Promotions & Capitalism

Even though dictionaries list them as synonyms, assertiveness can be thought of as the positive aspects of aggressiveness that meet a rational goal. Aggressiveness simply lashes out and is hurtful. With proper Christian motives, Christians should be assertive in our work, even to the point of asking for promotions.

Promotions should be viewed in terms of the organization's needs. What are the strategic goals, which should align with our Christian calling, that we can better carry out once we receive the promotion? Compare that to the church where there are many roles but only one body in Christ. A holistic view of our secular workplace organization balanced with the stewardship of our skills and alignment with our calling may dictate that from a Christian point of view it is reasonable and good to be promoted. Furthermore, this "Christian" view should be well-received by even secular bosses if our calling is aligned with organizational goals.

Our group discussion was a role play: Ask for a promotion in a Christian way.

A strong work ethic, ambition and assertiveness sounds very much like the foundations of our capitalistic system. While the Bible doesn't support any economic system, biblical principles do support a properly motivated capitalist system. Greed is not Christian and there are many aspects of capitalism is bad. However, Christians who are ambitious for the right reasons can thrive in the capitalist system.

Exodus 20:15 & 17 support the principle of private property rights. Matt 20:15 and Acts 5:4 gives us the freedom and responsibility to manage our own economic activities. Thus "God is a capitalist" is a dramatic (& obviously simplistic) way to highlight our economic responsibilities as a Christian in our world.