Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace Christians
Truth and References
Simply let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one
—Matthew 5:37, NIV
THE Bible doesn’t say much about job references—or does it? Remember John Mark, the green recruit (Acts 15:36-39)? Paul wanted to leave him behind; Barnabas said no. Two leaders couldn’t agree on a young man’s value, so they parted company. If they had been asked to write a job reference, their versions might have been quite different. Later, however, things must have changed. Paul evidently reconsidered and sent for John Mark “because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).
* * *
Lois didn’t like filling out reference forms. Especially this one.
When she accepted a recent promotion, Lois had known it would sometimes involve hard decisions. Now it was hitting close to home.
Beulah, a friend now under her supervision, was a good person who tried hard but was ineffective at her present level of responsibility. The department would function better if she were replaced.
Nevertheless, Lois had hesitated to make any moves. Their families were close. They had been friends and co-workers for a long time.
That was why her heart had raced when she heard that Beulah had applied elsewhere. If she found another job on her own, it would solve a good many problems.
Then Lois got a call from the Apex Corporation personnel manager. He was sending a confidential reference form. He hoped Lois would offer an accurate appraisal of Beulah’s performance. Even though he and Lois were competitors, he knew Lois was committed to encouraging her people if they could advance elsewhere.
Lois dreaded filling out that form. She had no difficulty giving Beulah high marks in areas such as “tolerance for persons of other backgrounds” or “harmonious in social relationships with others.” But she was going to have trouble with categories like “dependability in completing assigned tasks” and “ability to make responsible decisions.” In these areas Beulah was clearly below average.
If Lois answered honestly, Beulah probably wouldn’t get the job. That would make Beulah unhappy. And Lois would be stuck with her again. She wasn’t sure which concerned her more.
On the other hand, maybe Beulah’s lackluster performance was the result of poor training and supervision. Maybe her problems were tied to her current position. Maybe a new job was just what Beulah needed to blossom. So, Lois told herself, if I give her a high rating on this form, my little “fib” might be just what Beulah needs to pull herself together.
What would be the harm? Personnel directors often took references with a grain of salt. But there was her own reputation to consider, not only as a business executive but also as a Christian in the community. It was her duty to treat Apex Corporation fairly.
Lois studied the other questions on the form. “How would you rate the applicant as a leader and an administrator? Give your general appraisal of the applicant as an employee while working with your firm.” Then the kicker: “Our policy is to conduct a telephone follow-up to your written reference.” Lois knew it would be easier to leave some things off the written reference, but if there was a telephone follow-up, she’d have to be honest.
She knew it would simplify her life if Beulah got this job. But it would simplify her conscience if she answered honestly.
Lois sighed. She’d answer the easy questions now and leave the hard ones for later.
Questions to ponder and discuss
1. Have you ever faced a similar dilemma in filling out reference forms or if asked to evaluate someone for a job or church agency assignment? What did you do? How did it turn out?
2. If you were in Beulah’s position, what would you want your friend to do? Would you want a job for which you might not be properly suited? If judged negatively by a friend, would you accept the evaluation or question the friend’s judgment? Should Beulah and Lois have discussed this matter together first?
3. Some firms, fearing legal repercussions, no longer give references, either favorable or otherwise. To what extent should Christians be influenced by society’s standards in this area?
Additional Scripture
See also Proverbs 14:25; Romans 3:5-8; Ephesians 4:15.