Organizational Stress From Above - Stress & Biblical Business Leadership

As a Christian leader seeking to follow Jesus, we want to give the best example we can – even when we’re faced with bad management decisions or a difficult boss.

Unfortunately, bad decisions and difficult bosses are more common than we like, and these often bring a great deal of stress into our lives.

How are we, as leaders ourselves, to handle that? The Bible has some very helpful insights.

Let’s start with how the Bible says we should respond in such situations: “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” (1 Peter 2:18, NIV)

Even when things get tough, we are called to respect and obedience. Just knowing this is already a good start to lowering our stress, isn’t it? But what about those requests that might harm the organization in ways that management is not aware? Are we just to be blindly obedient and not say anything?

Of course not.

Let’s check a couple of examples on how Daniel in the Old Testament dealt with that.

First, here’s Daniel dealing with an unworkable request from management on details of an assigned diet: “Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.” (Daniel 1:11-15, NIV)

Out of what seemed like a bad request, Daniel negotiated a win-win solution.

On another occasion, Daniel finds himself on the firing line with all of the other consultants in the organization and look at how he deals with that: “When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went into the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.” (Daniel 2:14-16, NIV)

Yes, respect and obedience are mandated even in the face of bad management decisions, but – like Daniel – we should not hesitate to ask for time or propose an alternate plan if the situation warrants that.

As leaders, one of the best things we can do is to help an otherwise failing boss or weak management overcome their limitations – but carefully: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)

Working like Daniel and in a way that honors God will help eliminate stress, no matter what the management dysfunction above.

Let’s close out with one last passage from the Bible, reminding us of how to work and who we really work for – paraphrased here especially for us today: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.…” (Ephesians 6:5-8a, NIV)

Reflection/Application:

1. Recall the last time you had a bad boss or faced a poor management decision. How did you respond? Did your action glorify God?
2. Bad management decisions may be one of the most common sources of stress in our leadership roles today. Reflect on how you will respond the next time an edict of poor judgement comes down at your work. How can you use that opportunity to glorify God?
3. As a leader, you are held to a higher standard within the organization you work for. Reflect on how being a Christian leader raises the bar even higher and what that means for your response to evil intentions or bad decisions coming from above. How does being faithful to God reduce your stress?