Galileo, like many Renaissance artists, depended on the patronage of wealthy rulers to support his research. The problem was that his patrons often paid him in gifts rather than cash. In 1610, he came upon a new idea. When he discovered the moons of Jupiter, he decided to focus his attention on the Medici family. This was because the founder of the Medici dynasty, Cosimo I, had made Jupiter the symbol of power.
So Galileo dedicated his discovery of the moons of Jupiter to the Medicis. Then he commissioned an emblem which included Jupiter with symbols of the Medici family and presented it to Cosimo II. That year, Cosimo made Galileo his court philosopher and mathematician, complete with a salary.
Everyone has insecurities. If a boss is not a Christian, his insecurities may have a stronger influence over him and his choices than a boss who is a Christian. But for us employees who are Christians, Paul writes: “in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Colossians 3:22-24).
In another context, Paul writes: “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:7). Be wise in how you interact with a boss who wants to appear more brilliant than others. They care about their name and their glory. Help them understand that your success in your job does not minimize the effort they have made or are making for the strength of the business.
On the other side of the coin – and this can apply to us who serve Christian bosses – don’t take their love and respect for granted. In late 16th century Japan, Emperor Hideyoshi had a favorite named Sen no Rikyu, an artist of the Japanese tea ceremony. Rikyu made the mistake of having a wooden statue made of himself and set up in the temple within the palace gates. Hideyoshi decided that Rikyu did not have any sense of decorum and had him sentenced to death. Rikyu ended up taking his own life.
None of us should take our positions for granted, regardless who our boss is. Nor should we allow favors to go to our head. Instead, gifts should motivate us to work even harder. That is the result of being thankful for what we have.
Paul Holland
