Are you happy on the job?

How do you like your job? Would you like to change jobs, or at least change the way things are at work? Your reasons for dissatisfaction may be legitimate. However, it is sad to think about the number of people in this country who do not put their hearts into their work, simply because they do not understand their employment in its proper perspective. It seems that productivity has suffered in recent years due to an attitude wherein a person views work as a necessary evil, causing one to seek the most pay for the least work. Is it possible that some of God's people are among those who lack a proper work ethic? As Christians, we must develop a Christian perspective toward the workplace, which will enable us to be faithful to God in this area of life.

Developing a Christian perspective toward the work place will involve forming an appreciation for certain principles that are often overlooked:

1. YOUR JOB IS AN ANSWER TO YOUR PRAYERS. We are taught to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11). We are also taught the responsibility to work to provide for our families (I Tim. 5:8; cf. 2 Thess. 3: 10). In light of this, consider that your job is God's way of providing for you through His providence - you would not have it without Him. The raising of Lazarus (Cf. John 11:39, 44) illustrates how God expects us to do what we can do, in that when Christ raised Lazarus, He commanded those standing by to first open the tomb, and later to unbind Lazarus. However, keep in mind “Christ in the Workplace” that Lazarus would never have risen simply on the merit of these efforts apart from the power of God. Similarly, God provides for you, but you still have to show up for work every day. However, have you ever thought about where you would be if not blessed with a job?

2. YOU DO NOT WORK FOR YOUR EMPLOYER. The scriptures which relate to one's conduct in the work place point us to a higher purpose for right conduct. Read Ephesians 6:5-8 and notice the phrases "as to Christ .. .. as to the Lord" etc. Although this passage relates primarily to the first-century slave/master relationship, the principle applies to the employer/employee relationship as well. This principle, as found also in other passages having similar language should prompt us to observe the following guidelines on the job:

1. Be obedient to your employer (Eph. 6:5), except where doing so would violate other biblical principles.
2. Do your work heartily (Col. 3:23). This has been described as "the engagement of the man's best individual powers" (Pulpit Commentary).
3. Treat your employer with respect and honor (I Tim. 6:1)
4. Do not talk back to your employer (Titus 2:9).
5. Do not steal from your employer (Titus 2: 10).
6. Do not reserve such treatment for a good boss only (I Pet. 2: 18).
7. If you are the employer, note Eph. 6:9 and Col. 4: 1.

Observing these things will help us not only to be more productive, but more satisfied on the job as well. Failures in this area have brought occupational tedium and misery to many.

3. THE SCOPE OF EVANGELISM AND SERVICE INCLUDES THE WORKPLACE. Many of the best opportunities for evangelism come in the workplace: on the job. This is where people can actually see the gospel lived out in a way that they will not see in our assemblies (Titus 2:10). 1 am convinced that men are best influenced when they see the difference the gospel can make in their own environment.

Clearly, one-fourth to one-third of our lives are spent on the job. It is tragic and sinful to waste that much time by doing our jobs mindlessly, waiting for the time to leave. May we put these principles to work so that we will truly work "unto the Lord" in all things, at all times, and in all places, including the work place.

Personal Work Meeting
Visitation Group “A” will have a short meeting this morning after the AM worship services in Assembly Room “B”. All Team “A” members should try to attend.

Wednesday Summer Series
Our speaker for this coming Wednesday evening is scheduled to be Billy Davidson. Brother Davidson is the preacher at the Central congregation in Clearwater where he also serves as one of the elders. His lesson for the evening will be "The Bible Doctrine of Repentance".

New Directory
If you have not had your photo taken for the new directory, please see Johnye Sims or Nancy Chambers for an appoint-ment. It is also important that we have your correct birthday and wedding anniversary (if applicable) information. If your info is not included (or incorrect) in the current directory please give that information in writing to Johnye or Nancy.

It is not what we eat that makes us strong, but what we digest. It is not what we earn that makes us rich, but what we save. It is not what we read, but what we remember that makes us wise. And it is not what we say, but what we live that makes us Christians.

The really happy man is the one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.