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His Name Is
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Grace Church
257 Kendall Street
Burlington, WI 53105

(262) 763-3021

Email:
Pastor Scott Carson

Secretary Patti Hall

PASTOR'S PENS 2003

Grace Church of Burlington September 24, 2003 Monday Morning Pulpits Next Monday is Labor Day. Many are already looking forward to a three-day weekend and the last reprieve of the summer from the workweek routine.             Two things really bother me, though, when the subject of Christians and their work is mentioned. First, how few are genuinely happy in their jobs (we’ll address that next Sunday in this column). Second, how frequently I hear about Christians who are just poor workers on their jobs. Some employers have even told me that they prefer to not hire Christians. Wow! That’s quite an indictment! As I probe for reasons, here’s what is often said. These are actual statements from employers: "They tend to be presumptuous–they take advantage of a Christian boss...." "It’s the old problem of attitude. I find them negative, critical, and resistant to change...." "Incompetence. It seems to me that the last several I’ve hired simply could not (or would not) do the job...." "They are often preoccupied with other things–witnessing, church, whatever." "Frankly, I can’t trust them when I’m not around. The last one I hired was just plain dishonest...." Okay, so these may be the exceptions, so this represents a very small minority, and to be sure there are also quite a few loser bosses. But I’m still bothered. For every exception there’s a host of offenses and a lot of hard feelings created. A minority apple can still spoil a majority barrel...if it’s rotten. Show me a lazy or sour or irritating Christian on the job and I’ll show you an office or store or customer or shop that isn’t interested in his/her message. Like it or not, the world watches us with the scrutiny of a sea gull peering at a shrimp in shallow water. The believer at work is under constant surveillance. That’s our number one occupational hazard. And when we speak of our Savior and the life He offers, everything we say is filtered through that which has been observed by others.             The very best platform upon which we build a case for Christianity at work rests on six massive pillars: integrity, faithfulness, punctuality, quality workmanship, a pleasant attitude, and enthusiasm. Hire such a person and it will only be a matter of time before business will improve...people will be impressed...and Christianity will begin to seem important. Both Joseph and Daniel were wonderful examples of modeling godliness and bringing His blessing on their organizations.             Scripture also commands us as workers and employees to do this: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17). "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16) Add to that there is a ton of material in James’ letter that says, in effect, genuine faith is validated by solid works. Right belief and right behavior go hand in hand. A Christian should be the employee of the year every single day.             It will help you do a super job and please the Lord where you work if you will simply remember that the Bible never teaches a sacred-secular distinction. What you do Monday-Friday is as much an act of worship and service to God as what you do on Sunday. Your place of employment is also your ministry and as much a place to serve God and glorify Him, and just as sacred as your Sunday activities. To the Christian all of life is sacred! Paul wasn’t writing only to preachers when he expressed these immortal words, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1).             As you head to work tomorrow morning, remember that you were called by God into your profession or place of work. Regardless of the employment it is "sacred," it is God’s calling. The next time someone asks you what you do, you would be Biblically accurate to say, "I’m an ordained plumber...I’m an ordained nurse...I’m an ordained factory worker...I’m an ordained secretary..." Christian brothers and sisters, our work is our calling. It’s our ordained responsibility...it’s our pulpit. Say, how’s your ministry coming along?