According to the man on the radio several years ago, owners of world-famous Starbuck’s Coffee decided to implement an interesting and innovative policy.  In simple terms, they would pay an additional ten cents per pound for their coffee if their suppliers could show they were paying their employees at least minimum wage, and treating them well otherwise. I never heard whether this proposal motivated Starbuck’s third world coffee bean suppliers to upgrade the treatment of their workers. But the proposal does raise an interesting question concerning the will of God.
      Does God’s word have anything to say about the question of how employers should treat their employees?  If you are a Christian employer, how do you, how should you, treat those who work for you?  Should you pay them a good wage, or as little as possible?  Should you provide safe and clean working conditions?  For the Christian employer, concerned about what the Lord wants, these questions are easily answered.  Look at these passages: “Do not rule over them [Israelite servants] ruthlessly, but fear your God.”  (Leviticus 25:43) “Masters [or employers], provide your slaves [or employees] with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.”  (Colossians 4:1)
      The reason behind these instructions is simple:  there is One in heaven whom we should hold in reverence.  Christians are to treat those under them with respect and dignity, even when they don’t deserve it.  Admittedly difficult to obey sometimes, Peter nevertheless gives this command to slaves regarding cruel masters: “...submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.
      But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. (1 Peter 2:18-20).  Since the Lord doesn’t show favoritism for people based on their standing in life, neither should we.  Compare Paul’s instructions to Christian slaves and masters (Ephesians 6:5-9) and James’ exhortation that we shouldn’t show favoritism to others based on wealth. (2:1ff)
      If you were one of Starbuck’s coffee suppliers, how would you react to their offer of money to treat your employees justly and fairly?  If you accepted it, would you have to change anything you’re doing?  Although the context may be different, would accepting it be an instance of practicing “godliness as a means to financial gain”?  (1Tim. 6:1-5) Christians, more than anyone, should be willing to treat others right, regardless of any monetary incentives.

   Shouldn’t we?