Getting the Most Out of Our Work
Workplace conversations often revolve around achievements, rights, and rewards. Am I being treated fairly? Am I receiving enough recognition? Are others being given the raises or promotions I deserve?
God calls His children to a different way of thinking and working, one that marks us as belonging to Him. It is called servanthood. Jesus left heaven in order to be a servant (Philippians 2:6-7), and we who belong to Him are to imitate His humble ways. Whether we are in ministry or paid employment, working for another's benefit is to be our focus. We are to fulfill our responsibilities in ways that help others in the organization to be successful and achieve the stated goals. Through a servantlike approach to assignments, we will place less importance on ourselves and more on the people around us. The quality of our work will improve too. While our culture values independence and self-promotion, these qualities are not important in the Lord's eyes. Building His kingdom through helping others is.
Fear of being manipulated or mistreated can tempt us to stop assisting people. Such situations can happen to believers, but Jesus said that we will be more than compensated for whatever we give up in this life for His sake. (Matthew 5:5; 19:29) Through the promises of God, we know He values and exalts those who choose to live and work His way. (1 Peter 5:6)
Is your work characterized by a giving, "others-centered" attitude? Remember, in God's kingdom, it is those who serve who receive first place. (Mark 9:35 NIV)
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