employment – La Vista Church of Christ

Should I take a position that may involve serving alcohol?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 10 May 2026 01:15:54 +0000

Question:

Hi,

I work at a grocery store and am about to begin my training for a promotion. This promotion will involve various new tasks, such as closing the store, opening and working in customer service, handling cash, and, my main concern, working in our coffee and alcohol section. I personally do not drink and am learning about what the Bible has to say about alcohol.

For some context on the section, it is not your typical bar. There are also smoothies and coffee there, and most people will grab a drink, do their shopping, and leave. It's not mixing drinks or bartending; it's more so handing someone a cup of wine or beer and leaving it there.

My question is: Would it be okay to work in this section? I am leaning toward "no" because I don't think I should put up that image, and that's not for a performative reason, but to keep in mind how I represent myself as a Christian and how I bear the image of Christ.

I was talking to someone about it, and they were saying how at the wedding, Jesus provided the wine. However, I am aware of the differences in the wine compared to today. This is still one point this person made.

Overall, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this point and the reasons I should not work in this section. I still plan to talk to my manager to see if it's an option to learn it without working my shifts in this department. If that's not an option, what are your thoughts? Should I not take the promotion?

Answer:

The word "wine" in the New Testament is a generic term referring to any product made from grape juice. By itself, you cannot determine whether alcohol was involved or not. See:

You are correct that you need to consider your reputation as a Christian, as you represent the Lord to the world around you. Jobs that require supplying products that would be wrong for a Christian to use would be wrong because we cannot promote sinful behavior.

Talk to your manager and explain that you have religious limitations on what you can do. If accommodations can't be made, I would personally decline the position.

The Difference We Can Make on the Job

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:57:32 +0000

by David Gibson

A dear brother in Christ received a very affirmative written evaluation from his supervisor, commending him for his consistently positive attitude at work. Likely, this supervisor has observed others who gripe, gossip, and create friction among coworkers. In contrast, this brother’s attitude really stands out.

Be positive.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).

How else can Christians let their light shine in the workplace?

Be honest.

Employers are looking for people they can trust completely—who never lie, pilfer, or cut corners. Paul says that this kind of work ethic of “showing all good faith . . . may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:9-10).

Work hard and work well.

The Christian who gives 100% on the job not only earns the respect of his superiors but also serves as a pacesetter for fellow employees.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Do more than required.

This is the principle of going the second mile, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:41). When my mother-in-law got caught up with her work as a secretary, she’d ask her boss, “Is there anything else I can do?”

A job is so much more than a paycheck. It’s a golden opportunity to make a positive impression on those who are curious or even skeptical about what it means to be a Christian.

An Industrious Worker

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 17:16:06 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Industrious-Worker.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Download Audio

Text: Proverbs 24:30-34

I. The Bible commends diligent work

A. Jacob had his faults, but one thing we notice is that he was an industrious worker

1. Genesis 31:38-39 - A summary of his work record.

a. Prosperous growth in herds

b. No miscarriages in 20 years

c. No losses from wild animals or from his own personal use since he replace all that was lost from his own funds.

B. Potiphar was able to trust Joseph with everything he owned - Genesis 39:6

C. Ruth worked all day pick up grain and then after nightfall threshed what she gathered - Ruth 2:17

D. Jehoiada’s workmen were so faithful, no one had to audit them - II Kings 12:9-15

E. Daniel’s enemies could not find anything with which to charge Daniel - Daniel 6:4

II. Workers who are like these people are too rare.

A. Perhaps we don’t train young people to be diligent in their labors.

1. Society glorifies getting by with the minimum. It is “great” so long as it is good enough.

2. Solomon urges us to learn from the ant - Proverbs 6:6-8

a. God’s design in nature can teach us about working!

b. Job 12:7-10 - There is a lot to learn from nature.

B. We always labored. Adam and Eve were given charge to care for the garden of Eden. - Genesis 2:15

C. Paul did not just preached the Gospel, he lived it - I Thessalonians 2:8-12

1. Paul worked with his own hands - I Corinthians 4:11-12

2. He taught during the day and made tents at night - Acts 18:2-3

3. Hence, Paul claimed he wronged no one - II Corinthians 7:2

III. Poor work habits may not be obvious

A. Laziness and negligence - not giving your all

1. Proverbs 10:4 - Negligence brings poverty.

2. Proverbs 13:4 - The lazy craves and gets nothing

3. Proverbs 18:9 - A lazy worker is destructive.

B. Chasing after useless things - Proverbs 12:11

1. Busy, but not focused on what needs to be done.

C. Wasting time in talk - Proverbs 14:3

D. Stealing from others - Leviticus 6:2-5

1. Deceives in regard to funds entrusted with him

2. Steals

3. Cheats

a. Using false balance - Proverbs 11:1

4. Finds lost property and lies about it

IV. A Christian must work, and work well for his employer - II Thessalonians 3:11

A. Even if you work for yourself, you still need to put effort into what you do

1. Ownership of anything requires upkeep - Ecclesiastes 10:18

2. Laziness with your own things is just as bad - Proverbs 24:30-34

B. Work with full effort - Ephesians 4:28

1. You can’t sleep away the day and expect gain - Proverbs 20:13

2. Work with all your might - Ecclesiastes 9:10

3. The virtuous woman did not eat the bread of idleness - Proverbs 31:27

C. Labor with skill - Proverbs 22:29

D. Work with an eye to what may come next

1. This is the lesson from the ant - Proverbs 6:6-8

2. Prepare for hard times while things are going well - Proverbs 10:5

E. Be a trustworthy employee

1. I Corinthians 4:2 - Stewards are suppose to be trustworthy.

2. Luke 16:10-12 - God expects us to be trustworthy with the things of this world.

3. Proverbs 13:11 - Wealth gained by fraud dwindles

4. Leviticus 19:35 - Our business dealings are to be fair.

Should someone work for a company that is involved in alcohol and gambling?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 24 May 2025 22:46:28 +0000

Question:

Hi Jeffrey,

I hope all is well with you. I would appreciate your thoughts about a company's activities and the Bible's guidance on working for that company. The company in question is a large retailer that does much good for society by providing food and other items at low prices. However, the retailer also sells alcoholic beverages and has recently grown a lottery business. Suppose a person works at the headquarters of this company in a business area that is not directly involved with these activities. In that case, the person still works for the company involved in these activities.

What do you see as the Bible's guidance as to whether this person can continue working for this company?

Thanks for your thoughts on this!

Answer:

What would a person conclude about someone working at that company? I once worked at a supermarket for a short while. Alcohol was sold in the store, but I had nothing to do with it. If I mentioned working at the supermarket, most would not immediately think that I was promoting the use of alcohol. However, that would have been different if the person worked at a liquor store or a cannabis store. The same would go for a large company. Does working there imply that you approve of inappropriate things? "Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil" (Romans 14:16).

Question:

Thank you for replying, Jeffrey. I appreciate your thoughtful response and your many writings on biblical subjects.

To help me better understand your answer, are you saying:

Since the primary focus of the large retailer is not selling alcohol & lottery tickets (like that of a liquor store), the individual should not let the overall company be spoken of as evil, and can work there, or
Should the individual refrain from working there since the company is involved with these things (even as a minor component)?

Thanks again.

Answer:

If that company were mentioned, would it be associated with sinful things? If not, then it would not be wrong to work there in areas not associated with immoral things. What a Christian strives to avoid is showing approval of sin or aiding others in sin.

Is it right to be paid to clean a church building?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:55:04 +0000

Question:

Hello!

I have a question regarding the church treasury and its use. I’ve been going to an institutional church of Christ with my family, as I don’t have a driver’s license to attend the non-institutional church the next town over. I clean for the church. Is it proper for me to accept payment for the cleaning that comes out of the treasury? If not, I will cease to accept payment, and if they insist, I will cease to clean for them.

