Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Staff (01/31/13)
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TITLE: It's hard to be like Jesus | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barbara Culler
02/07/13 -
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She shrugged and retrieved the pen that had flown to the floor. Teresa was not an emotional adolescent; she was a twenty six year old adult having a temper tantrum on the job.
She is one of several people I supervise on a daily basis in the role of care giver to people with special needs. My staff are not the ones with special needs, but so often, I deal with people who create more drama in the workplace then any issues that arise with the clients. In this instance, I was giving Teresa a write-up for inadequate job performance and she experienced a meltdown.
Some days, I want to be the one having the hissy fit. Oftentimes some of the people I supervise cause me much heartache. The cattiness and the he said/she said bickering seems so junior high, but it’s what I must deal with on a daily basis. I often catch myself venting to my colleagues, and I’m very aware that I've turned into a complainer. One co-worker labeled me as “Debbie Downer.”
Ouch. As a Christian, I’m to display a Christ-like attitude but I am woefully failing. I’m tired and weary of the theatrics I face in expecting my staff to do their job. I admit that I've been asking God for another job as I’m unhappy in this one, yet nothing ever comes my way.
I cry out to Him; “Why must I have to deal with this job? I’m miserable!”
This week’s church sermon topic was in regards to doing all things without grumbling so that we may be the light to others.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…” Philippians 2:14-16 NIV
Ouch-again! Seems like is God trying to do corrective action with me.Does my behavior grieve God?
“… Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2: 12, 13 NIV
My pastor explained that working out our salvation, is accomplished by actively practicing obedience in the process of being set apart for use by God. It’s not an easy process, and it spans one’s life time.
So, in other words, this is where God wants me to be at this time.
As a result of her on-going behavior and job performance, Theresa no longer works for the company. I realized that my work is a mission field and that I can only demonstrate the love of Christ by my own behavior and attitude.
I put this new attitude into action the very next day after hearing the sermon, and felt the burden lifted. I realized that no matter the issues I have with my staff, God has the ultimate say in how they respond. It is my job to be a Christ-like role model, even when I’m stressed out and grumpy.
Dear God, I ask forgiveness for my disobedience in my behavior and seek your guidance and strength for when the drama created by my staff seem to overwhelm me. Help me to remember that I may be the only Jesus they will ever come across. Amen.
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Be careful with your punctuation. Both commas and semicolons were occasionally used incorrectly.
You have my admiration for doing the work that you do, and for your humble attitude. Lovely.