This is the question at the heart of all that we do. Our mission statement says, “We believe that [God] is the provider of all good things and that as good stewards of His blessings, we have a responsibility to steward what He’s given us in a way that honors Him.” So, while some of our motivation is a direct response to the blessings we’ve been given, it’s important to remember that bringing our faith into the workplace is much more than a mere response. It’s a calling.
In Colossians 3, Paul writes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Regardless of your stance on whether parts of Scripture are literal or symbolic, it seems clear that when Paul says “everything” here, he really means everything. So it stands to reason that our work would be included in the list of things we should carry out in the name of Jesus.
If we are truly motivated by the love of Christ in our workplace, this will play itself out in the way we lead and the way that we serve.
In Luke 12, Jesus describes the calling of one who is entrusted with great responsibility, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” As leaders in your company, much is expected of you, as you expect much of those to who you delegate responsibility. Leadership is a Biblical principle that requires faith to carry out in a way that makes a true difference.
Throughout Scripture, we see wisdom as the mark of a true leader. When it comes to wisdom, no leader was greater than King Solomon, who, when granted anything he desired, requested wisdom. In the book of Proverbs, he writes, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Your faith should set the foundation for the wise choices you make for your business. This not only includes how you support your employees but also the leaders you build up throughout your company.
Just as our faith offers the greatest lens for viewing life and understanding why it matters, it also provides the most valuable lens for seeing what true leadership is and how your treatment of those in your workplace matters.
In the gospel of Matthew, we see the mother of James and John ask Jesus to promise that they would sit at his right and left hand in the Kingdom of God. It seems like quite the request. Yet Jesus, instead of being indignant, responds with love, knowing that they don’t understand what they’re asking. He eventually says, “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This is the same attitude with which we should approach the work that we do.
When things are going well, business is good, and profits are soaring, it’s so easy to want to be at the center of it. To put ourselves in the place of James and John, propping ourselves up on a pedestal, giving ourselves the praise. But Jesus calls us to take a different path. Rather than seeking the focus, we should put the focus on others. Our faith should inspire us to put our employees first, seeking ways to ensure they feel connected, engaged, valued, and appreciated in their work.
Faith is more than something you have on Sunday mornings. Faith is part of who we are and our identity in Christ. As such, it should influence everything we do at home and work. That’s what the Christ at Work movement is all about. Our faith plays a vital role in our business. It helps us to understand the true meaning of leadership and servanthood.
Check out the promo below for this month's Featured Video, which offers an inspirational look at what faith in the workplace can look like:
