Read: Gen. 3:17-19; Eccl. 9:10; Matt. 18:15-22; Luke 15:11-32

Religion in the Workplace. Does the Christian do better work than a non-Christian worker. If so, why? That is the focus of our discussion this week.

Questions to discuss.

1. 1. Work in a fallen world. In Genesis 3:17-19 is recorded the results of sin on the working person. It is not a pretty scene. Was the “curse” of sin place upon humankind as a gracious gift or as a punishment? How can we fulfill God’s intention for us in the workplace?
   2. Work harder and better. Ecclesiastes 9:10 gives us a resounding call to do with our might whatever our hand finds to do. To what extent does religious motivation improve the quality of our otherwise “secular” tasks in the work place? In Israel, as suggested by Leviticus 19:35-36, God’s holiness could be a primary motivation for honesty. Is that still true today?
   3. Hard work, stubborn people. Perhaps the greatest challenge in the work place is to know how to relate to fellow workers. Can the intensity with which we approach our work actually drive a dividing wedge between us and our fellow workers?
   4. Forgiveness and work. Several key passages in Scripture illustrate the importance of forgiveness in the life of the believer: Jesus’ words to the woman taken in adultery (John 8:4-11), Jesus’ words to Peter (Matthew 18:21-22) and the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). To what extent does forgiveness play a role in successful work experiences, or does it primarily apply to “spiritual” situations?
   5. Sermon on the Mount and unfair demands at work. To what extent can Matthew 5:38-42 be a help in the work place? Is Jesus second-mile counsel something that we can only apply to ourselves? What is the danger of demanding that someone else follow Jesus’ words?