-workers may shun you because you don’t laugh at their dirty jokes or lose a promotion because your integrity prevents you from cutting corners for short-term gain.
Moses and Aaron asked Pharaoh based on what the Lord, the God of Israel said, to let His people go so they could celebrate a feast to Him in the wilderness. Pharaoh responded, “Who is Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know Lord, and besides I will not let Israel go.” They requested to let them go a three day’s journey to sacrifice so God wouldn’t bring pestilence or death upon them. The king of Egypt accused them of drawing the people away from their work and commanded the taskmasters to let them gather straw for themselves. As a result, their labor became heavier (Ex. 5:1-9). Obeying God causes persecution, pressure and tougher working conditions.
The taskmasters pressed them to complete their work quota similar to when straw was given to them. They beat the foremen and questioned them repeatedly when the work wasn’t completed on time (Ex. 5:10-14). Doing God’s will can lead to intimidation and being micro-managed because authorities don’t understand your convictions.
The foremen complained about their treatment saying it was the fault of Pharaoh. He said their problem was due to laziness because Israel desired to sacrifice to the Lord. When the foremen saw their dilemma, they confronted Moses and Aaron saying the Lord should judge them because Pharaoh wanted the foremen killed (Ex. 5:15-21). Seeking justice and righteousness cause authorities to push back if it threatens their vested interests.
Moses returned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why hast Thou brought harm to this people? Why didst Thou ever send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in His name, he has done harm to this people; and Thou hast not delivered Thy people at all” (Ex. 5:22-23). When things get tough, be honest and tell God what you think.
If you are experiencing unfair working conditions, be completely honest with God and tell Him exactly what you think. He wants an intimate relationship with you!
