Issue 123
It may come as a surprise to you, but if you are a Christian then most people with whom you work want what you have. The fallacy of some of our views of evangelism or witnessing emerge when we feel that we have to somehow get our beliefs accepted by our sceptical colleagues. Even as you read this, you may have in mind examples of how what you have read so far does not resonate with your experience. I would suggest there is an underlying issue which when exposed will change your mind. Let me illustrate:
Every so often a story hits the headlines concerning an unexpected find. A gardener discovers a cache of Roman coins or a householder finds a priceless painting in the attic. The story is all the more fascinating if the gardener or householder has lived in their property for a long time, not suspecting the truth of their hidden possessions.
In such stories two things happen: the unsuspecting owner becomes aware of the value of that which they already had and secondly, collectors, dealers, specialists or the Crown approach them because they want what the new owner has found. The underlying issue for many of us as Christians is that we have not realised the value of what we have found. It may be that we haven’t realised that it is in our possession or, more often, we haven’t seen its true worth.
If you have found Christ you have found the source of stress Reduction; you have discovered the creator of encouragement and hope. He is the one who will show you how to live a balanced and meaningful life, enabling you to be true to yourself and full of integrity. He will show you how and empower you to do your work well and enable you to experience daily meaning.
The cross was a place where sins were taken away but also the place where healing and well-being were forged. The spiritual dynamic released in your life has the power to renew the very areas where everyone struggles at work.
People who are not Christians are looking for exactly these things: the very things that you have found (or maybe more accurately have found you) in Christ.
Perhaps the first step is for you to realise at a deeper level what has happened to you. The treasure in your soul is the same treasure that everyone is trying to find. Once you see its value you will realise that those around you are also treasure seekers, dealers, collectors and specialists. The problem is that they often go to the wrong auction, attempting to gain the world but losing their soul. It is our job to demonstrate that the real deal is to give up the world and gain our souls. I suggest that in the end everyone is really after that.
Matthew 13:44-46
44″The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45″Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
2 Corinthians 4:7
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this allsurpassing power is from God and not from us.
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Work well
Geoff Shattock
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