The Ten Commandments for Business: Commandment Seven

In this series, we’re pondering the Ten Commandments. The seventh commandment, when violated in the workplace, can have a devastating effect on so many lives and even on the business itself.

Recently, Dan called me for prayer and counsel. One of Dan’s managers had hired a temporary worker, and then almost immediately Dan's manager had sex with this new employee!

Both Dan’s manager and the temporary worker were married. This one moment of pleasure resulted in Dan receiving hateful calls from one of the spouses, a potential sexual harassment lawsuit against Dan’s manager and the company, and two devastated marriages.

Exodus 20:14 says, “You shall not commit adultery.”

With so much of our time spent in the workplace one of the biggest risks for adultery happens at work. The workplace is full of sexual temptation. When we allow temptation to overcome us, our momentary pleasure leaves devastation and destruction in its wake.

When you find yourself tempted pause and picture how you will feel when caught and you have to explain the situation to your spouse or children. That momentary reflection may just save your marriage.

Questions for Reflection

• What are the boundaries put in place by your business regarding inter-employee relationships? What boundaries do you have for yourself, specifically? Are you enforcing them? What temptations do you struggle with? How might you avoid them? What could you lose if you give into your temptations?
• Are there any other ill-balanced relationships in your life? Do you show too much or too little attention to the people in your life?