There are those in our world who seem to have an inordinate supply of power. Much of our success in life seems to be determined by our credentials. Our schooling, values, morals, and attitudes are to conform to theirs. There are those acknowledged "power brokers" who can raise one to the heights of office or fame, or can subvert all of a person’s efforts if they so wish. There is a common phrase that "it is not what you know, but who you know.
In investigating many jobs in a certain industry in which I have interest, it has become clear that to succeed in some areas one essentially sells themselves to the company. I will not give specific examples of this, as I am sure we can all learn to recognize such offers. However, of the many hours I spent doing research on jobs, the below information is quite typical. I saw quite a few jobs which could enable a person to retire as a multi-millionaire by the time the individual was in their 30s. How exciting! What does one have to do to gain such a position? Work 7 days a week for 80-100 hours, be on call 24-7, and do whatever you are asked. Do this for several years, and voila! You are moving up the food chain, and becoming quite wealthy. Obviously, these jobs are highly competitive because so many people desire that kind of money. It comes at a cost of family time, religious activity, and possibly health. This is a price that many people are more than willing to pay. In fact, there are groups created for the sole purpose of teaching people how to beat out the competition in obtaining these highly coveted positions. I went to a few such meetings, and was told the following by more than one person: "You must be willing to do whatever it takes to make your client happy. If he drinks coffee or alcohol, then you drink them also. If he wants to go to a movie on Sunday, then you volunteer to take him. If you won't, they will find someone else who will."
Big problem there. These particular items conflict with the way I conduct my religious life.
To say that a person much choose success or their moral principles is to create a false choice.
After his baptism, "Jesus was led up of the Spirit, into the wilderness, to be with God" (JST Matthew 4:1). Following this experience, Satan came to him and made him an offer. It is interesting that the name "Satan" means, "one who lies in wait" or in other words, "one who lays a trap". Satan showed to Christ the kingdoms of the world in all their glory, power, and magnificence. To paraphrase, Satan says to Jesus, "I will transfer all of these kingdoms to you, if you will bow to me” (Matthew 4:8-9). The response of Christ was that he would worship only the Father, and would not serve any other person, including himself (Matthew 4:10). The irony here is that Satan's offer ignored the fact that all these things were in Christ's power anyway. He created the earth (Mosiah 4:2). He has power over even the elements of the earth (Mark 4:39). It would seem to be great foolishness for Christ to capitulate to Satan in order to gain something that was His anyway.
I am not so dramatic as to conclude that conforming our standards to certain companies is the same as bowing to Satan. However, the principle still applies. For us, it would be similarly foolish to sacrifice standards or family relationships in order to gain power, friends, money, or influence. We are told that if we endure to the end, in obedience and faith, we will become joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). That sounds like a pretty generous offer! If we “seek…first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness…all these things shall be added unto [us]” (Matthew 6:33).
To be in the employ of certain people, I must be willing to do whatever they ask regardless of what I think of it personally or morally. I think often about the advice I receive to "be willing to do whatever it takes to make your client happy.” After all, “If [I] won't, they will find someone else who will."
When in God’s employ, the requirements are similar except that they demand more of our standards instead of less. Those in God’s employ are to follow the advice: "You must be willing to do whatever will most please God. If he sees people with compassion, I must see them with compassion. If he asks me to serve then I must serve, even if I feel tired, sick, or selfish. If I don't, then he will find someone else who will."
Like many people, I have big choices coming regarding whom I choose as my employer. I must be wary of a conflict of interest between physical and my spiritual employers. In some ways, choosing a spiritual employer is easier. One employer saves, and the other stultifies.
