April 1, 2009 A Voice of Hope in the Workplace

Look well at my handpicked servant; I love him so much, take such delight in him.  I've placed my Spirit on him; he'll decree justice to the nations. But he won't yell, won't raise his voice; there'll be no commotion in the streets. He won't walk over anyone's feelings, won't push you into a corner. Before you know it, his justice will triumph; the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers. Mark 12:16-21 [From The Message]

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if this were a description of your boss? Or, even better, what if this were a description of you and how people saw you at work? Well, guess what? It is; and it can be!

It is important that we know who our real boss is. I use to keep a little plaque on my desk that read: “My boss is a Jewish Carpenter!” It was fun when people would come by and say, “I didn’t know Karen was Jewish!” It was always a great opener to talk about Jesus. But it was especially helpful for keeping in mind who is my real boss – and also my ultimate role model and coach.

First, through the presence of His Spirit, Jesus shows us such a different way of not only doing our work, but ultimately in the work we are to do. The Spirit has an uncanny way of helping us prioritize our planners and to-do lists. Even more important, the Spirit can help us see the critical goals and strategies that will not only bless the company (or our families), but make God’s kingdom more visible. Through His Spirit, Jesus coaches us daily in how to interact with our co-workers and customers. Some days I blow it big time; but God’s grace lifts me up and lets me practice again. On other days He lets me taste the sweet fruits of His presence.

Second, what happens to us and our work when we view everything we do – from running a machine to negotiating and signing a contract, to raising a child – as a way of bringing justice into the work place; and through the work place to the nations? In the workplace, justice has to do with administering merited rewards or punishments; the administration of policies and procedures. It is simple and honest fairness. Such an attitude would impact both the work we do and how we do it.

Third, notice how our role model, Jesus, would bring and perform such justice in our fields of work (again, whether it occurs in the home, community, or place of employment). As we work towards justice, can we do it without yelling or raising our voices? Can we do it without making a commotion? Can we do it without walking over anyone’s feelings or pushing people into a corner? When done in and through the presence and power of the Spirit, Jesus will indeed bring hope once again into the workplace through us! Let thy Kingdom come, heavenly Father, into our places of work; and please use us as your instruments!

Blessings!

Carolyn Schoenborn
LIFE JOURNEY MINISTRIES Executive Director