The Christian: Doormat of the World

Written by Christopher Mentzer

My “friend” Ryan Hoover recently got a promotion at his work and things seemed to be much better for him and his family. However, a couple weeks ago he shared this with me:

Ryan: Well I thought becoming a manger would be great. Not just more money but an opportunity to get higher up in the company. However, when I became a manager, I was suddenly relied upon more than usual. I’m not saying this is surprising but I suddenly find myself working Sundays and Wednesdays. My boss and I had an understanding with my desire to attend worship service but now that I’m a manager I feel like I’m being used! Managers who are supposed to work on Sunday suddenly become ill, actually a hangover from Saturday night. Other times they are conveniently out of town. Of course in both situations I have to fill in. I tried talking to the other managers but they simply pass it off as “my duty as a manager”. What do you have to say?

After some thought, I gave this reply:

Chris: Well you have two choices. Either ride out the situation and see if something changes or, and I know this is extreme, look for a new job. Perhaps you can transfer to a different store since you work for a chain. Although the scriptures don’t command us to attend every service, we are affirmed not to forsake the assembly (Heb. 10: 25). God understands we have to work but if there is a way around a schedule, one should make the attempt. Maybe some of the brethren there, where you worship, can offer advice.

A couple days later he wrote back:

Ryan: Transferring to another store is possible; guess I hadn’t thought of it. I’ll have to inquire with personnel. I’d hate to leave the company althogether as we have our health insurance through them. Regina’s job however is now offering health insurance and it seems cheaper. I might check around with some similar companies as see what they offer. Look’s like there’s some hope for us.

Chris: That’s great, Ryan! I also suggest in the meantime obtaining any and all recordings of sermons from previous services and sitting down with your family and study together. Visit with some of the brethren on your days off and study further. You can always find alternatives until you’re able to return to the assembly.

A week later he had some news to share…

Ryan: Great ideas! We’ll sign up for copies of sermons from both services plus we have a couple from the congregation who will come over and study with us on Fridays. I have put in for a transfer, which will take place in a couple weeks. Things are definitely looking up! But…I wonder why so many people look at us as doormats.

Chris: It’s because we desire to be different that the rest. Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 6: 17, “Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you.” And because of that they find us to be “evil” because we aren’t running with the same crowd we used to. Read 1 Peter 4 especially the first few verses. Here’s what verse 4 says, “wherein they think strange that ye run not with `them' into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you.” All we can do is keep the faith and praise God that we are being persecuted for His sake (1 Pet. 4: 16).