The Workplace

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8: 32

The passage above is one of the most quoted sayings of Jesus, but is also the most misapplied quotation!

Why did I say that? Let me show how’d this phrase is commonly used.

When there is a crime done and justice is not served, the victims or the families of the victims will verbatimly use this verse.  When there is corruption, performed by the government officials or corporate officers, the common tao or union members will place this verse in placards while picketing. When there is unfairness in an institution people who are affected use this verse while fighting for their rights etc. etc. This verse is used to express the desire to receive justice and to be granted rights mostly in a large scale. But the one who said that verse, Jesus, is talking about personal dealing with the reason for injustice and human rights.

Another verse written in the same chapter of the ‘truth’ verse, He said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  A slave is not permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (34, 35)

…the verse first mentioned above was spoken by Jesus in connection with sin that slaves us to many things: becoming addicted to self gratification, the neglect of common good, deny others of our help, happy to get even, intentionally make others lives difficult and make others our slaves both physically and emotionally.

You may say I don’t do that…but please check out the way how do you deal with people everyday. To be quite specific, how do you really treat your espouse, your kids, you parents, your siblings, your house helps, your colleagues, your subordinates, your supervisors, your managers, your clients, the janitors, the building entrance guards, the fast food crew, the waiters and the salesladies?

Jesus said, “…if  you remain faithful to my teachings”…TEACHINGS OF DAILY LOVE IN ACTION…”…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (31b, 32)

That truth is Jesus’ teachings on the daily wise practice of love (charity), which is the opposite of selfish acts and it will set us free from the awful consequences of treating others badly!

Let us all be personal in practicing this truth so we will be free from experiencing the unfavorable effects of doing otherwise!