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FIGHTING AGAINST EXPLOITATION (DEUTERONOMY 25:1-10)

REFLECTION

Fighting against exploitation is the theme for our reflection. Exploitation is the act of selfishly taking advantage of someone or a group of people to profit from them or otherwise benefit oneself. Fighting against exploitation means taking steps to prevent unfair treatment of workers, We shall focus on the fact that God detests exploitation therefore a Christian employer must treat his or her employees fairly and with dignity.

As part of the laws given to the Israelites, they were to ensure just or fair treatment of their workers or labourers. The law is “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” (Deuteronomy 25:4). After harvesting, an ox would walk over the sheaves of wheat, and the impact of their hooves would separate the grain from the straw. During the process, the farmer or owner of the ox is admonished not to muzzle or cover the mouth of the ox, so that the ox can eat some of the grains to sustain its energy. In other words, the ox must be allowed to eat some of the grains to replenish its energy as it works. In reference to human beings, those who work for us must be given proper remuneration or dignified conditions of service to remain fit and healthy even as they continue to work in the same establishment. Paul re-echoed the importance of treating church leaders, agents or workers fairly when he wrote to Timothy “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:17-18) In other words, the pastors and catechists who dedicate their entire lives to ministry as a vocation must properly be remunerated and taken care of for their time and effort in the furtherance of the Gospel and God’s mission. Again they must be properly paid for their leadership responsibilities towards the growth and development of the Church. Similarly, we are greatly encouraged as business owners and employers to provide adequate and fair remuneration and care for those who work for us. When we treat our worker with dignity and care, they will be motivated to give their best and also ensure that our investments and businesses flourish.

There must be a complementary relationship between employer and employee, such that, the employee will”…not defraud or rob…” his or her employer and the employer on the other hand, will “‘…not hold back the wages…” of his or her employee overnight. (Leviticus 19:13). God is never pleased with us when we exploit those who work for us or labour for our success. We must ensure that people earn what they deserve. Again we must ensure that workers are treated with dignity and respect for their contribution to the development of our businesses and the nation. As Christian business men and women, managers or directors at our various places of work and influence, we must “…not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in our power to act. (Proverbs 3:27)

In summary, we have learnt that God detests exploitation therefore a Christian employer must treat his or her employee fairly and with dignity, giving him or her the remuneration he or she deserves. Shalom

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, grant us the ability to fight exploitation at our places of work and help us to treat those who work for us fairly and with dignity.