Monday, I blogged about giving thanks for where God has taken you. Wednesday, I wrote about being thankful in all circumstances.
As I think about the passages that I cited in those posts, I had workplace gratitude in mind. Today, as we end the week, think about God's amazing grace to you. Jesus gave up everything in order to be humiliated in ways that we can't even imagine so that we could have hope of being with Him for eternity. I think that puts everything in perspective.
Today, thank God for His grace and for Jesus. End the week of Thanksgiving with praise to God.
Showing posts with label Attitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Attitude. Show all posts
Friday, November 25, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Give Thanks for Today
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is one of my favorite passages. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
First, it's short, which makes it easy to remember. But there's a lot in there as we think about thanksgiving this week. First, rejoice always, no matter what, in everything, even when things aren't going your way. We all need to hear that from time to time. Second, pray continually. That means that it's ok to pray for a change. Finally, give thanks in ALL circumstances. Back to the idea of rejoicing always. Give thanks no matter what's happening. Why? Because "this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." That could mean that your circumstances are God's will for you, but I tend to think Paul is saying that rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks are God's will for you.
As you go through your week, rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks. Not because your circumstances are necessarily making it easy to do those things. But because God is God, and He sent His son for you.
First, it's short, which makes it easy to remember. But there's a lot in there as we think about thanksgiving this week. First, rejoice always, no matter what, in everything, even when things aren't going your way. We all need to hear that from time to time. Second, pray continually. That means that it's ok to pray for a change. Finally, give thanks in ALL circumstances. Back to the idea of rejoicing always. Give thanks no matter what's happening. Why? Because "this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." That could mean that your circumstances are God's will for you, but I tend to think Paul is saying that rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks are God's will for you.
As you go through your week, rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks. Not because your circumstances are necessarily making it easy to do those things. But because God is God, and He sent His son for you.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanksgiving
This week is Thanksgiving, so I thought posts should focus on thanksgiving as it relates to Christianity in the workplace. This week's posts will all be relatively short thoughts on that subject. I hope you'll take the time to reflect on your blessings and be thankful.
In what ways has God blessed you professionally? Today, don't focus on anything else for a minute or two--shut out the email and meetings--and think about how God has blessed you. Pull out your resume for a refresher. Where has God taken you in your professional development?
Remember the story of the 10 leppers (Luke 17:11-19). Jesus blessed 10, but only 1 returned to say thank you. Spend time today thanking God for where He has taken you.
In what ways has God blessed you professionally? Today, don't focus on anything else for a minute or two--shut out the email and meetings--and think about how God has blessed you. Pull out your resume for a refresher. Where has God taken you in your professional development?
Remember the story of the 10 leppers (Luke 17:11-19). Jesus blessed 10, but only 1 returned to say thank you. Spend time today thanking God for where He has taken you.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Questions of Pride
A friend of mine who is a minister wrote "12 Questions to Probe Your Pride" a few years ago in a church bulletin. I saved it and recently came across it again. He gave me permission to reproduce parts of the article here.
Have you ever left a meeting with a feeling of enlightenment...based upon something you said during the meeting?
In your conversations, does the subject always somehow turn back to you? (This one is hard for me.)
Do you ever feel the need to namedrop in order to spice up a conversation?
Are the qualities you most admire in God the ones you find most prominent in yourself?
Are you very aware of and offended by others who are extremely arrogant?
Do others eve say to you, "You're not really listening to what I'm saying"?
Do you find yourself struggling to be interested in peopel with whom you have little in common?
Do you feel privately delighted when your rival has performed poorly in a public setting?
Do you find yourself unable to relate to teh Bible's warnings against pride because they're not relevant for your life?
Have you ever been dumbfounded by a serious error in personal judgment that led to unforseen problems in your life?
Do you frequently find yourself frustrated by the lack of interesting, talented, or intelligent people around you?
Do you find yourself being angry at God when circumstances don't go your way, as though God should protect you from such disappointments?
Look through those questions several times. As I typed them, I felt convicted several times. What about you? Where do you struggle with pride?
Have you ever left a meeting with a feeling of enlightenment...based upon something you said during the meeting?
In your conversations, does the subject always somehow turn back to you? (This one is hard for me.)
Do you ever feel the need to namedrop in order to spice up a conversation?
Are the qualities you most admire in God the ones you find most prominent in yourself?
Are you very aware of and offended by others who are extremely arrogant?
Do others eve say to you, "You're not really listening to what I'm saying"?
Do you find yourself struggling to be interested in peopel with whom you have little in common?
Do you feel privately delighted when your rival has performed poorly in a public setting?
Do you find yourself unable to relate to teh Bible's warnings against pride because they're not relevant for your life?
Have you ever been dumbfounded by a serious error in personal judgment that led to unforseen problems in your life?
Do you frequently find yourself frustrated by the lack of interesting, talented, or intelligent people around you?
