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Key Bible Verse: You know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him (Ephesians 6:9).
Bonus Reading: James 2:1-4, 8-9

I wished this day would never come, Mark thought as he scanned his spreadsheet of subordinates, detailing the experience, education, performance reviews, seniority, and salary of each. Now, in the face of corporate-wide downsizing, he was required to shorten his list by two.

From the performance column, two individuals were obvious candidates for the axe. Most of Mark's subordinates were diligent, highly skilled, fresh-out-of-grad-school types who contributed value to the firm. However, Martin and Denise's productivity lagged far behind their peers, making them the logical choices. But it was more complex than that.

At age 53, Martin was the sole breadwinner for a large family with two kids in college, three others in the pipeline, and a hefty mortgage. If he lost this job he'd have few prospects for other employment to pay his bills.

Denise, a single mother of three grade-school children, often arrived late, left early, and was unavailable on weekends But how could Mark possibly fire a single mother? On the other hand, how couldn't he? If she stayed, someone twice as productive had to go.

—Michael A. Zigarelli in Christianity 9 to 5

How can Mark be faithful to his obligations as a manager and as a Christian?

He hurts the good who spares the bad.

—Publius Syrus (Latin writer, 1st century)

Adapted from: Christianity 9 to 5 (Beacon Hill, 1998)

For your convenience, Christianity 9 to 5 is available in the ChristianityToday.com bookstore.

Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, thank You that You have or will direct me to a job that satisfies because it matches the way You made me.

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