Success in the Workplace

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There are some working environments that are very challenging, and it may feel like those in positions of authority are trying to hold you back. You might think you’re doing your best, but your supervisor or manager may have a different opinion, and this can affect your overall attitude about your job. It may even lead to you considering a change. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus Christ gives us a supercharged dose of medicine. He tells us that the first thing we should do in any situation is to seek God. Heavenly Father created us, and He knows us through and through. He knows our past, present, and future; so it just makes sense that when we’re dealing with something as important as our livelihoods, before we make any major decisions we need to check in with the Father.

God’s Word tells us in Psalm 75:6-7(KJV), “6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Heavenly Father is the one who lifts us up. He is the only Righteous Judge, and He exalts and promotes us according to His Divine Will. This is an incredibly important piece of wisdom for those of us interested in advancing ourselves in our respective jobs and careers.

When it comes to problems in the workplace, Psalm 75:6-7(KJV) definitely gives us that ‘wheww!’ we need, because it reminds us that God is in control of everything. He sees it all, and not one detail slips by Him. No one is in charge of your destiny except God, and He doesn’t intend for us to be powerless or put in bondage by anyone. His Word tells us in Galatians 5:1 The Message(MSG), “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.” As God’s men and women, we have to know our rights and standing as Kingdom people, but there is also a great responsibility that comes with this.

I’m reminded of a sister in Christ who felt as if she was being harassed about her productivity by her immediate supervisor. A meeting was scheduled with management. When it was held, this sister told the manager than she believed her supervisor was a messenger of satan who was sent to buffet her on the job. This might have been true, but the manager was not a believer and was not at all sympathetic to her plight.

For men of color, climbing the ladder of success at work often has an added layer of complexity. Some of our mannerisms and colloquialisms can be viewed as intimidating, and it can feel as though we either have to compromise our identity to some extent or constantly be on guard. Many of us are in a position of having to tone-down our intelligence, assertiveness, and strengths to make certain people feel comfortable. It can be extremely frustrating, but when it feels like it’s too much, we have to remind ourselves that God has a great plan for our lives; and it’s a good plan!

Above all else, Heavenly Father wants us to walk in wisdom, love, and faith. We know that the earth can be a battlefield, and Ephesians 6:12 clearly tells us that we’re not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world and against evil spirits. This is no walk in the park, and that’s one of the reasons that God has told us to fight the GOOD fight of faith. We’re to fight smart with weapons of spiritual sharpness; especially in the workplace, where the opposition’s target is to cancel our success, and snatch those coins from us.

Walking in Christ means to walk in faith. Through His Word, God informs us of the past, and He also provides prophecy for the future. Both are necessary to live fully in the present. You have to know where you came from and keep your focus on where you’re going. If you don’t, you might respond to tricks of the enemy in anger. This is one of the biggest mistakes we can make. We spend a good chunk of our lives on the job. It’s the greatest opportunity we have to leave a lasting impression of Christ. Therefore, our responses to our co-workers, supervisors, and everyone else must be clothed in humility, saturated in decency, and sharpened with spiritual maturity. This will convey our confidence in God. It’s not that we are acquiescing to a lower standing. God declares in Deuteronomy 28:13 that we are the head and not tail. This is not dependent on how people treat us, but how we treat them.

Finally, hiccups in the workplace should energize our prayer lives. There’s nothing we can’t overcome through our faith in Christ. God’s Word tells us in Philippians 4:6 (NLT), “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” The job is not our sufficiency; GOD is our sufficiency! He’s merciful! He’s all powerful! And HE can cause any situation to change within the blink of an eye. We need to focus our attention on Him and what He’s called us to do. The work we do for His Kingdom by standing firm in the workplace is too valuable toward our destinies. You are where you are for a reason. God knows what He’s doing. So, let’s not allow our blessings to be manipulated out of our hands by anyone. We are victorious in Christ, and God has a plan to prosper and promote us in the workplace and in every other area of our lives.■

4TheChristianMan

Christian encouragement and inspiration for men

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