Do you find yourself being angry at God when circumstances don't go your way, as though God should protect you from such disappointments?
Look through those questions several times. As I typed them, I felt convicted several times. What about you? Where do you struggle with pride?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
An Indication of Pride
We all make mistakes. No question, there are times when you mess up in your workplace, no matter how good you are at what you do.
Here's the question then: how easy is it for you to apologize? When you realize that you were the one who dropped the ball on a team report, do you admit your mistake and apologize to the people that were affected? When you miscalculate a bill that costs a customer money, do you apologize and make it right? The other response, of course is to either cover it up or make excuses.
Why is this important to think about in the context of faith in the workplace? Because one of the main reasons that it can be hard to apologize to someone is our pride. An apologize is an acknowledgement of our own shortcoming. It's admitting that we can't do everything perfectly. And sometimes our pride makes us want to appear to have everything together.
God is very clear that pride is a sinful attitude. Look at the last few weeks. Do you need to apologize to anyone? Yes, it may be awkward if it's out-of-character. Yes, other people may take advantage of showing weakness. But it's a great way to submit yourself to God and get rid of pride.
Here's the question then: how easy is it for you to apologize? When you realize that you were the one who dropped the ball on a team report, do you admit your mistake and apologize to the people that were affected? When you miscalculate a bill that costs a customer money, do you apologize and make it right? The other response, of course is to either cover it up or make excuses.
Why is this important to think about in the context of faith in the workplace? Because one of the main reasons that it can be hard to apologize to someone is our pride. An apologize is an acknowledgement of our own shortcoming. It's admitting that we can't do everything perfectly. And sometimes our pride makes us want to appear to have everything together.
God is very clear that pride is a sinful attitude. Look at the last few weeks. Do you need to apologize to anyone? Yes, it may be awkward if it's out-of-character. Yes, other people may take advantage of showing weakness. But it's a great way to submit yourself to God and get rid of pride.
Friday, November 11, 2011
What Do You Think About
When you're at work, what do you think about? When you're planning your next project, where do your thoughts go? In moments where you day dream, what is your focus?
For many of us, it might be thoughts of success, promotion, and prestige.
In two different passages, Paul describes where our thoughts should be. In Colossians 3:2, he says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." In Philippians 4:8, Paul says, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
As your mind wanders, pay attention to where it goes. Focus on God. Think about things that are right, pure, and praiseworthy. If you're having trouble honoring God during the week, see what a difference changing your thought-life makes.
For many of us, it might be thoughts of success, promotion, and prestige.
In two different passages, Paul describes where our thoughts should be. In Colossians 3:2, he says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." In Philippians 4:8, Paul says, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
As your mind wanders, pay attention to where it goes. Focus on God. Think about things that are right, pure, and praiseworthy. If you're having trouble honoring God during the week, see what a difference changing your thought-life makes.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Patience
I've been reminded several times in the last two weeks how important patience is when dealing with people. It's very tempting to snap at someone, particularly when other someone's have been straining your sense of calm.
When you're in that situation, think about how patient God is with you. I admit I try His patience at least ten times as much as others try mine. It's a helpful reminder for me.
When you're in that situation, think about how patient God is with you. I admit I try His patience at least ten times as much as others try mine. It's a helpful reminder for me.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thoughts about Firing Employees
I had lunch with a friend a couple of weeks ago, and he mentioned a topic that he'd like to see written about on this blog. This person is a Christian and tries to live like Jesus in his workplace. He is also a supervisor. He recently had to fire an employee. My friend asked me to think about and write about one's role as supervisor having to fire someone relates to one's role as Christian.
I'm still working on that post--it's not an easy question. There's the issue of quality work. The master who gave talents to his servants certainly expected those subordinates to work hard. And you might say he fired the one who did not. But the other side of things is the unmerciful servant. We have been forgiven so much. How can we not forgive others?
In some ways, the analogous situation for me is assigning grades, particularly near the end of the semester when I know that assigning a particular grade will cause a student to fail.
It's a post that I'm still working on. What are your thoughts? If you'd rather not post them as comments, feel free to email me. Look for the post in a couple of weeks.
I'm still working on that post--it's not an easy question. There's the issue of quality work. The master who gave talents to his servants certainly expected those subordinates to work hard. And you might say he fired the one who did not. But the other side of things is the unmerciful servant. We have been forgiven so much. How can we not forgive others?
In some ways, the analogous situation for me is assigning grades, particularly near the end of the semester when I know that assigning a particular grade will cause a student to fail.
