“AVOID WORKPLACE CONTAMINATION!” Ephesians 6:13, “Be Prepared…” (MSG)
The “toxins”
in our workplace environment can invade our attitudes, thoughts and behaviors.
So, stay focused on the spiritual battle that awaits you. Prepare for it each
morning by putting on your armor. What armor?“Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle
on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so
that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth,
righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to
apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an
indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing
warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes
open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out”
(Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG).
The problem with many of us is that we
prepare to go to work putting on the best clothes, the prettiest shoes, the
most flawless makeup and the most neatly crafted hair styles, but we fail to put
on the most important of all, the Full Armor of God! And then we wonder why we can’t handle their
whispers, the rolling of their eyes, the sucking of their teeth, the water
cooler lies, or the bathroom rumor mill meeting places. You can’t handle it because you didn’t prepare
yourself to handle it! Please
understand, the most important thing before work is not your coffee, it’s your Armor! And until we get our priorities in order, persecution
will forever triumph over us in the workplace! In addition, before picking up
the phone, pick
yourself up and call on God! It’s called Prayer! You can’t talk to
everybody and leave God out, and then when everybody is talking about you, you call
on Him to get them like He’s a dog you sic on an aggravating enemy! It simply
does not work that way!
Therefore, since a piece of your Armor needs
to be your prayer life, perhaps you’d like to pray the following prayer to get
you started: “Father, thank You for the
blessings of my present job. As I suit up for work today, protect me,
strengthen me, use me and bless me. Let me remain focused on You, allowing Your
Word and Your Presence to shield me from all contaminants such as pride,
insensitivity, being short-tempered, and failure to show love. My worth comes
from you, not my job, so I rest in the knowledge that you see all I do, and
that my labor will not go unrewarded. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”
Prayer is Vital to
Solving Problems!
You also need to learn how to keep things in proper perspective,
always! Your job is your Resource, your God is your Source! So stop acting like your job
is more than it is, don’t make it an idol, regardless to how much your salary
is or what the title says on your office door! You are there to do a good job,
get a paycheck, represent your Savior well and go home! It really is just that
simple! Unfortunately, however, we make it
complicated by allowing toxins to contaminate us! Listen: The word “Toxin” means “a
poisonous substance”. And “Poison”
means “a substance that causes death or injury
when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism; a destructive or corrupting
influence” Its Old French Origin means “Magic
Potion”, from Latin “Potio”
which means “Potion”. And “Contaminate” means “to make impure by exposure to.” Its Latin Origin “Contaminare” means “Make Impure”, from “Contamen”
which means “Contact, Pollution.” And
what does all of that mean?
You experience Workplace Contamination when you come into contact
with people who have a poisonous personality that proves its influence is
destructive and deteriorating. And once you’re exposed to it, it works like a ‘magic potion’, it pulls stuff out of
you that you would have never thought would come out of you! So understand
this, your coworkers and bosses are people you work with. You need to learn how to
set up barriers, and have only necessary contact to get the job done. Anything
outside of that, come out from among them and be ye separated says the Apostle
Paul! Stop allowing their substance to influence you to behave, conduct
yourself and speak in a manner that you know would not be pleasing to your
Savior, whom you are there to represent, even on your 9-5!
People of God, get yourself together, do your job, keep as much of
you separated as possible, get your paycheck and go home! Does that hinder you from
sharing the gospel when an opportunity arises? Absolutely not, but don’t be
foolish, when you are tempted to act
out of character, that is not a witness for Christ! Some plant, some water, but
God gives the increase says the Scripture. However, if you know for certain
that you can’t do this without becoming contaminated, you don’t attempt to
plant or water any further, you walk away and simply be the extra person who
sits on the sidelines, prays and keeps quiet!
Look at it like this: Ships sail on water, but if the water gets in, even a
Battleship will sink! So, go through the waters of your work
environment without allowing them to get in you, and contaminate you. And be
realistic in expecting what the job will deliver. Keep your focus on why you’re
there, Who sent you, Who sees you, and Who’s preparing you for greater things. Go into work, but
don’t let work get into you! Proverbs 16:3, “Put God in charge of your work, then what
you’ve planned will take place.” (MSG)
“3 STEPS TO KEEPING YOUR JOB!” James 1:19, “My dear brothers and
sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak
and slow to become angry.” (NIV).
Eighty percent of the time people don’t
lose their job because of Technical incompetence, but
because of Relational incompetence—in other words, they don’t know how to work well
with other people. But if you master the 3 instructions that James gives, the likelihood of that happening to you,
will go down to zero.
Therefore:
1. BE QUICK TO LISTEN! By staying calm and refusing to react, you gain
insight—and respect! Which is why the Bible states: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under
control.” (Proverbs 29:11 NIV).
Learn how to hear a matter out, and not
just to make a point, to show someone up, or to show out yourself! But be quick to listen to Someone Else!
