Peace at the 8-5

For those of us who are fortunate enough to be gainfully employed in times like these, we truly have a lot to be thankful for.  I have friends who have been unemployed for 18 months or more, but are still perservering in their quest to find employment.  However, sometimes at work, our thankfulness may become jaded with underappretiation, increased work, office drama and politics and relationships with our colleagues, managers and other constituents that are related to our work.

Whether you have an 8-5, 7-3 or an 11-7; In the midst of the adversity that you face at work, remember that you have been called there to work for such a time as this.  God will give you the grace to perform your job dutifully and diligently to his glory and honor.  Remember, no one else can do your job like you.  Sure, there are people who are certainly better or worse than you are at your profession.  But you are the chosen vessel to carry out the work for this season.  Above all else, think about the people at your job that you minister to, be it through a smile, a kind word or an exhortation.  That alone should change how we approach our job.

Jobs can be heavy testing grounds of our patience, joy and faith.  In the words of Tony Danza from the 80's sitcom "Who's the Boss?,"  in a conversation with his daughter Samantha, "Before you take a test take a deep breath count to ten, and jump in. " One of my favorite scriptures from the New Testament is John 14.  Jesus begins speaking by saying "Let not your hearts be troubled."    Later on in that same chapter, Jesus issues his bequest of peace to us.  In verse 27 he says "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  At the conclusion of the chapter Jesus simply says, "Arise, let us go hence."  Simply put, Get up -- Go to work with the peace of God in your hearts, knowing that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.

Arise, let us go hence.
Karsten