It's a post that I'm still working on. What are your thoughts? If you'd rather not post them as comments, feel free to email me. Look for the post in a couple of weeks.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Wisdom
I head the words "wise" and "wisdom" a lot. "That was a wise move just then." "Your decision showed a lot of wisdom." What do those words really mean? Most of the time, people mean something like "you really made that decision anticipating the consequences" or "that decision is likely to have good outcomes." Interestingly, James 3:14-16 talks about how worldly wisdom is often tainted by envy or selfish ambition. The executive who wisely chose friends to help him/her climb the corporate ladder. The coworker who wisely chose not to trust others in the office.
In the context of this passage, wisdom means something very different than what we often think. James begins in verse 13 by explaining that wisdom is evident from good deeds and humility. We could probably conceed the "good deeds" part. But when have you ever associated humility with wisdom? But then look at verses 17-18. James goes on to say that wisdom from heaven is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive... I don't know about you, but I'm not sure how often I've heard those words associated with saying someone is wise.
Wisdom is about taking knowledge and applying it to situations in which you find yourself. Wisdom from the world takes knowledge from the world's perspective, which is focused on self, and applies it to decisions. Wisdom from God takes God's perspective, which is focused on Him and on others, and uses that knowledge to approach situations.
How will you be wise next week? As you think about work, where can you be purer? Where can you bring peace? How can you be considerate to others? In what ways will you be submissive to your boss? How can you show mercy to others, especially those who report to you or are further down the hierarchy?
In the context of this passage, wisdom means something very different than what we often think. James begins in verse 13 by explaining that wisdom is evident from good deeds and humility. We could probably conceed the "good deeds" part. But when have you ever associated humility with wisdom? But then look at verses 17-18. James goes on to say that wisdom from heaven is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive... I don't know about you, but I'm not sure how often I've heard those words associated with saying someone is wise.
Wisdom is about taking knowledge and applying it to situations in which you find yourself. Wisdom from the world takes knowledge from the world's perspective, which is focused on self, and applies it to decisions. Wisdom from God takes God's perspective, which is focused on Him and on others, and uses that knowledge to approach situations.
How will you be wise next week? As you think about work, where can you be purer? Where can you bring peace? How can you be considerate to others? In what ways will you be submissive to your boss? How can you show mercy to others, especially those who report to you or are further down the hierarchy?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What Does It Mean to Be Blessed?
Whenever something goes right in our lives, we're apt to say we're "lucky." I was recently convicted about that and now I say I'm "blessed." Whatever good I'm experiencing is because of God's grace. We talk about blessings from God being those things that He gives us--food to eat, people who love us, maybe our jobs (especially in this economy), health, etc. And no doubt, those things are certainly blessings from our God who loves us more than we can imagine.
But there's another meaning for the word blessed. Part of the confusion comes between "blest" (which was the past tense of bless but isn't used as much any more) and "blessed" (which had a different meaning in the Bible). Blessed carried the idea of an enduring joy, regardless of circumstances. So while you might feel "blest" by the things God gives you, "blessed" carries a deeper sense. So when Jesus says "Blessed are the poor in spirit..." (Matthew 5:3), he's not saying that the poor in spirit are going to have blessing raining down on them, that they will feel great about their circumstances. He is saying that the poor in spirit will have a deep, enduring joy because "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." That joy is not dependent on their circumstances--in fact the circumstances may be quite troubling (John 16:33). That joy comes from understanding their place as it relates to God's Kingdom.
This meaning is very different from what we typically think of when we hear the word blessed (or blest) in our conversations. God doesn't promise any of us blessings beyond grace and the hope of heaven. What He does promise is that, if we tune our hearts to Him, we will have the kind of attitude that doesn't depend on our present circumstances. That sounds like a blessing that I want to have.
But there's another meaning for the word blessed. Part of the confusion comes between "blest" (which was the past tense of bless but isn't used as much any more) and "blessed" (which had a different meaning in the Bible). Blessed carried the idea of an enduring joy, regardless of circumstances. So while you might feel "blest" by the things God gives you, "blessed" carries a deeper sense. So when Jesus says "Blessed are the poor in spirit..." (Matthew 5:3), he's not saying that the poor in spirit are going to have blessing raining down on them, that they will feel great about their circumstances. He is saying that the poor in spirit will have a deep, enduring joy because "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." That joy is not dependent on their circumstances--in fact the circumstances may be quite troubling (John 16:33). That joy comes from understanding their place as it relates to God's Kingdom.
This meaning is very different from what we typically think of when we hear the word blessed (or blest) in our conversations. God doesn't promise any of us blessings beyond grace and the hope of heaven. What He does promise is that, if we tune our hearts to Him, we will have the kind of attitude that doesn't depend on our present circumstances. That sounds like a blessing that I want to have.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Radical Worldview
Matthew 5:3-12
Have you ever stopped to think about how radical the Beattitudes found in Matthew 5 really were as Jesus spoke them? Better yet, have you ever thought about your attitudes and actions would be completely counter cultural if you chose to enact them in your life, especially in a workplace?