Answer:

"For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope" (I Corinthians 9:9-10).

A principle God has long taught is that a person who provides a service should be compensated for his work. "Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his chambers by injustice, who uses his neighbor's service without wages and gives him nothing for his work" (Jeremiah 22:13).

There are congregations that pay for lawn care and building cleaning. Most use volunteers to accomplish those tasks, but there are situations where paying someone makes more sense, and if that pay can benefit a member of the congregation, then it makes even better sense.

How do I help my unemployed husband?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:51:13 +0000

Question:

Hello,

I’m writing because I don’t know what to do. My husband is showing job instabilities. This all started when he left his very good and secure job because he had some colleagues who tried to tempt him to gaze at other women. He left because he wanted to be loyal to me and not deal with temptation, which I admire. However, he has tried a few jobs since then and can’t get the right fit. The last job let him go suddenly. He didn’t meet the job responsibilities of the others to stay. I am a stay-at-home wife per his requests, but this instability causes me stress and fear. He’s adamant about not wanting me to work. I want to be obedient and patient with him (this has been going on for almost three months). We have no formal education, but I don’t want us to be in a dire situation.

What is your best advice for me to support him and eliminate stress?

Answer:

Most men define themselves and their worth by their jobs. Losing his job is devastating. Thus, you can encourage him as he searches for a job. Since his view of himself is fragile, it is important to treat him with respect. "Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband" (Ephesians 5:33).

Work together on a budget so that you can see how long your money will last. That budget will also lay out backup plans. If your money gets too low, one option is that you get a job to keep the family afloat until he can land a job that can support the family. Another option is finding a job you can do from home that can supplement the income he can bring in, like the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. He should not let his pride cause hardships for his family.

I can’t find a job

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 22:32:53 +0000

Question:

Good day,

I'm 20. I've been searching for a new job since I lost my previous one. I'm a web developer and a graphics designer. It has been frustrating searching for a new one. I've been rejected more times than I can count. I even got an acceptance email, and I never got a follow-up after that.

I've prayed and prayed. I've cried to sleep. I've gone through all my savings, and there's nothing left. Slowly, I'm losing strength. I see myself considering things I shouldn't consider. Things that wouldn't bring glory to God's name.

Please advise and pray that God's light shines on me again.

Answer:

Why does the alternative to landing a desired job have to be making money in a way that brings shame on the Lord? Let's start with a better basis: Any job that you take must glorify God and honor His teachings (Colossians 3:17).

Finding a job involves having the right qualifications, finding companies that need your skills at this moment in time, and being the best candidate from the pool of candidates who also applied for the job. Web design is a growing field, but that also means there are a large number of people attempting to enter it. Being new to the field means you lack qualities that can distinguish you from the rest, such as experience and a portfolio of quality designs. It is tough breaking into a career field and gaining a foothold.

This means that you may need to take any legitimate job for a while to earn income and prove that you can be a dependable employee while you continue searching for the desired job. You might have to take a less-than-ideal position in the same or related field to build up work experience. You may have to broaden where you look for a job or be willing to move to a location simply because there is a job available.

My job requires lying and embarrassing people to get them to pay their loans

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 03:13:30 +0000

Question:

Hi Jeff,

Hope you're doing well. I'm in a dilemma and in need of some guidance and counsel. I work in a loan company for close to 2 years. I'm a loan officer there but the job is affecting my spiritual life. The job requires I give people loans and collect the money back. The problem I have is that you can't control the repayment of the loan from a person. If the loan payments do not come in by their due date, you're expected to go to their place of residence and business to insult them in front of others to get them to pay.

Also, the job involves telling lies a lot just to cajole client to pay back their loans. I know I have no excuse, lying is a choice but the environment does not encourage truthfulness.

I haven't found another job; yet, I'm fed up with this job. I'm just afraid that if I leave, I won't find another job immediately.

