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Q. How does applying biblical principles make your business different?

A. It's how we regard our people. The Bible says that God formed men and women in His own image. Attributes unique to human beings—the capacity to think, reason, worship, understand joy and sorrow, use language—spring from God's own nature. Since God ascribes unique and infinite worth to every individual, each, regardless of his or her station in life, must be highly valued and profoundly respected. We want our work and work relationships to be dignified, challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable. We make the well-being and continuous individual growth of our employees very high priorities.

Where has your shop come down on union affiliation?

Employees are free to form or affilliate with a labor organization whenever they choose.

But for me personally, the issue was treating my employees so as to reflect the caring way each of us is treated by our heavenly Father (as spelled out in Ephesians 6:9). I genuinely cared for the then nearly 30 employees on the floor of our plant, which makes components for heating systems. I saw an outside organization, permanently interposed between me and them, as obstructing our close working relationship.

So within the tight guidelines imposed by the National Labor Relations Board, we shared our views and concerns with our employees.

A vote was taken, and the overwhelming decision of our employees was to stay union-free.

John Beckett is CEO of the Ohio-based R. W. Beckett Corporation.

Adapted from: Loving Monday (InterVarsity, 1998) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Dear Father, help me to be involved in the lives of my colleagues in ways that will validate Your love for them.

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