We are taught from an early age to value achievement and accomplishment. Great people do great things. And they make sure people know that they do great things. We believe that, if we work hard and do our jobs well, then we deserve promotions and raises. And if we have to fight for our rights, then so be it. After all, it's a "dog eat dog" world, a "rat race." But Jesus says "blessed are the poor in spirit...blessed are the meek..." What? Meek? Poor in spirit? But if I'm meek or poor in spirit, how will I ever get ahead? How can I support my family? How will I get noticed?
Our culture uses metaphors of conflict and struggle to describe going to work--another day "in the trenches" or "it's a jungle out there." Jesus says "blessed are the peacemakers..." No, no, we've got to fight to get ahead. And if someone shows weakness, we can use that to our advantage. But Jesus says, "blessed are the merciful..."
It's a different way of living. This weekend, read the Beattitudes (or the whole Sermon on the Mount). What could you do differently to live out these ideas? How would that kind of living change your workplace?
Have you ever stopped to think about how radical the Beattitudes found in Matthew 5 really were as Jesus spoke them? Better yet, have you ever thought about your attitudes and actions would be completely counter cultural if you chose to enact them in your life, especially in a workplace?
We are taught from an early age to value achievement and accomplishment. Great people do great things. And they make sure people know that they do great things. We believe that, if we work hard and do our jobs well, then we deserve promotions and raises. And if we have to fight for our rights, then so be it. After all, it's a "dog eat dog" world, a "rat race." But Jesus says "blessed are the poor in spirit...blessed are the meek..." What? Meek? Poor in spirit? But if I'm meek or poor in spirit, how will I ever get ahead? How can I support my family? How will I get noticed?
Our culture uses metaphors of conflict and struggle to describe going to work--another day "in the trenches" or "it's a jungle out there." Jesus says "blessed are the peacemakers..." No, no, we've got to fight to get ahead. And if someone shows weakness, we can use that to our advantage. But Jesus says, "blessed are the merciful..."
It's a different way of living. This weekend, read the Beattitudes (or the whole Sermon on the Mount). What could you do differently to live out these ideas? How would that kind of living change your workplace?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Drudgery
Every job has those little things that aren’t any fun, don’t get you any recognition, but have to get done. They range from mildly annoying to something that you really hate to do. Those tasks are particularly burdensome when you can’t see why they need to be done or why they need to be done by you. Even when you like your job, there are days where you’re caught up in the drudgery of these tasks.
Oswald Chambers makes a great point in his book, My Utmost for His Highest, when he says that “drudgery is the touchstone of character” (p. 167). Chambers explains that we look for the big things, the grandiose ways to please God. We search for inspiration rather than being faithful with the day-to-day tasks that await us.
That’s true in life, but it’s also true in workplaces. Those day-to-day tasks that make a great job feel like drudgery are perfect opportunities to honor God. As others complain and gripe, maybe you complete those tasks with a smile. As others do the work barely good enough, you put your heart into it because you know you’re working for God.
Chambers explains that “if I do my duty, not for duty’s sake, but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience, the whole superb grace of God is mine.” Don’t wait for “big” moments to honor God at work. Look for the little things, the common tasks, and think about how you can be faithful to God in those.
Oswald Chambers makes a great point in his book, My Utmost for His Highest, when he says that “drudgery is the touchstone of character” (p. 167). Chambers explains that we look for the big things, the grandiose ways to please God. We search for inspiration rather than being faithful with the day-to-day tasks that await us.
That’s true in life, but it’s also true in workplaces. Those day-to-day tasks that make a great job feel like drudgery are perfect opportunities to honor God. As others complain and gripe, maybe you complete those tasks with a smile. As others do the work barely good enough, you put your heart into it because you know you’re working for God.
Chambers explains that “if I do my duty, not for duty’s sake, but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience, the whole superb grace of God is mine.” Don’t wait for “big” moments to honor God at work. Look for the little things, the common tasks, and think about how you can be faithful to God in those.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Art of Peace
Recently, I watched a History Channel documentary on Sun Tzu and the Art of War. If you aren't familiar with it, Sun Tzu was a general in a Chinese province more than 2500 years ago. According to the documentary, Sun Tzu's province, Wu, was under attack from a neighbor. Sun Tzu taught his emperor how to win in combat and later recorded the principles in written form. He emphasized deception, misdirection, and mistrust.
The Art of War has become quite popular, not just as military strategy (it is taught at every military academy), but also as a way of doing business. I searched for "art of war business" on Amazon and had over 500 hits. These are the first six:
• The Art of War for Executives: Ancient Knowledge for Today’s Business Professional
• Sun Tzu and the Art of Business: Six Strategic Principles for Managers
• Sun Tzu—the Art of War for Managers: 50 Strategic Rules Updated for Today’s Business
• Sun Tzu for Success: How to Use the Art of War to Master Challenges and Accomplish the
Important Goals in Your Life.
