Every pastor and evangelist is at times confronted fronted with the problem of assisting a believer in arranging for exemption from working on the Sabbath while retaining his position. While the direct command of God, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," must in the end constitute the all-sufficient reason for obedience, the very necessity of providing food for one's dependents is apt to cause a serious test to the faith of one who is either just finding the Lord for the first time, or walking in the new light that comes with this message.
Naturally, frequent appeals come to the Religious Liberty Department in behalf of those who are employed in some branch of government service. The experience that the representatives of this department have had with government officials seems to point to certain well-defined methods, and enough cases of those who are employed in private enterprises have come under our observation to lead to the conclusion that about the same general rules apply, whether the applicant is a government worker or engaged in private employment.
Too much stress cannot be laid upon the necessity for full consideration of the employer's viewpoint. It is easy to understand that in some cases the very nature of the employee's duties makes it imperative that he be available whenever the office or shop is open. A proper consideration for the problems of others will enable a worker to approach each problem with a sympathetic consideration of all that is involved, and will prevent any attempt to be dogmatic in dealing with the one of whom the consideration is asked.
Recently a sister in California who had just embraced the truth found the question of Sabbath observance, while retaining her post in government service, to be a very perplexing one. Her immediate superior was unwilling to assume the responsibility for allowing her to be absent, and referred the case to the regional office in San Francisco. That office hesitated to assume the responsibility for establishing a precedent, and sent the case on to Washington.
When the General Conference representative called on the head of the personnel section of the Washington office, he found a perplexed official who was anxious to do anything within reason to meet the conscientious convictions of his employees, and was glad to learn that in other branches of the government the problem had been met in many instances.
It was emphasized that Adventists recognize that their convictions with respect to Sabbath-keeping sometimes offer considerable difficulty, but stress was also laid upon the fact that it is clearly taught by the denomination that our duty to our government is second only to our duty toward our God; that the same Christ who bade us render unto God the things that are God's, bade us render unto Cxsar the things that are Czesar's; that a good Christian must be a good citizen; and that a person who is conscientious in his duty toward God will naturally be conscientious in the service which he renders to his employer. In other words, it was clearly implied that conscientiousness reaches into the affairs of everyday life, that it affects things material as well as spiritual.
It is highly important to remember:
First, that a favor is being asked, and that this fact demands courtesy and tact.
Second, that in return for any consideration granted we should have something to offer. In illustration of this latter thought, one can suggest coming to work earlier in the morning or remaining later in the evening, if this is feasible, during five days of the week; working on Sunday where this can be arranged; using for this purpose the annual leave that may be granted either by a government department or private firm; or, having the proportionate amount deducted from the regular salary when this is the only way out.
Third, such cases frequently give a fine opportunity to talk with employers concerning the truths that we believe. Many times we have had men ask us to give them our reasons for being so different from other people.
And, fourth, that even though the request may be denied, it is vital to leave the impression of sincerity, earnestness, and a deep conviction of one's duty toward God as the sole reason for seeking exemption from Saturday labor.
Where one is employed by the government, it may be advisable to stress certain facts with respect to the principles of religious liberty. Our experience has been most satisfactory when we made the actual retention of the position for our member of secondary importance, and the setting forth of any phase of the truth that may come into question as of primary importance. It is not uncommon for those whom we interview to ask concerning other phases of the truth than the Sabbath question. And more frequently than one would naturally think, we have employers volunteer the information that they are glad to know of people whose religious convictions will make them willing to suffer loss in material things if need be.
Washington, D. C