iWork4Him PowerThought

If you're someone who watches or reads the news, then you know that there are a lot of bad things going on in the world today. From pandemics and civil wars to inflation and genocides, there is no shortage of darkness in the twenty-first century. How does all this sorrow and hardship affect your life? How about your work? Do you take it with you to the office? Do you chat with your co-workers about it? Do you live in fear or frustration? Bad news was going on during Jesus's day as well, but the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:8, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Today, I invite you to fix your mind on what is GOOD and then speak about it to your co-workers, who desperately need the hope of Christ.

Do you find ever yourself scrolling through social media and feeling bad about yourself or your life? Or how about, looking over at your coworker and wondering why they got the promotion you feel you should have had? Sound familiar? Comparison is an ugly emotion… one that Mark Twain calls "the death of joy." When Simon Peter, one of Jesus's closest disciples, was told that he would be martyred for his faith, he looked over at his friend John and asked how he would die. Jesus responded, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me." Jesus's answer to Peter holds true for us as well! Next time you find yourself comparing your life, achievements, or appearance to that of a coworker or friend - stop looking at them, and instead, follow Jesus.

Wisdom. It's defined as knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action. Wisdom goes beyond KNOWING what is right and into DOING what is right. God calls us to be wise in everything that we do – constantly seeking out what is true and right in his eyes and then acting on it. James 3:17 says, "The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." Are you living out the wisdom from above in your workplace? Before you speak or act this week, consider if what you are about to do is carrying forward peace, mercy, fairness, and sincerity. If it isn't, pause and ask the Holy Spirit to give you His wisdom before you move forward!

Our country is more divided today than in almost any other time in history. All you have to do is turn on the television or log in to social media, to be bombarded by anger, hatred, accusations, and arguments. Everyone has an opinion and they are all shouting to be heard! But as Followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. We are called to be counter-cultural. In Ephesians 4:1-3 the Apostle Paul says, "I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." What is your attitude towards others? Are you patient and gentle or are you rude, harsh, and condescending? We challenge you to bear with one another in love this week. Be kind to those you find difficult at work. Act in a manner worthy of your calling in Christ.

Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb crying. She thought that someone had stolen the body of Jesus, the only thing she had left of him. But Jesus himself – very much alive – said from behind her, "Woman, why are you weeping? … I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Have you ever been in a position like Mary's - mourning the loss of a friend, family member, job, relationship, or dream? Maybe you are in that position today. In these desolate moments beside the tomb of something lost, Jesus wants to meet you. And in your grief, he reassures you that you are a child of God, seen and loved and heard. No matter what you are facing this week, remember that Jesus is alive and because of that, you are a child of the Most High!

Do you ever feel like a hamster on a wheel - stuck in a monotonous, repetitive, and unfulfilling pattern of going to work, eating, sleeping, and paying bills? When every day feels the same it can be difficult to live with a sense of significance… but here's some good news: our significance is not determined by our position or plans but by God working out His plans through our current position. Psalm 57:2 says, "I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me." God has a purpose for you, RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE. The job that you hold, the people that you work with, none of that is an accident. Jesus wants to use you to bring His light to everyone that you encounter. Next time you feel stuck on the hamster wheel, pray that God would open your eyes to His eternal purposes for you today at work.

Have you ever felt like your life is an endless cycle of waking up, going to work, making dinner, paying bills, and then going back to work again? King Solomon could relate. Even though he was an extremely wealthy and successful ruler, he still struggled with feeling like everything in life was meaningless, a striving after the wind. But God gave Solomon supernatural wisdom, and after some consideration, Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:24, "So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?" You see, Solomon knew that the only true source of joy is God – and with God, even our work can be filled with satisfaction. Next time you feel exhausted by the cycle of work and life, ask God to give you joy in your work.

When unexpected things happen, when crises come, when you are let go, or passed over, or disappointed, or get a bad diagnosis… where do you put your faith? The phrase "do not be afraid" can be found in the Bible 365 times; one time for each day of the year! It is the most repeated command in Scripture, and for good reason: life can be difficult. In fact, before his ascension to heaven in John 16, Jesus says "In this world you WILL have trouble" as in… it's a certainty. BUT, he says, "take heart! I have overcome the world." Jesus is bigger than our troubles and he knows in advance everything that will happen to us. If you find yourself in an anxiety producing situation today, remember that God goes before you. His promises are new every morning, so do not be afraid.

In John 17:17, Jesus prays for his followers saying, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." But what does Jesus mean by sanctify? The Greek word used for sanctify in this verse is hagiazo and it means to separate something – to set it apart – for an intended purpose or mission. In other words, Jesus intended that all those who follow after him would be set apart for a unique purpose and mission: to spread the good news of the gospel to the world. And guess, what? This same mission extends to you today! You have been strategically placed in your workplace for a reason. There are people there who need to hear about the truth of who Jesus is, and you may be their only chance! So, how can you carry out the mission of Christ at work today?

If you have a job, chances are you have a job description - you know, that piece of paper that lists out what duties you are responsible for performing at work. Take a moment to consider your performance at work over the last 6 months. Are you meeting the requirements of your job description or are you exceeding them? Do you do the bare minimum or do you look for ways to improve your workplace? Are you someone who helps your coworkers or who shirks your duties? Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human men." Here's the thing: your job performance matters to God! And when you work with excellence, going above and beyond the expectations of your employer, you honor Him! Put in a little extra effort this week, and see what God does!