One of the appealing attributes of the Christian faith is its exclusivity. There’s no question that God’s people were to be an exclusive community. Those who sought to disrupt the unity of what made God’s people unique were to be expelled. In the Old Testament, expulsion meant execution. “You must purge the evil from among you.”[1] In the New Testament, it carried the penalty of removal from the church (1Cor 5:13). The community of the faithful was to be pure and unadulterated by those members who sought to bring about division or rebellion against the commands of God. Such members faced severe penalties for their actions.
Although exclusive, God’s people have always been an inclusive community as well. The Israelites were to be a “light on the hill” for foreigners who could expect to be loved and cared for within the community if they agreed to abide by its laws. “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself” (Lev 19:34). The church serves similarly, but unlike a light on the hill, its light is the light of Christ. This light shines into foreign territory, saving souls from the perils of sin through the message of the gospel. Those who embrace the gospel message also embrace Christ and all the commands of God as their rule for life, joining together in carrying out His will for humanity.
The exclusive and inclusive nature of the Christian community provides a strong model for Christian led businesses. Hence, Christian business leaders should be setting the standard of healthy workplace communities that exhibit these traits. This dual nature is achieved when employees understand at least two things about their work setting. First, employees must know that there are high expectations that come with being a part of the workplace community. These expectations keep the community alive with potential and even protection. Failing to meet these expectations will result in discipline and possible expulsion. Secondly, all the employees must know that they are loved and cared for. In general, leadership and management practices must foster a culture built upon high expectations that hold employees accountable to those expectations in an atmosphere of love and concern.
All people long for purpose and meaning in their lives. Many are looking for these things in their work. Christian business leaders are obligated to provide the opportunity for this in the hopes it serves as a stepping-stone for employees to find a greater purpose for their life. Their greater purpose is found when they engage in a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. [1] See Deut 13:5; 17:7,12, 19:19 among others.