In New Testament times, slaves were exhorted to be obedient to their masters, serving with loyalty both good and bad. Likewise, those believers who are “slaves”, or servants, for wages today should accept their lot if it cannot peaceably be improved, abiding contentedly in the calling to which they have been called. Anything resembling pressure or threats upon employers is unlawful for a brother or sister in Christ, who is commanded not to strive but to be peaceable toward all men.

It follows that the militant activities of trade unions must be repudiated by believers desiring to live consistently with their faith. It also follows that, since increasing numbers of unions are engaging in such activities, the believer cannot really feel comfortable in voluntarily assuming membership, and is far better outside the union than inside. There are professional associations that do not call themselves trade unions, which refrain from militant attitudes and are much more concerned with matters of ethical practice and continuing education. For such it is reasonable to assume that these are not trade unions, and are not, at least automatically, to be condemned.

It is for this reason that precise advice as to whether or not one should join any particular trade associations cannot always be given. However, the believer should make it very plain to both employer and colleague that he or she does not intend to be involved in any agitation of a militant type, whether with a union or not. The believer will not willingly go on strike. He will certainly not engage in picketing. If a member, he will contribute to union funds only those sums exacted from him, and he will make no voluntary contributions whatever, especially to the “political action committee”, or its equivalent.