To Serve & Protectનમૂનો

7. To Serve Your Company

“Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
– Mark 9:35 (NLT)

Most of us would like to be first.

To be first in line for the promotion. To be the best at what we do. To be recognized for our work. To be awarded for our efforts.

The question, however, might be whether we are chasing to be promoted, or to be productive. Whether we are rushing after the rewards or producing the results. When you focus on being productive and showing results, your heart is at work. When you seek promotion and rewards, there might be alternative ambitions behind your true motives.

There is nothing wrong with reaping rewards and pocketing promotions. But whether it is purely self-serving or also in service of the bigger picture or broader population is the determining factor. And often, when we are productive and show results, the rewards and promotion become inevitable. Albeit at times unseen on this side of eternity.

When Jesus’ disciples wanted to be first, He reminded them to fall in line and put in the work. To be of service and work for the sake of others rather than promoting themselves despite others.

Your workplace is the first line of everyday service. Apart from your home and social life, your workplace is where you spend most of your time in service of society. Providing a service of sorts to both your clients and your colleagues. As such, the company or day job you work at is the primary place God has called you to serve.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds the church not to only have the attitude of Christ, but also the work ethic. Not complaining about anything but instead doing everything with enthusiasm. In this manner, showing the result of your salvation by producing results in your workplace. Showing the servitude of Christ to your clients, colleagues and company at large.

Not working where you want to be at this stage of life? You might be where you need to be though. Getting people coffee? Make it the best coffee with the biggest smile they’ll find. Sweeping floors? Clean it as if Jesus Himself were visiting the office every day. Managing the human resources department with everyone’s complaints? Listen to and serve the people as Jesus would then. Managing sales? Then prioritize your colleagues and clients equally. Chairperson of the company? Serve your employees and investors alike as Jesus would.

Be of service, whatever position you are in. First, last, or middle management. Alone from, together onsite, or travelling from place to place. Put God first by serving like Jesus would if He was in your shoes. For if He was in your shoes, He’d likely polish the shoes of others, no matter His job title.

Read Philippians 2:12-18 and Reflect on the following…

• What do you observe about serving God at your workplace or company?
• How can you approach your day job with an eternal and godly perspective?
• Where can you be of greater service to others through your daily work?
• What do you need to pray about today?