Work and Social Conscience

What does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. –Micah 6:8

Last week, I had a day of “how are we going to survive on a part time income” panic. I turn to God and ask, ” what shall I do during this season to best honor you? To keep my eyes on you and not the storm around us?”

I am led to this scripture from Micah. I laugh.

The last time I had a rough financial season I was led to “Feed the hungry” (Isaiah 58:10-14)Of course this scripture from Michah, is where I am led.

We focus on God and our neighbors and we turn our eyes away from the storm.

I’ve been thinking about what it means to act justly and to love mercy. Specifically, in terms of our employment.

In years past, Tracey and I have taken jobs to support our family. After all, to us, it’s just a job.

I realize for many people, work is everything. For us? It’s never been a top priority. Our priorities lie in ministry and family. In the past, when applying for jobs, we never dug into the DEI stances or political contributions of perspective employers. We just show up and work.

But in a season of constant villainizing of others, and emboldened cruelty, I decide I need to start looking at DEI stances of various companies.

I am a firm believer in DEI. It’s right there in line with God’s command to “Love me, Love my people” (Mathew 22:36-40..paraphrased by me)

Recently, lack of a diversity, equity and inclusion commitment led to an openly hostile work environment for Hot Stuff. He had nowhere to turn for help, when discriminatory practices became commonplace at his job.

I wonder, what is it that is the threat? Especially in terms of a Christian view.

Diversity? Is diversity the imagined threat? I turn to the old testament (Genesis 10:1-32 and Leviticus 19:33-34 )I turn to the new testament (Galatians 3:28, 3:11, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Revelations 7:9) I believe we are called to embrace diversity. Just like the parts of the human body, it is our differences that make us strong.

Is inclusion? (Acts 10 and 15, Corinthians 12:12-14)

Is equity a threat??? (Micah 6:8, James 2:1-4)

I am so frustrated. How is treating others with respect and dignity a threat? It is a line in the sand I am unwilling to cross.

So now, as Hot Stuff searches for jobs, we start looking at DEI policies of his prospective employers. I am grateful that my job maintains it’s stance to embrace diversity, to be equitable, to be inclusive.

In essence, Hot Stuff and I are making a conscious effort to spend our work days, not just our free time, walking out the words of Micah. We are choosing to work for companies that act justly and show mercy.

Being more conscientious of where we work is our small way, of walking humbly with God.