• Sun Tzu for Women: The Art of War for Winning in Business
Look at that list. I can guess how the strategies proposed by those books compare to the Bible. Jesus advocated turning the other cheek and loving your enemies. Those strategies wouldn't go far in war.
But that's just the point. According to Jesus, your workplace isn't a warzone. You might say, "well, He hasn't seen where I work," but He has. And it doesn't matter what the other people around you are doing. They may be well versed in the Art of War, but you are supposed to respond with the Art of Peace. Paul tells the Romans to be at peace with those around them. And the Church was about to face intense persecution in Rome, probably worse than what you or I experience at work.
The next time you're tempted to maneuver for political advantage at work at someone else's expense, remember the Art of Peace. You're unlikely to win any wars with it, but your General is already taking care of what matters.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Pride and "Empire-Building" at Work
I really appreciated a recent post by Hernando, talking about "empire-building" at work. He describes empire-building as being blessed with certain talents and then working to make sure that you are the only one who has those particular talents. If you're a great accountant, you might go around making sure that everyone where you work knows that you're the only accountant who can do the work that you do. If you're a computer programmer, you might position yourself so that no one else can do the things that you do. The problem is both pride and focus. Pride in your talents rather than the One who created those talents in you. And focus on yourself rather than on Jesus.
Hernando draws from Micah 6:8 as God instructs the Israelites to "walk humbly with your God." A concordance search reveals verse after verse where God's people are told to humble themselves before Him.
How are you at work? We are told to do quality work--it's not that you shouldn't do admireable work. But remember that you do that work because of the talents God gives you. Ultimately, your very life is from God.
I really like the way that God approaches Job, how God describes all of His accomplishments to Job (laying the earth's foundations, showing the dawn its place, etc.). Think about that in the context of your work. Sure, you landed a big client. But how are you at binding the stars (38:31-32)? What about leviathan wrestling (41:1-34)? It's an interesting perspective on accomplishments and pride. No matter how great we think we are, all that we accomplish is pretty insignificant when compared with what our Creator has done.
Hernando draws from Micah 6:8 as God instructs the Israelites to "walk humbly with your God." A concordance search reveals verse after verse where God's people are told to humble themselves before Him.
How are you at work? We are told to do quality work--it's not that you shouldn't do admireable work. But remember that you do that work because of the talents God gives you. Ultimately, your very life is from God.
I really like the way that God approaches Job, how God describes all of His accomplishments to Job (laying the earth's foundations, showing the dawn its place, etc.). Think about that in the context of your work. Sure, you landed a big client. But how are you at binding the stars (38:31-32)? What about leviathan wrestling (41:1-34)? It's an interesting perspective on accomplishments and pride. No matter how great we think we are, all that we accomplish is pretty insignificant when compared with what our Creator has done.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Set Your Hearts on Things Above
Colossians 3:1-17
I've blogged about the last verse in this passage as really central to what this blog is all about--everything that you do, including work, should be centered on Christ. And I've written about the middle verses in talking about honesty and anger. As I look at the larger passage, I see verse 17 ("whatever you do... do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus...") being the center of the entire chapter. Verse 17 is the climax of the first section on general, holy living and is the introduction to Paul's specific instructions to wives and husbands, to children and fathers, and to masters and slaves. Whatever you do in any role, honor Jesus.
But how do you do that? Paul gives us an answer at the beginning of the chapter. "Set your hearts on things above." He repeats, "set you minds on things above, not on earthly things." For many people, setting their hearts on "things above" may mean looking forward to a spacious office at the top. When you're working, what's your motivation? Are you working for prestige or respect from colleagues? Are you trying to win the boss's favor and that next promotion? Are you trying to build your resume? When you're pushing hard, trying to win more business for your company or trying to serve more clients, why are you doing that? Are you obsessing with the bottom line?
Or are you obsessing with how your work reflects on Jesus? Are you constantly thinking about how your job honors your Creator and Savior?
If I'm honest, I have to admit that I often focus much more on the day-to-day tasks that I need to complete and on the prestige and accomplishments that come from those tasks than I focus on Jesus.
How would work be different if we really set our hearts on things above? Maybe missed promotions wouldn't heart so bad. Maybe we could better deal with the every day things that cause others so much stress. Maybe we wouldn't try to play politics with those around us. One thing is for sure--we would be seeking to honor Jesus in everything that we do.
I've blogged about the last verse in this passage as really central to what this blog is all about--everything that you do, including work, should be centered on Christ. And I've written about the middle verses in talking about honesty and anger. As I look at the larger passage, I see verse 17 ("whatever you do... do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus...") being the center of the entire chapter. Verse 17 is the climax of the first section on general, holy living and is the introduction to Paul's specific instructions to wives and husbands, to children and fathers, and to masters and slaves. Whatever you do in any role, honor Jesus.
