Reynolds stood in the break room doorway. “Evan, you got a minute?”

“Sure,” Evan said, lifting his coffee as he stood.

They stepped into the factory together. The machines were pounding, gears clashing, belts whirring — a sharp clanging that made Evan flinch for a moment before his ears adjusted. It was the steady roar of work he’d long since learned to live with.

At Reynolds’s office door, the boss motioned him in. The door swung shut behind them, and the noise dropped to a dull thrum in the floor. The sudden quiet felt heavy.

“Have a seat,” Reynolds said, gesturing to the chair.

Evan set his mug on the desk, but not before running a thumb under the rim to make sure it wouldn’t leave a ring. He lowered himself into the chair, coffee in reach.

“You’ve been doing good work,” Reynolds said, still smiling. “Customers like you, paperwork’s clean, deliveries are always on time. I can count on you. Not every guy gives me that.”

Evan nodded, pleased. “Thanks. I’m glad to be part of this place.”

Reynolds tapped a clipboard. “We’re expanding. Covering the west side, even up into Cholterstonville. Big step forward — steady hours, more reach, more revenue. It’s exciting.”

Evan grinned, leaning forward a little. “That’s great news! Good for the company. I’m proud of the work we do here.”

Reynolds’s smile faltered, though his voice stayed positive. “Exactly. And that’s why I thought of you. We’ll need someone reliable for the weekend run.”

Evan shifted. “Well… I could use the extra work, sure. But I’ve already got things scheduled on weekends.”

Reynolds folded his arms. His smile was still there, but thinner now. “Evan, when we started planning this, everyone said, ‘He’ll step up. He always does.’ You’re dependable. You’re the kind of man this company needs.”

Evan started to answer, but Reynolds cut him off — his tone sharper now. “You’re one of my best. So tell me straight—do you really want to work here?”

The question landed heavy. Evan’s thoughts churned. I love this job. I love being trusted. But weekends? That’s sacred. If I say no, will he see me as uncommitted? If I say yes… what does that mean for my loyalty to Jehovah?

The phone rang, sharp and insistent. Reynolds raised his hand, picking up the receiver with his other.

“I have to take this. Step out for me, Evan. Come back in ten minutes.”

Evan picked up his mug and walked into the hallway. The clang of the factory wrapped around him again. He did not notice. Louder still were Reynolds’ words echoing in his head.

How would you answer?

What scriptural principles would you consider?

And why?