Should I take this job?

[JohnMark]

I am jumping the gun a little bit on this but I would like to see what you think

I have asked the local labor board to refer me for whatever jobs may be available. I have been accepted to (only) fill out an application for this job.So I do not have the job, I am only getting ready to apply for it.I might get it and I might not. The problem is it "may" be for something I do not want to be associated with.

The company makes packages for all sorts of products. The local plant makes beverage packaging. On the national company's web site they list alcohol and non-alcohol packages. I do not know if this place where I might be makes beer containers or not. I am going to call them to see tomorrow to find out.

I REALLY need a job and this pays well, $12.90 an hour. However, both my parents were alcoholics and died unsaved. I HATE alcoholic beverages and want nothing to do with them. I feel I would be a hypocrite if , should I get the job, I worked making containers for a product that kills people or at the very least ruins their lives. Again, not sure if they do make beer cartons but if they do....

Am I right to look at it this way?






Brother George,
I think you make some good points.
I use my initials because it just appeals to me.Reminds me of how the Plymouth Brethren used to sign books and tracts. I used my name on my first post. I guess I see this more as conversation rather than a letter format.
I pretty much have decided to let the job go.

Now for this bombshell that was dropped today at a meeting for my census job:

Everyone works on Sunday or they are fired. It was seen as optional before but now it is mandatory. We must say yea or nay by Saturday.My wife and I are thinking and praying about it.

[George]

The company makes packages for all sorts of products. The local plant makes beverage packaging. On the national company's web site they list alcohol and non-alcohol packages. I do not know if this place where I might be makes beer containers or not. I am going to call them to see tomorrow to find out.

Brother, and I am assuming you are my brother even though I have not seen a name assigned to any of your posts, I believe you have answered your own question. You stated in what I have quoted above that the national company says on their web site that they make containers for alcoholic products.

That does it! Over and done with! Why on earth would you even consider working for a company in which some part of your hard-earned wages would have for its source the sale of alcohol? Perhaps the local plant you are considering working for does not specifically produce those containers but the national company does and not only would you be deriving a part of your wages, no matter how small a part, from alcohol you would be supporting an industry that not only causes pain, injury and even death to a lot of people every year, I doubt very seriously the Lord would approve of your working in such a position.

While I can understand the need for the job I believe it vital to look at who we are working for. To me the analogy is similar to watching TV shows or going to movies. As example, Disney owns a studio that is called Touchstone Pictures. It has its soul purpose for being in existence that of producing R rated films. It is a separate entity so that it will be more difficult for people to attach it to the Disney company who supposedly are "wholesome" in their endeavors. Trace the origins back and you can easily see that by going to a Disney "G" rated movie that has no foul language, nudity or things of that nature in it you are still supporting the industry.

In this case rather than supporting the industry with your hard-earned money you are supporting it morally and physically by working for them at all. I personally do not think it ought to be done.

Have you prayed about it? What sort of answers do you get from your prayers. I will be so bold as to say that the answers you are getting are most likely unsettled and at best vague if not absolutely confusing and conflicting. Remember what the Bible says about this:

(1Co 14:33) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

If there is any doubt at all, the decision you have made or the decision you are considering making is not of the Lord. I believe you have answered your own question about whether you ought to work for this company merely by bringing the question to the boards. I find that often my questions answer themselves. If I have to question something in any way that is my answer. Questioning it shows the answer, decision or response is not of God for His answers bring peace.

IN Christ,
George