But how do you do that? Paul gives us an answer at the beginning of the chapter. "Set your hearts on things above." He repeats, "set you minds on things above, not on earthly things." For many people, setting their hearts on "things above" may mean looking forward to a spacious office at the top. When you're working, what's your motivation? Are you working for prestige or respect from colleagues? Are you trying to win the boss's favor and that next promotion? Are you trying to build your resume? When you're pushing hard, trying to win more business for your company or trying to serve more clients, why are you doing that? Are you obsessing with the bottom line?
Or are you obsessing with how your work reflects on Jesus? Are you constantly thinking about how your job honors your Creator and Savior?
If I'm honest, I have to admit that I often focus much more on the day-to-day tasks that I need to complete and on the prestige and accomplishments that come from those tasks than I focus on Jesus.
How would work be different if we really set our hearts on things above? Maybe missed promotions wouldn't heart so bad. Maybe we could better deal with the every day things that cause others so much stress. Maybe we wouldn't try to play politics with those around us. One thing is for sure--we would be seeking to honor Jesus in everything that we do.
Monday, June 20, 2011
What If I Hate My Job?
Acts 17:26-28
cf Philippians 4:10-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When my wife and I were in college, the preacher at the church we attended used to quote parts of Acts 17 in at least 50% of his sermons. He especially liked verse 27 because it lays out why God created humanity--so they would seek Him. The passage is part of Paul's speech to the Athenians from the Areopagus. I've been told a lot of tourists take this passage with them to Athens and imagine him speaking it as they are visiting.
As Paul is making his case for a God above the pantheon of Greek gods, he says something very interesting. Actually, he says a lot of interesting things, but at least one thing that is very pertinent for work. In verse 26, Paul says that God "made all the nations" and "marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands." I think that's interesting because it shows that where you are living and the fact that you are living in 2011 are accidental.
There's an interesting extension of that idea. What if God marked out the appointed times and boundaries of your professional life? What if God intentionally put you in the job you're in now?
It's a particularly interesting question if you don't like your job. In this economy, a lot of people are stuck in jobs they hate because there aren't other options. Perhaps you pray and pray for a new opportunity, but every interview leads to a dead end. And you feel a little guilty--after all, you have a job. Shouldn't you be thankful for that? You go back and forth between hopeful prayer, frustrations at that prayer seemingly going unanswered, and guilt over not being grateful for what you have. Sound familiar?
My wife and I have experienced something similar. After the recent birth of our first child, my wife wished she could stay home, but our financial obligations wouldn't allow it. Throughout her maternity leave, as the time came to return to work, we prayed fervently for flexible work alternatives. But none came, and the prayers seemed unanswered.
It's hard to offer her or anyone else advice in that situation. The risk is either being like Job's friends ("you're not praying with enough faith") or offering platitudes that sound empty ("maybe this is God's plan").
So how should one respond? I don't have a perfect answer for that, but I can put together pieces of an answer. First, keep praying. Jesus told parables that speak of persistent prayer (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8) Paul talked about praying constantly for churches. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says "pray continually." Second, remember that your attitude shouldn't depend on your circumstances. There's a difference between wishing things were different and letting those wishes consume you. No doubt that when Paul was hungry or in need (Philippians 4:10-12), he didn't stop wishing he had something to eat. But he had an attitude of contentment. Paul tells the Philippians and Thessalonians to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). How do you be content despite wanting different circumstances? You can't do it by yourself, and neither could Paul. He could "do all things through Christ." Remember that, at the end of the day, He is all that matters.
One final thought. Saying that you can do all things through Jesus doesn't make the frustration of your current job go away. Remembering God doesn't automatically make a bad job into a great one. Even though you shouldn't give up praying, God may not say "yes" to that prayer. And worst of all, it may never make sense to you. God never promises good jobs or that things will make sense (although sometimes He may give both). He promises His life and Himself and He comes through on both.
cf Philippians 4:10-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When my wife and I were in college, the preacher at the church we attended used to quote parts of Acts 17 in at least 50% of his sermons. He especially liked verse 27 because it lays out why God created humanity--so they would seek Him. The passage is part of Paul's speech to the Athenians from the Areopagus. I've been told a lot of tourists take this passage with them to Athens and imagine him speaking it as they are visiting.
As Paul is making his case for a God above the pantheon of Greek gods, he says something very interesting. Actually, he says a lot of interesting things, but at least one thing that is very pertinent for work. In verse 26, Paul says that God "made all the nations" and "marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands." I think that's interesting because it shows that where you are living and the fact that you are living in 2011 are accidental.
There's an interesting extension of that idea. What if God marked out the appointed times and boundaries of your professional life? What if God intentionally put you in the job you're in now?