The word “Quick” is defined as “moving fast; with little or no delay; immediately;
prompt.” Its Old English Origin means “Alive
and Alert”. In other words, when someone is saying something you
don’t like, or they have a critique or even a critical comment, remember YOU have
control over YOU! So be quick to listen, move fast to shut your
mouth and open your ears! Make no delay, do it promptly and
immediately! Truth is, the greatest misunderstandings come from “Miscommunication”, which is nothing more than
“Missing the Point of What Was Actually Communicated!”
Remember: You Can’t Talk And Listen
Attentively at the same time!
2. BE SLOW TO SPEAK! If you talk too much or too fast, here are 3 tips
to slow you down:
a. STOP! Just stop talking! Inhale slowly, exhale
slowly, count to 10, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom. Whatever it takes, just shut up. Psalm 39:1 says, “I
said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep
my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” Then Wisdom
further declares, “Death and life are in the power
of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21. The last thing you want is
someone’s reputation, character or spirit to be destroyed—because you can’t
control your mouth!
b. PRACTICE NOT
INTERRUPTING! Allow the other person to continue what they’re saying until they’re
finished. “Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep
their mouths shut, they’re smart.” Proverbs
17:28 MSG.
c. ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS! Why am I talking so much? Is it
insecurity? Anxiety? The need to control? A desire to impress? The reason most
of us try to convince, impress or control others is because we have a hard time
trusting God to work things out for us. In other words, “our talk issue, is really a trust issue.” Ask God to help you with this!
Remember: You are to be Slow to
Speak! Might I add, that is the opposite of QUICK! In fact, the word “Slow” is defined as “lasting or taking a long time; showing little activity”.
In other words,
your ears should be working overtime and your mouth should be unemployed! Get
it? Good!
3. BE SLOW TO ANGER! If you
observe the first two principles, you’ll tend to come out all right on number
three. It’ll naturally happen. When you manage to be a quick listener and a
slow speaker, handling
anger becomes a non-issue. Who gets
angry when they’re busy being quick to listen and slow to speak? You don’t have time
to get angry, you’re too busy concentrating on making sure the right organs are
going at the right speed! Seriously, you can make progress on the
job by acting on this advice from James,
and what better time than today to get started? Remember: like a car, make sure
you are always going the right speed limit, there are indeed consequences if
you don’t! Bear in mind: Proverbs 12:14, “Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its
own reward.” (MSG).
“HOW TO SUCCEED ON THE JOB?” Ephesians 6:7, “With good will doing
service, as to the Lord, and not to men”.
How do you succeed?
1. BY KEEPING YOUR EYES ON YOUR JOB
OBJECTIVE! For example: Are you
selling windows? Then don’t walk into someone’s house and offer unsolicited advice about their living room décor. In other words, focus
on what you’re called to do. People
can be easily offended, and by speaking about areas outside
your expertise—what your customer has solicited your help in—is now
jeopardized. So keep proper perspective on the
assignment at hand.
2. BY LEARNING TO APPRECIATE PEOPLE, EVEN
THOSE YOU DON’T LIKE! Customers and
Co-Workers are not friends; friends are friends. Understand, embrace and accept
the difference! Place value on others. Respect them, even if your personal
opinions differ from theirs! Remember, your success is not determined by personalities! It’s
about business, not buddies, so stay focused.
3. BY TREATING EVERYONE FAIRLY AND
EQUALLY! If you show favoritism by only being kind and respectful to
those you like, you’re in for trouble—if not now, then surely somewhere
down the road. You
need to learn how to work with people who aren’t your favorites. Why? Because they will remember your attitude,
whether good or bad, and based on that they may not be particularly inclined to
help you in the future. And just in case you decide to test the waters, don’t
be surprised if God allows them to be your only contact to fulfill your
next assignment!
4. BY TRYING NOT TO TAKE THINGS
PERSONALLY! You must learn to let go
of grudges and to set aside past histories with your co-workers. When you find
your emotions flaring up and you’re tempted to react, stop and remember what’s
really going on; you’re in the midst of a battle and the first shots have been
fired. This is
the time to say a silent prayer, remember your true calling, and respond with
love, patience and a professionalism that will cause those around you to
respect what you’re made of!
In a Nutshell: What we see on
Sunday in your work for God, should be a direct reflection of what others see
in your work from Monday through Saturday. If you’re going to succeed on the
job, these are mandatory! Bear in mind: Proverbs 22:29, “Observe
people who are good at their work—skilled workers are always in demand and
admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone.” (MSG).
“UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD VALUES ABOUT YOUR WORK!” James 4:10, “Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” NKJV.
What does God value in our job
performance?
