The “One-A-Week Challenge” Week 6
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“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Warren Wiersbe wrote, “In our society we do not have slaves. But these principles apply to any kind of honest employment. A Christian worker ought to be the best worker on the job. He ought to obey orders and not argue. He ought to serve Christ and not the boss only, and he ought to work whether anybody is watching or not. If he follows these principles, he will receive his reward from Christ even if his earthly master (his boss) does not recognize him or reward him.”
Not everyone loves their job. Too many people see their employment as an obligation and a burden rather than an opportunity and a blessing. I am trying desperately to be a better listener so that I might be a better leader. What I hear most is complaining, much of which is centered around people and their jobs. Is there a way to move people from complaining to celebrating? Is it possible? Think about these three words:
Perspective changes everything. When we submit to the Lord with our heart we understand that He is Lord of EVERYTHING. Most of our complaining about our circumstances is the result our own personal demands. When we realize that God is the boss of us and that everything we do is in His presence we will certainly have a different perspective. Think about it this way. Every meeting you attend, every face-to-face conversation you have, every phone call you make, every customer or client with whom you engage is God’s assignment for you at that moment. Ask yourself the questions, “Did my conversation honor God?” and “Did that person see the love of Jesus in me?”. That’s a new perspective!
Persistence is always necessary. Not everything goes the way you have planned. Life is simple, but not easy. We are often distracted and driven by every wind that blows. When we realize that we work for an “audience of One” we will have the power to persist amidst the trials. Jesus told his disciples “Whoever the Father gives to me I will certainly never cast them out” John 6:37 (paraphrased). Even in the middle of the storms, be persistent knowing that we are never alone.
Passion will cause others to be impacted and influenced. When we perform our responsibilities with passion others will notice. Be passionate about your work. Put your absolute best into every aspect of your work life and your entire association will be impacted. Martin Luther King, Jr. said,
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”
Remember to do all that you do as unto the Lord!
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