It's a particularly interesting question if you don't like your job. In this economy, a lot of people are stuck in jobs they hate because there aren't other options. Perhaps you pray and pray for a new opportunity, but every interview leads to a dead end. And you feel a little guilty--after all, you have a job. Shouldn't you be thankful for that? You go back and forth between hopeful prayer, frustrations at that prayer seemingly going unanswered, and guilt over not being grateful for what you have. Sound familiar?
My wife and I have experienced something similar. After the recent birth of our first child, my wife wished she could stay home, but our financial obligations wouldn't allow it. Throughout her maternity leave, as the time came to return to work, we prayed fervently for flexible work alternatives. But none came, and the prayers seemed unanswered.
It's hard to offer her or anyone else advice in that situation. The risk is either being like Job's friends ("you're not praying with enough faith") or offering platitudes that sound empty ("maybe this is God's plan").
So how should one respond? I don't have a perfect answer for that, but I can put together pieces of an answer. First, keep praying. Jesus told parables that speak of persistent prayer (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8) Paul talked about praying constantly for churches. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says "pray continually." Second, remember that your attitude shouldn't depend on your circumstances. There's a difference between wishing things were different and letting those wishes consume you. No doubt that when Paul was hungry or in need (Philippians 4:10-12), he didn't stop wishing he had something to eat. But he had an attitude of contentment. Paul tells the Philippians and Thessalonians to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). How do you be content despite wanting different circumstances? You can't do it by yourself, and neither could Paul. He could "do all things through Christ." Remember that, at the end of the day, He is all that matters.
One final thought. Saying that you can do all things through Jesus doesn't make the frustration of your current job go away. Remembering God doesn't automatically make a bad job into a great one. Even though you shouldn't give up praying, God may not say "yes" to that prayer. And worst of all, it may never make sense to you. God never promises good jobs or that things will make sense (although sometimes He may give both). He promises His life and Himself and He comes through on both.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Selfishness
Selfishness really goes back to when we're babies and toddlers. When a baby is born, the baby thinks that he or she is the center of the universe. Toddlers begin to understand that there are others with needs, which is often a rude awakening (hence the "terrible twos"). As we grow through childhood, one of the important lessons that we learn is to share with others, to acknowledge that we aren't the only one who is important. Parents and teachers help with those lessons.
Unfortunately, lessons don't always stick. As we become adults, there often isn't someone to remind us to share (or to say "please" and "thank you"). We forget, particularly at work, and start to hoard information or resources. We don't give credit to others when it is due to them. Rhonda Owen-Smith says that "competitiveness and the desire for recognition create a selfish and insecure nature, especially in the work environment." Remember, no one can serve two masters, and that includes yourself. If you are only focused on what's best for you, you cannot be focused on God.
Unfortunately, lessons don't always stick. As we become adults, there often isn't someone to remind us to share (or to say "please" and "thank you"). We forget, particularly at work, and start to hoard information or resources. We don't give credit to others when it is due to them. Rhonda Owen-Smith says that "competitiveness and the desire for recognition create a selfish and insecure nature, especially in the work environment." Remember, no one can serve two masters, and that includes yourself. If you are only focused on what's best for you, you cannot be focused on God.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Honoring God Through Work
The smallest, most mundane moments at work are opportunities to honor God. Another blogger tells the story of her experience at Big Lots!, where she was amazed at the courtesy and service of an employee there. Here is an employee that might be the manager or might be a minimum wage worker. Yet he had a great attitude about work and fully devoted himself to his responsibility to help a customer. And regardless of his faith, this woman saw his service as a glory to God.
In almost every job, there are mundane or even boring tasks, those things that we just have to do. I love what I do, but as a professor, there are always little things that seem to get in the way of the really important parts of my job. But with everything, whether big or small, enjoyable or annoying, with each thing that I do in my work, I have the opportunity to honor God. So do you. Today and the rest of this week, try to see each task that you complete as your chance to honor your Savior. You don't have to be carrying a Bible to testify about Jesus--sometimes, all you have to do is be polite and helpful!
In almost every job, there are mundane or even boring tasks, those things that we just have to do. I love what I do, but as a professor, there are always little things that seem to get in the way of the really important parts of my job. But with everything, whether big or small, enjoyable or annoying, with each thing that I do in my work, I have the opportunity to honor God. So do you. Today and the rest of this week, try to see each task that you complete as your chance to honor your Savior. You don't have to be carrying a Bible to testify about Jesus--sometimes, all you have to do is be polite and helpful!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Be Good at What You Do
Matthew 25:14-30
Although a talent in Jesus’ time was also a unit of money, it’s easy to look at the parable of the talents and see parallels between the master who trusted his servants with money and our Master who entrusts us with unique gifts and abilities. So one lesson from this parable is to use your abilities for God’s glory, and I think that’s a great applications.
