HOW TO UPHOLD GOD’S STANDARDS IN OUR WORKPLACES #2 by ROBIN COLEMAN
Intro:
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In the first segment of this article, we identified various misconducts that believers are often guilty of at work and debunked the notion that they are the gateway to wealth and success. You can click on the title below to read that post.
HOW TO UPHOLD GOD’S STANDARDS IN OUR WORKPLACES #1 by ROBIN COLEMAN
In this segment, we tackle the fact that others are doing the same. This is no excuse as a close look at God’s word will show us. We also examine how we can guard against misconduct at our workplaces.
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Here’s what God word says about Christian conduct (in the workplace and elsewhere):
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We should remember that the time of reckoning is coming and God shall judge us by His word, not by the standards of the world.
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“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.” – Rev. 20:12
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“Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.” -1 Cor. 3:13
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As Christians we represent Christ, so as Col. 3:17 states,
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“… whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
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If we cannot perform these actions in the name of Jesus, if we cannot with all clean conscience say that He would do as we are doing, then we shouldn’t. Romans 14:23 states that,
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“…whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
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When it comes to the words, conversations and how we talk with and about our employer, employees or co-workers, Matt. 12:36 and other scriptures warn as follows:
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“But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
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“…aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders…” – 1 Thess. 4:12
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“‘Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. …” –Eph. 4:32
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“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.”- Prov. 4:24
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And all the things we do for the love of money? The scriptures are quite clear on them:
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“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” -1 Tim. 6:10
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So how can we guard against misconduct at our workplaces?
As David did in Psalms 139:23, we must stay humble before the Lord, ask Him regularly to search our hearts and minds to see if there is any wicked way in us. We must choose to give our best in the work that we do;
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“Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.” –Eph. 6:7-8
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“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,” –Titus 3:1
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He has set our authorities over us, even if they are less than honorable, and the way we honor them reflects how we honor God as our authority.
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In regards to our words, we can ask God, like Psalm 141:3 to “set a guard” over our mouths. We can look for the positive things and give thanks in all situations, setting our thoughts on things above not on the earth (Col. 3:2) to keep our mind and spirit positive and peaceful even in the most chaotic, negative and stressful work environments.
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We do not have to strive or worry about money or coming ahead because we can trust that God is watching out for us and will always meet all our needs (Phil. 4:19).
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It is a daily choice to live by His standard. It requires daily discipline and new habit-forming choices, often placing God’s scriptures before us to train our minds to live accordingly. It is certainly not the path of least resistance, but I will tell you from experience on both ends of the spectrum, it is the most rewarding, the most joy-filled, blessed and abundant life when you choose to work for God the way He has asked us to in our daily jobs.
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All scriptural quotations in this article were taken from the English Standard Version of the Bible.
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About the author:
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Robin Coleman née Burk was born in Arizona but raised in Oklahoma. She is the author of two children’s books, “Destination White House” and “Cinderfella”. She is currently employed in direct sales which allows her to work from home and share hope, inspiration and minster to women around the world through the social media. She and her husband, Jason, are expecting their first child with great excitement.
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This is a message for the workplace that needs to be shared regularly. We are all accountable before God for our work-related actions and attitudes. I am afraid too many of us fail to realize this.
You’re right, Peggy! We’re often unmindful of the fact that our work is first for God before our earthly employers. You are highly blessed in Jesus’ name.
Being of good conduct at any place not only our workplace is very important both to our success, Christian life and future. The world they say, is a small place and u certainly don’t know who u will meet tomorrow, who will be ur helper and who will save you from distress. Let’s always be of good conduct and influence people with our behavior and attitudes.
Good advice. You are blessed, Vivian!
A very interesting writeup, Coleman. Like Vivian said, our good conduct should not only reflect in our workplace; that is, some of us might not even be working but in our schools, empowerment centres, lessons, church and so on. We must learn to cultivate a good conduct and abide by them. Even St Peter spoke about respecting our elders and authorities that have been put over us because they are representatives of God. If we respect them we respect God, if we disrespect them then vice versa.
Thank God for this write up. As Christians our ways of conduct at our work place, school etc. should reflect our Christ like nature . I pray that the Lord helps us to act in ways that not only preach the gospel but also represent Christ .
some people turn to entirely different people at their workplaces, doing things in the worldly manner because they feel no one is watching. there is a need to uphold God’s standard even at one’s workplace, especially when dealing with money. i wish all workers could go through this post. very helpful one ma’am.
God sees the heart too. So no matter where we find ourselves let us endeavor to be good ambassadors of Christ as we should be. We may think that no one pays attention but it ill be amazing when they come to you because of your good character. It takes the grace of God to be a Good ambassador. Amen
So true !!! We should have to act Christ like in things we do. Having the mindset that things should be done accordingly cause that the right thing to do. Nice one ma
“Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free” –Eph. 6:7-8
This extract has said it all, whatever one does should be to the glory of God and not to honor or please men. It is quite simple but many fail to understand.
There is this portion of the bible that tells us to do unto others what we want them to do to us, as an employee supposing you own a company and those you employ show the same attitude to work which you exhibit would you praise or rebuke them?. There is a part in this article that says serving as unto the Lord, would you prefer to give God hay rather than gold. Remember that God’s sees everything even if you succeed in deceiving others and he will reward us according to our works. Always be glad to render a good service.
Thanks 4 sharing ma, I believe this shouldn’t just be for the work place but 4 whatever position you find yourself.