Christians are called to be leaders
Here are some specific ways that you can Biblically display submission and respect:
1. Pray for your boss
Pray for your boss, whether he or she is a believer or not. If not, pray specifically for their salvation. If he or she is a believer, then pray that God grants them wisdom to lead in a Godly and Biblical way. It’s hard to be angry at someone when you begin to pray for them (Matt. 5:43-45 ; Luke 6:27-28 ; 1 Timothy 2:1-4).
2. Understand your Boss’s Expectations
Understand the expectations your boss has for you and make every effort to not only achieve them, but exceed them! If you need to meet with your boss to clarify your work objectives, then do so. Meet on a weekly, or bi-weekly, basis if necessary to determine if you are on track. Prioritize the requests your boss asks of you and make a plan to do excellent work. (Col. 3:23; Eph. 6: 5-8; 1 Cor. 10:31 ; Eph. 6:5-8)
3. Guard Your Speech
Don’t speak ill of, or gossip about, your boss to anyone, co-workers or family (Proverbs 20:19; Romans 1:29; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Timothy 5:13; 2 Timothy 3:3).
4. Don’t Complain
Don’t grumble and complain about your work assignment or position. (Phil 2:14).
5. Be Selfless
Be the type of worker that is a joy to supervise. Be a blessing to your boss and be concerned for his or her interests (Phil. 2: 3-4).
6. Be Humble and Respectful
If it becomes necessary to confront your boss about a work issue, do it privately, respectfully, and with a humble heart. Provide factual information, not hearsay. They may not even be aware of the issue that is causing harm to you or others. Your respectful and humble approach may be exactly what is needed to increase this awareness in a gracious way. If he/she responds negatively, thank them for their time and leave. Don’t argue! (Prov. 27:17 Titus 2:9; Matt. 18:15)
7. Never be confrontational to your boss in a public forum
There may be times to respectfully challenge publically, but never be confrontational. If you are berated or criticized in public, remember Christ did not respond by defending himself or proving he was right (and He had every right to). ( 1 Peter 2: 21-23; Romans 12:17; 1 Tim. 6:2; Mark 14:61)
8. If necessary, resign or seek another position.
In the end, if you determine that you cannot willfully submit to your boss’s leadership, then you must make preparations to resign from the organization or move to another position. If your boss is behaving contrary to legal or Biblical mandates (or asking you to do so), or if you have hardened your heart and chosen not to submit, then this is the only Godly and honorable thing to do (1 Tim 6:1). (It is important to note that there are other potential reasons for leaving an organization that are not unbiblical. Those are not discussed here. I would recommend that you seek Godly counsel before making the decision to leave an organization.)