Faith @ WorkNäide

God created you as a unique, whole, infinitely complex individual. Your primary skills and your unique personality enable you to make distinct and meaningful contributions to your employer. You have many other minor gifts and talents that enable you to do your job slightly different from anybody else.

If you are thoroughly enjoying your work today, pause to give thanks to God for all his blessings. Rejoice that God has given you the skills that you use in your job. Celebrate that God has placed you in a role where you can use your skills and abilities.

If you experience twinges of dissatisfaction or unrest in your current role, rejoice! Rejoice that God has created you with infinitely more facets than others recognize. Maybe you don’t realize them yourself. Prayerfully consider how you might use these talents and attributes within the constraints of your position at work, with the goal of maximizing your value to your employer. If you are a manager, look for qualities in your team beyond what you hired them for. Find creative ways to allow your staff to use their talents and to express their complex beauty.

Sometimes you may find yourself in a job where you believe your value is not fully appreciated. Maybe you may think you are able to contribute more to the organization, or possibly you feel that you would be more fulfilled if you were to use your skills in a different role. When you focus your attention and energy on the apparent injustice or inequality of your situation, it is easy to become negative and lose sight of God.

If that is the way you feel today, I invite you to step back for a moment, to abandon the illusion that you are in control of this world, and to reflect on God’s character. Does God change when you feel like you are a square peg in a round hole? Does God’s love for you, your hope, or your salvation disappear when you feel like your skills are being underutilized? Did God make a mistake when he placed you in this position? Is this situation beyond God’s redemptive power? Can you trust that this job, for right now, is part of God’s perfect plan for your life?

Whether you feel like your current job is a great fit for who you are, or your job situation is less than ideal, continue to trust in the love and care of your heavenly Father. God says to you, “My child, trust me. I am sovereign. I am in control. I love you. I have placed these people in authority over you; I have appointed their times and boundaries, and all because I love you.” Make it your goal to please God. Give thanks to the Lord that you have been granted the privilege to participate in what God is doing in your workplace.

What would it take to say, “I have learned to be content in my current job”? What does it look like for you to trust in God as you go about your work?

Regarding your workplace situation, can you identify with one biblical character who experienced something similar (e.g., Joseph)? Reread his or her story. How does this example inspire you?

Prayer

Almighty God, who has blessed me with the skills and abilities to make a unique contribution to your world, forgive me for my lack of gratitude and help me to go about my work in such a way that your name is honored. Amen.