So, who is in charge? Well, in the classroom it should be the teacher. However, changes have come into the classroom where students feel they have the 'right' to have more input into things and that they have the choice whether to adhere to the rules or not. Over the teachers would be the principal of the school, but some parents - instead of sticking up for a teacher or the principal/school's rules, have decided that everyone is 'out to get them'. Yes, there are cases where parents should and must step in, but for most disciplinary actions in the classroom, the child deserves punishment.
Here's an example: Yesterday our youngest son came home and said he had to write 200 sentences - the whole class does. I asked why, and he said that his class wasn't quiet when they were asked to be quiet. I questioned him whether he was talking or not when told to stop. He couldn't remember. Well, I could get upset and call the teacher and demand to know whether he was actually doing the talking or not, but in a class of 24 - with most talking out loud - the teacher probably can't tell exactly who is talking, just that it's loud. So the whole class got punished and our son began the process of sentence-writing soon afterwards. Obviously some students were punished that we're "committing" the crime. Our son has had to be punished for the crimes of others before, as well. Do I like it? No, not really. But do I understand it and accept it? Absolutely. That's the problem in America today. Too many people won't accept it. They're too much into their "rights" instead of just doing what is right. Pick your battles. It's not going to hurt our son to write some sentences or stay in from recess sometimes. Maybe it will keep him from being in trouble another time.
In a job, who is in charge? In my husband's job, he is the assistant director, so his boss is over him. The board is over the boss and the work there. My husband has several areas of his job and other titles, so he has other people under him who report to him or ask him for guidelines in their own job. Under them are other workers. Most companies are set up that very same way. There is a chain of command. When problems arise, workers go (or should go) to whomever is above them, although in some cases there may be times when the co-workers must go above them to the next level. Hopefully, though, it's not that way. Hopefully everyone works together well enough that the chain of command can be followed as it should be.
So, where can a problem arise in the work place? When someone is doing something unethical and wrong. Maybe a boss or supervisor is asking someone to lie, or an employee is cheating. Maybe those principles are overlooked and even condoned. There's a big problem. When God's laws are being violated in the workplace, that's especially when something must be done.
Other problems come from selfishness and pride....either on the part of the employer or the employee. The Bible has much to say about the relationship between the two. Substitute employee for the word slave in some of the following scriptures.
Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
Colossians 3:22-25
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
Ephesians 6:5-9
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Colossians 3:23
Take the time to read Matthew 21:33-41 and Matthew 20:1-15. Both of these passages deal with workers.
In every aspect of the school or workplace, things will run smoother and we'll have more peace if we submit to those above us....obey their rules and do our part. Pride and selfishness will ruin the relationships in all areas if we don't have self-control. When we look at the last verse written above, we will realize that all we do should be done for the Lord. Thinking that we are working for Him - in every area - and not for humans, will keep our minds and hearts where they need to be.
More on "Who's in Charge?" next week. Have a great weekend!
1 comment:
You're right - selfishness and pride are the heart of these issues! Times haven't changed much when you look back into the OT history of God's people!
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