But there’s another way of thinking about it. Consider the servants who were given five and two talents. The Bible doesn’t tell us for certain, but I would guess that each was a very hard worker. For the master to be as pleased as he was, they had to have done something worthy of high praise. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I can’t see the master being that pleased with mediocre performance. Consider what was said to the worker who just sat on his hands and did little more than dig a hole in the ground: “you wicked and lazy servant.”
God cares how well you do your job. That doesn’t mean you have to be the top performer—the man who was given fewer talents was rewarded for performance based on what he had, not based on what the five-talent servant had. But God wants you to do well with what you have. I’ve mentioned this before, but a teacher of mine once said that “to be a good, Christian artist, you first have to be a good artist.” The same thing can be said of any vocation. For me to be a good, Christian teacher, I first have to be a good teacher.
What can you do to sharpen your skills in your job? It doesn’t mean that you have to be the world’s best at whatever you do, but you do need to use the abilities you have. Think about your job performance over the last week. Where did you waste time? Where could you have put in just a little more time and effort to make something better? God wants your very best, and that doesn’t just apply to Sundays.
Although a talent in Jesus’ time was also a unit of money, it’s easy to look at the parable of the talents and see parallels between the master who trusted his servants with money and our Master who entrusts us with unique gifts and abilities. So one lesson from this parable is to use your abilities for God’s glory, and I think that’s a great applications.
But there’s another way of thinking about it. Consider the servants who were given five and two talents. The Bible doesn’t tell us for certain, but I would guess that each was a very hard worker. For the master to be as pleased as he was, they had to have done something worthy of high praise. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I can’t see the master being that pleased with mediocre performance. Consider what was said to the worker who just sat on his hands and did little more than dig a hole in the ground: “you wicked and lazy servant.”
God cares how well you do your job. That doesn’t mean you have to be the top performer—the man who was given fewer talents was rewarded for performance based on what he had, not based on what the five-talent servant had. But God wants you to do well with what you have. I’ve mentioned this before, but a teacher of mine once said that “to be a good, Christian artist, you first have to be a good artist.” The same thing can be said of any vocation. For me to be a good, Christian teacher, I first have to be a good teacher.
What can you do to sharpen your skills in your job? It doesn’t mean that you have to be the world’s best at whatever you do, but you do need to use the abilities you have. Think about your job performance over the last week. Where did you waste time? Where could you have put in just a little more time and effort to make something better? God wants your very best, and that doesn’t just apply to Sundays.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Real Power of Positive Thinking
Phillipians 4:8
Have you ever been around someone who is a negative person? Growing up, I heard such people referred to as "gripey guts," although I'm not sure labeling a person that way is exactly the best cure. Some people always see the glass as half empty, always see the problems before the solutions.
A number of years ago, there was a series of programs entitled "The Power of Positive Thinking." The idea was, if you think about something positively, you can make it happen. The reality is that we live in a fallen world, and sometimes, bad things happen. Work is no different. There are challenges and hardships that we can't overcome, no matter how positively we think about them.
But Paul tells us that attitude still matters. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble...right...lovely...admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Our minds are to be filled with positive thinking, not because of some mystical, self-help power, but because our hearts are set on Christ. Look just before verse 8--Rejoice in the Lord. Don't think that your attitude will necessarily change your circumstances; your attitude should be based on God, not on anything around you. Look just after verse 8--Paul knew what it was like to be content, regardless of his situation. He could hold that positive attitude because of Christ (verse 13). Maybe that's a good verse for you to keep at your desk today.
Today, focus on Phillipians 4:8 and how many things around you are excellent or praiseworthy. I know it's cheesy, but don't think about the glass as half full or half empty--think about your Savior who gives you Living Water, more than you can ever drink. He is the one who lets you see the world through eyes of joy.
Have you ever been around someone who is a negative person? Growing up, I heard such people referred to as "gripey guts," although I'm not sure labeling a person that way is exactly the best cure. Some people always see the glass as half empty, always see the problems before the solutions.
A number of years ago, there was a series of programs entitled "The Power of Positive Thinking." The idea was, if you think about something positively, you can make it happen. The reality is that we live in a fallen world, and sometimes, bad things happen. Work is no different. There are challenges and hardships that we can't overcome, no matter how positively we think about them.
But Paul tells us that attitude still matters. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble...right...lovely...admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Our minds are to be filled with positive thinking, not because of some mystical, self-help power, but because our hearts are set on Christ. Look just before verse 8--Rejoice in the Lord. Don't think that your attitude will necessarily change your circumstances; your attitude should be based on God, not on anything around you. Look just after verse 8--Paul knew what it was like to be content, regardless of his situation. He could hold that positive attitude because of Christ (verse 13). Maybe that's a good verse for you to keep at your desk today.
Today, focus on Phillipians 4:8 and how many things around you are excellent or praiseworthy. I know it's cheesy, but don't think about the glass as half full or half empty--think about your Savior who gives you Living Water, more than you can ever drink. He is the one who lets you see the world through eyes of joy.
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