Labor Day weekend is upon us. Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday September 5th, 1882, in New York City. It became a national holiday in 1894.
What is your opinion of work? Something you tolerate or wish you could avoid? Something to embrace and enjoy?
We know work has been around from the beginning of creation. God worked for six days to create and fine tune the universe.
At the end of His work and creation, God said, “It is good.” Genesis 1: 31 “Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good.” “On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation.” Genesis 2:2
It only stands to reason since we are made in the image of God that He also intends for us to work and that our work to be good also.
Are you fortunate to have a job where your “person - job fit” is excellent? This means the gifts and talents God gave you are well suited for your job assignments. When this is the case, an employee finds the work interesting, and they are good at it because it suits their skill sets.
Regardless of whether this is the case or not, the Bible is clear. As Christians, we work for God.
There is an oft stated phrase that “culture eats strategy for breakfast every day.” This means the work environment - the behaviors, interactions, and values of leadership and staff - have a huge impact upon the success of the business and the fulfillment of people.
As Christians, we can - and should - have a big impact upon the character, or culture, of our work environment.
We do not have to partake in the office gossip or bad mouthing
Our work ethic can demonstrate the honesty of a Christian
We can greet and make all new employees feel welcome
We can nod and say “Hi” to everyone we walk by
We can offer to mentor another employee
We can treat customers in a respectful, courteous, and honest fashion
Have our antennae up for how we can benefit others
Is it possible to start a Bible study?
If appropriate, ask someone if you can pray for them
Our behavior can reflect the joy of Christ
Knowing we are serving God gives a sense of purpose to our efforts which makes all work meaningful. What a mind boggling idea to think God needs our work. We can make the world a Godlier place. This is a mission field.
This includes work as a volunteer at Westbrook. Hopefully, you have found a spot where the gifts God gave you can be used to His glory. Consider enrolling in the gifts identification class if you are not sure of the gifts you possess.
Let’s be able to repeat “It is good” as God did in Genesis and also as Paul did in 1 Corinthians 3:5 stating, “Each of us did the work God gave us.”
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