How to Be Distinctive

The sermon at our church last Sunday touched upon Philippians 2:12-16. Lots of good points were made but the one that got my attention focused on verses 14-15:

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe "

Do you want to be distinctive as a Christian in the workplace? Would you like to shine in a dark and confused world? Simple - don't grumble or complain or be argumentative.

This verse is striking because of what it doesn't prescribe as a path to being distinctive. For instance, it doesn't cover the really "serious" sins -"don't commit adultery" or "don't murder". It doesn't suggest that the path to shining in a dark world is to " end world hunger" or "fight poverty" or even "reshape your culture" - all worthwhile pursuits.

Instead, here's what we get from the apostle Paul - "do everything without complaining or arguing". It's simple, mundane but it's right where we live everyday. If you believe this verse, just doing our daily work without complaining is precisely what can make us stand out as a people called by God.

That's because "not complaining" takes a trust in God. Consider this - how can we preserve peace in our hearts when things don't go our way or when we don't get what we want? We live in peace and maintain hearts of joy by trusting God. We remind ourselves that He is supremely in control of the situation, yet in accordance with Rom 8:28, He has our best interests at heart.

Just doing whatever we're called to do without complaining or being argumentative - that's how we shine.

Quote of the Week

God gives human beings authority in the created world, what we might call "responsible dominion". Here is the first big work project. God, the king assigns sub-kingdoms, in which, under God, we human beings have our say. "Let them have dominion", says God....

The Bible speaks of dominion, not in the sense of conquest but in the sense of stewardship. After all, how does God exercise dominion? How does God demonstrate hospitality in creation and providence?... In the kingdom of God, to have dominion is to care for the well being of others

Cornelius Plantinga, Engaging God's World p.31

Leadership Tip - Just Say Thank You

I was listening to an interview on radio with the legendary but controversial coach, Bobby Knight.  During the interview, he made a very simple point on leadership - the importance of thanking people who help us along the way, every day.   I'm no fan of Bobby Knight but I do think he makes an excellent point.

In our hurried, "what have you done for me lately" lives, saying "thank you", just isn't common practice anymore.  Yet, it's absolutely foundational for leadership.   Obviously, it's not simply the words but the expression of gratitude that makes a difference.   To grasp this leadership tip, it's important to view this not simply as a technique for manipulating others but rather to consider how this is essentially biblical in spirit -

1. Saying "thank you" is a recognition that those who help us or work with us are "eikons" - bearers of the image of God, not simply "resources" to get the job done.   

2. Saying "thank you" is one way we show honor and express care to others.  "Outdo one another in showing honor" Romans 12: 10

3. Saying "thank you" to others just overflows from a grateful heart to God.   If you're grateful for God's help through the common means of your colleagues and co-workers,  saying "thank you" will come naturally

When I've done this consistently, I find some curious responses besides the typical "you're welcome".   Some will say "I was just doing my job".  Others go to great lengths to explain how what they did was "no big deal" .  Regardless of their response, most are just wonderfully encouraged and strengthened to take on their next challenge.   

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What do you think?    How does it make you feel when someone appreciates what you do?  Why wouldn't we make it a regular practice in our lives?

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Quote of the Week

"For Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee."

Augustine,  Confessions, Book I, Chapter 1

 

Working with Imago Dei

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness....."

So God created man in his own image, 

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them

Genesis 1:26-27

Have you ever considered that we work with more than mere mortals?   CS Lewis put it this way:  "There are no ordinary people.  You have never talked with a mere mortal.... it is immortals whom we joke with, work with marry, snub, exploit..."    In fact, we work and interact daily with those who bear the image of God, even if they don't believe in Him.

How does this fact bear upon the way you conduct yourself with your friends, neighbors and co-workers?    You might want to think about it.    The quiet new employee who sits in the cubicle across from you is created in the image of God.   The unpopular project manager who has a reputation for being hard to work with,  is made in the image of God.   

This truth means that each persons life is sacred in some way.  The idea of "the sanctity of human life" isn't just a slogan for the cultural and political battle against abortion.   It's actually biblical truth that resonates in other areas of our lives, including our work life.   

More from CS Lewis on this - "Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses"

If you're a manager, does this fact make a difference in how you manage the employees under your charge?   Do you see them merely as "resources" or do you interact with them as "eikons", valuing not only their productivity but also their personhood?     

Do we interact with difficult co-workers aware of the fact that they bear the image of God and inherently worth of being treated with dignity?   Do we remember this truth when we may be in heated disagreement with them?

   

Do we recognize that those who are weaker in their performance at work are still deserving of our respect and forbearance because they are made in the image of God?  

What do you think?   More importantly, how do you work with Imago Dei?

Quote of the Week

"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die"

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Cost of Discipleship