1. HE VALUES HUMILITY AND SERVANTHOOD, NOT
PRIDE AND A SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT! “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift
you up.” If we are secure in our identity as God’s children, we can
relax and know that, like the loving parent He is, our Heavenly Father will
recognize and reward us fairly and generously. Knowing this, frees us from having to be
recognized by others. Indeed, if
being appreciated is your sole reason for working, God
will have people overlook you on purpose until you get the order of work straight in your
mind. And that is, you can be appreciated at home, by your friends
and your family, but work is just what it sounds
like: WORK!
2. HE VALUES COURAGE AND RISK-TAKING! Consider the faith it took for David to leave his
home, the humble shepherd’s pallet on the hillsides, and travel to King Saul’s
palace. He must
have felt just a little out of place, knowing he was under-dressed and
uninformed about the culture of the royal court. Like a boy from the slums suddenly finding himself in
Buckingham Palace, David was instantly
out of his comfort zone. Then later, after it’s clear that his new boss is
afflicted by an evil spirit and intends to kill him, David coolly maintains his
mission because he knows God wants him there. Remember: “…HE will lift you up.”
One day, David would have his boss’s position, palace
and perks, but he had to leave the How and the When up to God and
serve faithfully. The same goes for you! Bear in mind: Proverbs 25:6, “Don’t work
yourself into the spotlight; don’t push your way into the place of prominence.
It’s better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being
demoted.” (MSG).
“LEARN TO USE YOUR BUSINESS TO DO GOD’S BUSINESS!” Luke 5:3, “…using
the boat for a pulpit, he taught the crowd.” MSG.
Luke writes:
“He climbed into the boat that was [Peter’s]…using
the boat for a pulpit, He taught the crowd” (Luke 5:2-3 MSG).
All our “Boats”
belong to Jesus. You may say, ‘I don’t have a
boat.’ Yes you do. We all do. You see your “Boat” is where you spend your time making a
living. So in case you need clarity, Jesus says to you, “You may drive My garbage truck…work on My construction
site…change bed pans in My hospital …preside in My courtroom…edit My
newspaper…program My computer…sew in purple weaves in My beauty shop…glue on
acrylic nails in My salon…even serve fries and a shake in My McDonald’s. But
never fail to remember, Your work is My work! So always make sure your boat is
available for My use!”
Later, Peter the boat owner wrote: “You are royal priests. As a result, you can show others the
goodness of God.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).
And what does a priest do? He represents God to the
people—and you’re supposed to do the same thing with your work! Regardless, to what type of work it is, you are to do it as
unto the Lord. Your work represents His work. “…Let every detail in your lives—words,
actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17 MSG). Moses prayed, “…let the loveliness of our Lord…rest on us, confirming the
work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do” (Psalm 90:17 MSG). It
will not always be in the Gospel you preach that reveals the Glory of your God
to people. They can see it in the way you comb hair, pull a tooth, mop a floor,
empty a garbage can, type a letter, flip a burger, or even push a stroller. The bottom line
is: Whatever you say they should hear God, and whatever you do they should see
God.
Perhaps you still see no way
God could use your work. Your boss has the disposition of a pit bull. Hamsters
have larger work areas then you do; your kids have a better per diem. You feel
like you’re sentenced to an outpost in Siberia, and hope for a promotion has
left on the last train to Georgia. But
that’s why Henry Giles, a 19th century preacher,
said, “There is no task so low that we may not
elevate it; so dull that we may not enliven it, if we understand that what we
are doing is service to our Lord Jesus Christ.” So
whether you wear a skirt and a blazer or a hair net and an apron…your business
is God’s business. Advertise Him well! Bear in mind: Proverbs 16:11, “God cares
about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.” MSG.
People of God, in order to Stop
Allowing the Workplace to Work Your Last Nerve Remember:
a) “AVOID WORKPLACE CONTAMINATION!”;
b) Use the “3 STEPS TO KEEPING YOUR JOB!” (Be Quick to Listen; Be
Slow to Speak and Be Slow to Anger);
c) Learn “HOW TO SUCCEED ON THE JOB?” (Keep Your Eyes On Your Job
Objective; Learn to Appreciate People, Even Those You Don’t Like; and Treat
Everyone Fairly and Equally);
d) “UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD VALUES ABOUT YOUR WORK!” (God Values Humility
and Servanthood, Not Pride and a Sense of Entitlement; God Values Courage and
Risk-Taking);
e) “LEARN TO USE YOUR BUSINESS TO DO GOD’S BUSINESS!”
Remember:
YOU ARE EMPLOYED,
NOT ENSLAVED! Stop Taking Everything Personal, Take it Professional.
Never Step
Out of Character! Guard Your Heart, Mind and Mouth! Control Your
Actions! Always Put Your Best Foot Forward! Be On Your Best Behavior at
All Times! Do
Your Work and Stop Allowing Your Work to Do You In!
Much Love, Dr.
Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged
#ShareTheWord #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit
#IWantYou2LiveWell
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