Issue 131
When you encounter people at work, either directly or by phone or email, how do you see them? On an immediate level, they may want something from you or you from them; such is the nature of human dealings at work. There is nothing wrong with this – you need to achieve and you co-operate with others to reach whatever target you have set.
As a Christian, I would suggest to you that it would be wise to remember that everyone you encounter is on a search; furthermore, this search will only find meaning in relation to Jesus Christ. The second point you will probably accept, but you may find it harder to believe the first. I would maintain, however, that everyone is searching for security, meaning, purpose, status, satisfaction, pleasure and fulfillment. You could probably add to the list. A few rare people proclaim that they have found what they want and are completely content. Whilst they may feel content, I would suggest that ultimately without Christ this is an illusion and at some point in their lives they will realise that.
Whatever the details of an individual’s search, I would argue that security, meaning, purpose and all the other desired needs will only be found in Christ.
The point is:if you were conscious of this, how would it affect your telephone calls, e-mails or conversations? Surely you would want to contribute to the person’s search in a positive way. However small or fleeting your contact with them, you would want to avoid getting in the way of someone seeing Christ. In addition, your consciousness of this search in others would heighten your own awareness of your relationship with Jesus and so affect your working week. It would also give you another way of assessing your work. You can ask, “did that help or hinder a person’s search?”or “Did that help them see that Jesus is what they’re looking for?” It’s not the usual way to measure success but it may be very powerful for you. It also explains why we are supposed to do everything – words and actions – to and for the Lord.
Colossians 3:17
17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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Work well
Geoff Shattock
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