Work
How should we as Christians approach the workplace? I’d love to divide my time between volunteering and writing, but I also have to eat. Neither of those pay my bills. Should that affect my attitude in going to work?
Attitude Check
Paul said no when he wrote the letter to the Colossians. So what should our attitude be?
Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Servants, in everything obey those who are your masters on earth, not only with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart because of your fear of the Lord. Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve. For he who does wrong will be punished for his wrongdoing, and [with God] there is no partiality [no special treatment based on a person’s position in life].
Colossians 3:17, 22-25 AMP
I have to admit, verse 17 trips me up. It’s hard for me to give praise when I have to work on a weekend. It’s a battle with my preferences and emotions because I didn’t get my way. When we don’t get our way, we tend to get whiny.
Not that great of an example.
We don’t work for businesses, we work for God. Everywhere, all the time. We are called to be salt and light in the world and possibly the only Bible someone will read. If you profess to be a Christian, people will be watching you.
What’s It Look Like?
I’ve been redoubling my efforts to foster teamwork and growth on my shift by promoting biblical principles. The Golden Rule in particular, doing for others as I would want them to do for me. At work, that means everyone trying to make each other’s jobs easier.
For example, go help someone in another department. It can also be as simple as doing something to help the person in the next step of the process. I have five guys that are good at helping others. Two are exceptional. Every week they do it without even being asked.
One is a Christian, the other I’m not sure. It shows the universality of the principle.
As a supervisor, I spend a majority of my time in the office. In that capacity, it means making it as easy for the next shift’s supervisors as I can. It also means getting my hands dirty on the floor. When someone in management does that, it gets people’s attention.
Why Don’t They Make My Job Easier?
I’ve gotten this response. The Golden Rule isn’t do for others what they do for me. It’s not reciprocity, it’s agape love.
It’s an action purely for the well-being of others. C.S Lewis called it a gift-love, given without merit. The same love that Christ gives us.
How Do We Shine?
Do everything for God’s attention, not your bosses. Help make other’s jobs easier. Work with honesty and integrity. Have a forgiving spirit, because someone is inevitably going to rub you the wrong way.
Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
How can you apply the Golden Rule to your job?
A Ronin's Journey 