Christian Living

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The flavor of the month in the workplace nowadays is concept of work-life balance, which is a misnomer. Work is a reality in this world, a result of sin. As Christians we work to live, and we live for God and other people. The tragedy is that we mix-up these things. Most of us live to work, and we work for ourselves and shun God and other people. The goal is to be successful and success is measured by position and the volume of possessions amassed. The sad thing is that by the time we reach the peak of “success”, we are burned out, alone and distanced from God. Success in the end is meaningless!

Whatever work-life balance formula dished out by human resource professionals will not be effective if it is not based on biblical principles. Whatever work we have at present or whatever work we will have is from God. Four biblical principles will give us the right perspective in our work and relating in the workplace.

1. Work for God and do your best

Paul emphasized in Colossians 3:23-24, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.’ One of the main causes of stress in the workplace is hatred for the bad boss. But if we consider God as our true boss, then we can serve happily and the workplace will not be a hellhole.

2. We are equipped as we do our work

We may feel inadequate, but as long as we have the right attitude of being in the service of the Lord, we will be equipped. Exodus 31:6 states, ‘Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.’ If God placed you in a position which you thought is not appropriate for your skills or training, just wait, He is preparing you for a new and more exciting work.

3. Learn from others and share your experiences

God’s designed for us is not to work alone. We are mandated in Matthew 28:19 to ‘Go and make disciples…’ Discipleship refers not only to work in sharing the Gospel, but also in secular work. We should look for our disciple or mentor and later we should also look for other people to mentor. Even how humble our work or position is, we will always excel. Proverbs 27:17 states, ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’

4. Be with the right group

The workplace is full of divisive spirits. People create factions and use other people to serve their personal interest. The bible tells us to be with the right people as advised in Proverbs 13:20, ‘Walk with the wise and become wise…’ Ask the Lord for wisdom in discerning the kind of people you will associate with, the kind of people who will help you pursue the plan that God has prepared for you.

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