Work | Devotion 4
September 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Work
Devotion 4: How to Be a Great Employee God's Way
Mateas Darden
The most difficult part of a job transition is adjusting to a new boss. When we become a follower of Christ, we shift from being our own boss into becoming an employee of the true Boss. This new position places God as the focus and authority in our lives. As a result, we get a new training manual and access to perfect love. As He refines us, He hires us with the intent to reflect Him in our earthly lives and our earthly jobs. Here are five ways that reflection can begin.
First, be humble. Throughout the Bible (Luke 14:11; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 1:5), humility is a prominent virtue outlined. We are called, as Christ-followers, to be humble in respect to others and God. The Bible tells us that God resists the proud. Knowing that is the case, we should continuously pray for humility so that God remains working in our lives. How can an employee be great with God resisting them?
Second, be helpful. The Bible warns against being lazy (1 Corinthians 10:31; 15:58; Philippians 2:14; Colossians 3:23-24); instead we are called to be doers of the Word. As an employee, this means doing what you are asked. As a Christian employee, this means going above and beyond because you are reflecting Christ. Honor and glorify God by meeting the needs you see or offering solutions to problems. In the book of Philippians, we are commanded to not grumble or complain. Instead of grumbling, remember who sees you work and ultimately who you are honoring in the process.
Third, be wise. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord (Proverbs 4:6-7; 19:20; 24:3-7; James 1:5). A great employee applies wisdom in all areas of their life to do their spiritual and physical jobs to the best of their ability. God builds through wisdom. If anyone lacks wisdom, they are told to ask God and it will be given to them. In other words, God does not deny a request to be wise so this is something a great employee cannot work without.
Fourth, be submissive. Good employees understand that God is completely in control and just (Romans 12:18; 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17). He has placed every leader in their role (and removes leaders). It is not our place to rebel against authority, it is our job to be diligent with what we have been entrusted. God is all-knowing and all-powerful, He accomplishes His purposes in ways we may not understand (Remember when He used Nebuchadnezzar? Or the Assyrians? Or the Babylonians?). Strengthen your relationship with God, concern yourself with what you are responsible for, and strive for peace to the best of your ability. New Life Camp director Tim Woelkers, Jr. says, “Love Jesus, serve people.”
Fifth, be flexible. Ultimately you are not in charge and you do not know everything; God does and that is why He makes the plans (Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28; Colossians 1:16-17). Being a great employee involves adjusting to changes that occur and giving God permission to interrupt. Be open to doing what God asks of you; in addition to what your boss asks of you. After all, it is an anomaly for things to go as you planned. My advice is to accept that (have a good cry if you are a planner like me) and move on with the day. After you accept this, rejoice in the truth that God is sovereign and works all things out.
Mateas Darden
The most difficult part of a job transition is adjusting to a new boss. When we become a follower of Christ, we shift from being our own boss into becoming an employee of the true Boss. This new position places God as the focus and authority in our lives. As a result, we get a new training manual and access to perfect love. As He refines us, He hires us with the intent to reflect Him in our earthly lives and our earthly jobs. Here are five ways that reflection can begin.
First, be humble. Throughout the Bible (Luke 14:11; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 1:5), humility is a prominent virtue outlined. We are called, as Christ-followers, to be humble in respect to others and God. The Bible tells us that God resists the proud. Knowing that is the case, we should continuously pray for humility so that God remains working in our lives. How can an employee be great with God resisting them?
Second, be helpful. The Bible warns against being lazy (1 Corinthians 10:31; 15:58; Philippians 2:14; Colossians 3:23-24); instead we are called to be doers of the Word. As an employee, this means doing what you are asked. As a Christian employee, this means going above and beyond because you are reflecting Christ. Honor and glorify God by meeting the needs you see or offering solutions to problems. In the book of Philippians, we are commanded to not grumble or complain. Instead of grumbling, remember who sees you work and ultimately who you are honoring in the process.
Third, be wise. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord (Proverbs 4:6-7; 19:20; 24:3-7; James 1:5). A great employee applies wisdom in all areas of their life to do their spiritual and physical jobs to the best of their ability. God builds through wisdom. If anyone lacks wisdom, they are told to ask God and it will be given to them. In other words, God does not deny a request to be wise so this is something a great employee cannot work without.
Fourth, be submissive. Good employees understand that God is completely in control and just (Romans 12:18; 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17). He has placed every leader in their role (and removes leaders). It is not our place to rebel against authority, it is our job to be diligent with what we have been entrusted. God is all-knowing and all-powerful, He accomplishes His purposes in ways we may not understand (Remember when He used Nebuchadnezzar? Or the Assyrians? Or the Babylonians?). Strengthen your relationship with God, concern yourself with what you are responsible for, and strive for peace to the best of your ability. New Life Camp director Tim Woelkers, Jr. says, “Love Jesus, serve people.”
Fifth, be flexible. Ultimately you are not in charge and you do not know everything; God does and that is why He makes the plans (Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28; Colossians 1:16-17). Being a great employee involves adjusting to changes that occur and giving God permission to interrupt. Be open to doing what God asks of you; in addition to what your boss asks of you. After all, it is an anomaly for things to go as you planned. My advice is to accept that (have a good cry if you are a planner like me) and move on with the day. After you accept this, rejoice in the truth that God is sovereign and works all things out.