I need guidance if any. God bless you, sir.

Answer:

As you noted, lying is never an option for a Christian (Revelation 21:8). Therefore, if a job requires lies, you find another job. Christians are to treat people with kindness and respect. Embarrassing people in front of others isn't an option (Galatians 6:9-10).

Thus, redefine your work in terms of how a Christian should behave. If being a Christian gets you fired, well, so be it. But until then, see if you can find a way to the tasks in ways that would make the Lord proud of you. Meanwhile, seriously search for a better job. If necessary, don't limit yourself to one location. Go where you can get a job.

Work as for the Lord

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 23:09:14 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Work-as-for-the-Lord.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: II Thessalonians 3:6-16

I. Why should you work?

A. I had a friend that inherited a large sum of money before he was 18. There was enough cash available that he could live comfortably off the interest the money would generate for the rest of his life. Why should he work?

B. Our government offers financial support for people. While the pay is low, there are people who feel that it is adequate, so why should they work?

C. The idea of being able not to work is a strong motivator in the gambling industry. By contributing a small sum of money and no effort on your part, you have a chance to win enough money to quit working.

1. Of course, they don’t mention that you have a five-time greater chance of being struck by lightening than winning the lotto – but people want to focus on the positive, “least there is a chance!”

D. It has become the focus of life. “I want to work to get enough money so I can retire.”

II. Man was never without work to do

A. Adam was given the job to tend the Garden - Genesis 2:15

B. After the fall, man not only had to work, but it came only with effort - Genesis 3:17-19

C. Usually we focus on the Sabbath day, the day of rest, but notice that the day of rest came after six days of labor - Exodus 20:8-11

D. Unlike our country, even the unfortunate were expected to labor - Leviticus 19:9-10

E. Christians are commanded to work - I Thessalonians 4:11-12

1. We do not subsidize the lazy, but we assist the needy - Ephesians 4:28

III. Why work?

A. To provide for those who are our responsibility - I Timothy 5:8

1. I Thessalonians 4:12 - So that you will have no needs

2. Young people, when you get out on your own, it becomes your responsibility to support yourself - Proverbs 19:15

3. When you get married, young men, you have agreed to the obligation to support your wife.

4. When you have children, they become your responsibility - II Corinthians 12:14

5. When your parents become old, they are your responsibility - I Timothy 5:4

B. To stay out of sin

1. Ephesians 4:28 - Removes the temptation to steal. Why steal when you can buy?

2. II Thessalonians 3:11-12 - To remove idle time.

3. I Timothy 5:13-15 - The same for women

C. To be able to help others - Ephesians 4:28

1. God expects men to aid others - Isaiah 58:7

2. I Timothy 6:18-19 - The rich must be willing to share

IV. Responsibilities of the employed

A. If at all possible, get paid for doing something you enjoy - Ecclesiastes 2:22-24

1. Nothing is more miserable than to slave at a job you hate.

2. Yet, I’ve seen people how have not work for months because they are looking for the perfect job.

a. For some, I suspect the perfect job is one that requires no effort, which is why they never can find it.

b. God’s rule still applies - II Thessalonians 3:10

c. Take any job that pays and in your spare time look for something better.

d. If you have a poor job, keep working while you search for something better. Don’t quit until you start your new job.

3. Recognize that a good job is a gift from God to you - Ecclesiastes 3:13

B. Give respect to your employer - I Timothy 6:1-2

1. That means no arguing - Titus 2:9

2. Even to the unreasonable bosses - I Peter 2:18-20

C. Be honest in your dealings

1. Titus 2:9-10 - Don’t take from your employer what is his

D. Give sincere obedience - Ephesians 6:5-8

1. In other words, you don’t work hard only when the boss is looking.

2. It is to come from the heart and not just external - Colossians 3:22

3. Work for Jesus, who is always watching

4. What we do and how we behave is a reflection on our Lord

E. Work heartily - Colossians 3:23-24

1. Give full effort while you can - Ecclesiastes 9:10

2. Proverbs 18:9 - A slack worker is a destroyer

V. Responsibilities of the employer

A. Workers have the right to be paid for their effort - Deuteronomy 25:4

1. Jesus said the laborer is worthy of his wages - Matthew 10:10

2. Woe to the man to uses unpaid for labor - Jeremiah 22:13

3. Workers have a right to a fair wage - Malachi 3:5

4. James 5:4 - The rich who got rich by shorting or withholding wages

B. That right extends to the right to be paid in a timely manner - Deuteronomy 24:14-15

1. Withholding wages is equivalent to robbing a man - Leviticus 19:13

C. People need periods of rest

1. God rested after his labors and He used that as precedence for Israel’s law to rest on the Sabbath day.

2. Jesus recognized the need for his disciples to rest - Mark 6:31-32

D. Work for your employees - Ephesians 6:9

1. Do not use threats as a motivation

2. Treat them as you want to be treated. Just as God is impartial, so you must be as well.

E. Treat them justly and fairly - Colossians 4:1

VI. You know, I don’t plan on retiring. How can I leave such a wonderful and needed occupation? I might be forced by health to slow down. I might be disabled and have to become innovative in how I continue to work. But I understand the importance of my work and the importance of working.

A. Instead of looking forward to retirement, look forward to a time when instead of having to work, you can work at what you like, even if the pay is lousy.

B. Use your retirement years to get some fun out of your labors.

It Takes Effort

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 21:23:23 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/It-Takes-Effort.mp3

Text: II Thessalonians 3:6-11

I. How many of us truly enjoy working?

A. I, like many of us, dream of times when we can take a moment off and do nothing in particular

B. Yet, I don’t like to be idle for long. It grates on my nerves.

II. In the beginning

A. Man has always had work to be done - Genesis 2:15

1. Adam started life as a gardener

B. But when sin entered the world, the light work that mankind was given became a serious struggle for survival - Genesis 3:17-19

C. Thus, we are commanded to work with our hands - I Thessalonians 4:11

D. Every person is expected to work for his living - II Thessalonians 3:6-11

III. It is not haphazard work

A. We are expected to put in our best effort

B. Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Work with all our might

C. Colossians 3:23 - Work as if the Lord is our boss – because He actually is

D. Ephesians 6:5-8 - God will reward us according to our labors

E. Romans 12:11 - There should be no lack of diligence on our part

IV. Becoming lazy is a danger - Proverbs 26:13-16

A. The lazy give excuses instead of effort - Proverbs 26:13

1. It’s too dangerous - Proverbs 22:13

2. It’s too cold - Proverbs 20:4

3. There will always be times we will not accomplish our goals, despite our best efforts. However, if we use the various hindrances as permission to not finish our work, far less will get done

4. Too many excuses irritate - Proverbs 10:26

B. The lazy avoids starting - Proverbs 26:14

1. Learn from the ant to work in convenient times and inconvenient times - Proverbs 6:6-11

C. The lazy won’t even help himself - Proverbs 26:15

1. He rather that others care for him

2. Proverbs 24:30-34 - Laziness brings on poverty

3. The lazy wants things but is unable to gain them - Proverbs 13:4

4. He wastes even the little that he has - Proverbs 18:9

V. We must give diligent effort

A. Hard work is noticed and rewarded - Proverbs 22:29

B. Hard work causes you to appreciate what you have - Proverbs 12:27

VI. While we have been discussing work in a general sense, there is a specific work that each of us needs to be concerned with.

A. Are we working out our salvation? - Philippians 2:12-13

B. Do we approach our lives as Christians by avoiding as much effort as we can?

C. Are you offering excuses as to why you have not done what you know you should do?

D. Do you think God is going to appreciate you clever avoidance tactics in the end?

E. Some people are too lazy to help themselves, to their own destruction.

F. What about you?