IN SECULAR OCCUPATIONS

Another area wherein the principle of being in subjection applies is in the matter of the employer-employee relationship. When a man accepts some form of employment, he is obligated to recognize his accountability to his employer, in other words, to be in subjection to him​—so long, of course, as he is not asked to do something that goes against his conscience or scruples. (Acts 5:29) Being in subjection to one’s employer means giving him the respect due his position and giving him an honest day’s work, and not stealing anything from him. As the apostle Paul counseled, an employee is to work at his job “whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men.” (Col. 3:23) Such is at the same time the right and the wise thing to do. If a person cannot do so, he should change his place of employment.

However, the Bible shows elsewhere that such subjection to political governments is not absolute. It is qualified by other Scriptural injunctions, such as, “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” And again: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” Yes, the command to “be in subjection” to the political governments of this system of things is not absolute, but is relative; it applies so long as it does not go contrary to any direct command of God.​—Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29.

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SUBJECTION TO AN EMPLOYER MEANS

Respectfully giving an honest day’s work

Not stealing