iWork4Him PowerThought

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients? On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." And incredible culture is fostered by a sense of purpose. In other words, a healthy workplace culture requires a "why." Why do we go to work? Why do we do what we do? And what value is it to the people we are doing it for? As Christ-followers we already have a purpose, no matter what job or position we hold! Our purpose is to share Jesus with the world – including the people we work with!

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients? On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." And incredible culture is built through a challenging mission. This is the "what." What are we trying to achieve? What is the end goal? Whatever the mission of our current team or department, we also have an ultimate mission as Christ-followers! God has commissioned us to bring the lost and hurting to Him – including your bosses, coworkers, and employees. How are you living out your God-given mission at work?

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients? On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." And incredible culture begins with individual care of those within the organization. One way to begin caring for the people you work with is to start simply praying for them by name. When you pray for someone, God changes your heart TOWARDS them and opens the door for you to show His love TO them. I challenge you to pray for your coworkers, employees, and bosses by name this week – it'll change everything.

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients? On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." What does the soul of your current workplace look like and how can you become a force for positive change within it? If you're a manager, CEO, or leader – think of ways to foster a Christ-like culture in your area of impact. If you're an employee – think of one way to be a positive light to your coworkers and clients today.

Do you want God to unlock His purpose for you in your work? As you execute the first 4 steps of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant: Praying for, serving, befriending, and praying with others, remember your work behavior is important. The final step of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is to be someone of excellence in your work. Be the best and brightest example of a worker in your workplace position. Excellence makes your behavior believable and your faith real. Excellence gives you a platform for sharing your faith. As a Jesus Follower, everything about us should be changing, and everyone around you should be benefiting from your faith, whether they believe in Jesus yet, or not. Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Does God care for the people you work with? Of course, He does. In step 4 of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, look for opportunities to pray with others. When you continually work alongside the same people, you know their typical manners and facial expressions. When you notice someone having an off day, ask them, "How are you doing?" when they say "I'm Fine," keep asking, " No really, how are you doing? I noticed you looked a little down today" then wait and be QUIET. When they have shared what is on their heart, ask, "Can I pray with you about that, right now?" I have never had someone say "No" when I followed these steps. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." When you pray, you are opening the door for them to meet your savior.

Do you want to see your workplace as a mission field? In step 3 of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, we encourage you to befriend your co-workers or employees outside of the office. Why? Our work relationships are work focused and can be shallow. When you build friendships on your own turf, outside of work, real relationships develop. When you let someone into your world, it breaks down walls. Breaking down walls builds trust. Eventually, they will trust you when you share your Jesus story, the work He has done in your life. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble"….Be a real friend to someone today.

Do you want to see your workplace transformed and have God unlock His purpose for you in your work? Step two of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant helps transform your workplace mindset into a mission-focused workplace ministry mindset. Start looking for ways to serve your co-workers, bosses, and/or employees outside your job requirements. Why? Anyone can do a job that meets expectations, but how many people help others meet or exceed expectations? When you go out of the way to help others at work with a stressful project or a mundane responsibility, you open up a door of ministry opportunity. Galatians 5:13-14 says For you have been called to live in freedom… use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Do you want to see your workplace transformed and have God unlock His purpose for you in your work? I thought so. Step one of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is the most powerful step you can take at work to transform your workplace and your heart. Prayer - Start praying for those you work alongside every day. Pray for your co-workers, bosses, and employees by name. You can even pray for their spouses and kids. After you have done this for a few months, have a conversation like this "Hey, I have been praying for you, is there anything I can pray about specifically?" 1 Timothy 2:1 says, "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. " Start Praying today and watch the transformation begin.

Can ANY type of business impact the lives of the customers they serve? Even, let's say, an office cleaning company? They sure can…. How does it happen? Is it by being a Christian that leads a company with good morals, values and ethics? Or, is there a level above and beyond that? There IS a level above and beyond and it's called being a kingdom company. So how do you become a "kingdom company"? A great place to start is to have a trusted Christian board of advisors, where you learn and grow in business acumen and actively apply your faith at work. Proverbs 11:14 says Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers. Do YOU have advisers speaking truth into you and YOUR business? If not, WHY NOT?