In the New Collegiate Dictionary, one of the definitions of the word “crucible” is “a harsh, searching test.” It is my sincere conviction that one of the places where a believer’s faith is consistently exposed to a “harsh, searching test” is in the workplace.  Why? Because it is where two kingdoms collide.

One is the kingdom of the world with its philosophy of serving yourself, getting ahead at any cost and its definition of success as measured by the material.  The other is the Kingdom of God and its thrust of serving others, considering others as more important than yourself and living by faith, not by sight.  This collision causes believers to make choices every day of which kingdom values they will pursue.  It would be easier if the believer was isolated and able to think clearly and pray about each decision and its implications, but in the fast-paced world of work, there are many other factors that influence decisions.  The company culture, the beliefs of management and the goals of the organization, which often conflict with Kingdom principles, cause the believer to walk a tightrope of being a good employee and being an obedient servant of the living God.

But is it really a tightrope?  The Bible is clear that no one can serve two masters yet every day many believers attempt to do just that.  On the one hand they seek to honor God and on the other they seek to satisfy the company’s interests.  Many find it easier to simply put their faith on hold while at work, reasoning that the job is important for the welfare of their family and, after all, God commands us to care for our family’s needs so it is important to keep the boss happy and work within the confines of the organizational culture.  God will understand.  So, for 8-12 hours each day, the believer, the child of God, the declared Ambassador of Christ, lives under the authority of the kingdom of the world and then wonders why they are experiencing so much stress, lack of joy, lack of peace and fruitlessness.  Is it any wonder?

Paul says in his second letter to Timothy that in the last days, people will maintain an outward appearance of religion but deny its power.  Does that describe our current reality?  Practicing religion but not living in constant relationship with the One who gives us His life?

What is the believer to do?  First, remember who you work for.  Colossians 3:23-24 (Lesson 6 of BLE Book 1 “Investing My Life”) says: “Whatever you do work at it with all you heart as working for the Lord not for men since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Secondly, live by faith.  Proverbs 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 direct your paths.”  Third, remember that you are an ambassador, God’s representative in your workplace.  2 Corinthians 5:20 (Lesson 2 of BLE Book 1 “Investing My Life”) says: “We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors as though God were making His appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

The greatest ability that God looks for in His children is availability.  Are you available no matter what the assignment?

This entry was posted on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 3:53 am and is filed under Here's a Thought. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.