In
Jewish thinking, there is no distinction between “sacred” and “secular”.
Are you a “Sunday go to meeting Christian”? How can we take our
Christianity to work with us on Monday? How can glorifying God become a
full-time occupation? Here are just a few thoughts:
Dependence. Go to work utterly dependent on God, as if without
him you can’t breathe, move, think, feel or talk. How can we possibly be
spiritually influential without Him? Get up in the morning and let God
know your desperation for Him. Prov. 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord
with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” NIV Notice, it does say “in all your
ways”. Maybe the Lord could also help your job performance as well?!
Integrity. Be absolutely and meticulously honest and
trustworthy on the job. Be on time. Give a full day’s work. “Thou
shalt not steal.” Some people rob
their employers by being slackers. People notice integrity!
Culture. As co-workers, peers, management, vendors and
customers observe you, do they see Christ at work in you? And is it
possible they might want what you have? And might they be inclined to
also deal more fairly? We have two well know examples of
Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby known for their Christian culture. And I know
from personal experience we can influence corporate culture from the bottom and
middle management roles also.
Communication.
Every organization has a culture of
communication styles. That’s the good news and the bad news! How
much coarse language is tolerated? Weave your Christian beliefs and
worldviews into the normal communications of life. Don’t hide your light under
a bushel; put it on the lampstand. Winsomely, naturally, joyfully -- let
your light shine. Let your light always say “Great is the
Lord!” Notice the word “Always”
in Psalm 40:16 “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may
those who love your salvation always say, ‘The Lord be exalted!’"
Love. Serve others. Be the one who volunteers first to
get the pizza, drive the van, organize the picnic, etc. Take an interest
in others at work. Love those around you; pray for them and point them to
The Prayer Answerer.
Money. Remember, it is all God’s, not yours.
You are only the steward. Always remember you work so that you can give
and invest in Christ-exalting ventures.
Give
Thanks. The worker who is always
thankful for the opportunity to work is appreciated by management and is envied
by peers, especially by those with a complaining life-style. Always give
thanks to God for life and health and work and Jesus.
These
were only a few of the ways we can glorify God in the workplace. We can
also recognize how the Lord shapes (a) our skill set; (b) corporate structure;
(c) life-enhancing product lines; (d) company reputation… Add to
the list as God gives you insights; but as Christ through you reshapes the
company, both you and Christ benefit. Sounds like a win-win!
Point to ponder
“So whether
you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31-32
do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31-32
When Jesus told
us to go into all the world, did He mean the workplace too?
“Commit
to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Prov. 16:3
Yosef a.k.a. Joe Brusherd
February 14, 2017
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