Wages

     I often think about wages. Not my own mind you, I’m appropriately compensated for my labors. Instead, I wonder about how we develop wage theory and practice.

When I was in the Army I started serving as a private and ended up my time as a Lieutenant Colonel. In a strange quirk of memory I remember my first paycheck. I reported to a lieutenant, receiving $496 after an exchange of salutes and the greeting of the day. Some 27 years later my last paycheck was for around $10,000, and I did not have to report for pay.

     As a private, as long as I showed up at the right time in the right uniform I was considered a great success. As a Lieutenant Colonel, during my last deployment I was responsible for developing operations that involved all branches, thousands of service members, and units from all over the globe. My commander measured success in lives saved and enemy removed from the battlefield. The increase in pay reflected the increase in responsibility. Those who shoulder greater responsibility earn greater remuneration for their efforts. But what is appropriate pay for those who deliver an honest days work in those jobs that society does not honor?

     I do not begrudge the CEO the seven-figure income with all its associated perks. Many of them shoulder enormous burdens and deliver great value for their effort. But what makes it acceptable for a CEO to make over $100,000 a minute while their hourly workers make fourteen dollars an hour? Shouldn’t a person who works 40 hours a week earn enough to enjoy a decent standard of living? Why must so many work multiple jobs just to make ends meet?

      Perhaps if we valued labor more we might pay workers a true living wage. We often argue about what is a living wage. In some countries, Australia, Great Britain, Germany, and Canada, even the lowest paid hourly workers earn enough for a modest living. Their society places a greater value on the service provided by those who work at more menial jobs. Recent debates in our country reveal that we place less value on lower wageworkers.

     As I peruse scripture, God reveals His heart in this matter. Jesus tells us to not chase after worldly things, “…as the gentiles do.” He goes on to remind us that we should seek first the kingdom and God, who knows all our needs will provide. For the Christian, wage theory is a faith matter. If I place my trust in God as my ultimate source of supplies, then I should be willing to support living wages for all workers. I need not fret. James 5:1-6 offers a sobering prophetic word for those of us who take a cavalier attitude toward others wages. This passage ends with this rather grim warning, “⁴ Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. ⁵ You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.”

     As a Christian I find this subject challenging. Scripture reminds me that for those who assume greater responsibility reap greater rewards. Yet, what do I do with these rewards? Do I lend my support, monetary and otherwise, for those of more meager circumstances, or will I pull down my barns and build bigger ones and take my ease.