[stextbox id=”or”] This week’s guest post is by Blessen Varghese (Mumbai) which I believe everyone should read and apply at their workplaces. Called and chosen by the Lord to work in His Vineyard, Blessen loves mentoring the youth, writing and ministering with the Word. While he juggles with his corporate job and ministering, his vision is to see a blood-washed, revived South Asia. [/stextbox]
“I hate this job!”
“My boss always picks on me!”
“I don’t get paid enough!”
“That colleague of mine got a promotion ahead of me!”
Sounds familiar? Almost everyone in the corporate world may have uttered one of these above statements. I am no exception either. But having been in this field for eight years has taught me a thing or two about how to handle negativity at the workplace, and make my office another place to give our God the glory.
My first job immediately after I completed my Diploma in Journalism wasn’t exactly a ‘desk of roses’. I was just 21, and the young heart inside me revolted at almost everything that seemingly went wrong with the job – politics, blame-game, a lazy boss, etc. Within three months, I walked out of one of India’s leading media companies in a very unprofessional way. Make no mistake. I was a Christian, and a born again one at that. Yet, the way I quit left a bad taste in the mouth for quite a few people. I decided to rant about it on my personal blog as well. I didn’t feel too bad about it then, till I started consuming the Word in its fullness. As I gained on spiritual maturity, God began telling me how immature how I was in dealing with my previous job. I realized God’s Word had some gems, and could act as a ready-reckoner for a Christian at his/her workplace.
Much, if not all, of those issues I faced in my first job did follow me into my second office as well. But the fact that I’ve lasted over seven years in my current workplace must say a thing or two about what impact the Word of God had in my attitude. Not that I’ve perfected everything. I still complain and crib occasionally, but it has never blown into an unpleasant scenario like in my previous job. Here are some tips that you should keep handy:
My boss is a hard task-master. I don’t feel like working under him…
As long as we are in this world, we should realize that not everything we do would be appreciated. Not all bosses are natural leaders (and it’s important to know the difference between a leader and a boss). It’s important for us to know that regardless of whether our supervisor appreciates our work or not, we are employed by the company to do that role diligently and faithfully. And we should do with the best of our abilities.
The Bible has an even better proposition:
Ephesians 6:7,8: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
Do not lose heart when things don’t go your way. Promotion comes from the Lord. In His time, He will lift you up! Apostle Paul also says this to the church at Ephesus: Obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. (Ephesians 6:6). In modern terminology: Do not be a show-off!
And then, there are those who are just plain harsh. Some would hold your promotion back. Some wouldn’t give a good appraisal, despite you giving your best for the team. Peter has this to say: Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. (1 Peter 2:18,19). And in 1 Timothy 6:1, it says that workers should “consider their masters worthy of full respect!”
This isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when you’re treated unfairly. But the Word is very clear about respecting our authority, and it extends to all departments of our life! Obedience to the Word precedes blessings and victory. Just hold on. And you will see God’s deliverance at your workplace over your life.
Serve faithfully, regardless of the perks! Respect your authority. You’d be showing-off the Christ-like attitude to others, then.
I get criticized and pulled up for doing the right thing!
Some supervisors would pick on you for doing the right thing. It could involve a serious reprimand for something that was ethically the right thing to do! These can cause some serious injuries to our egos. Two examples from the Bible can be looked at: Joseph and Daniel. Both were the best in business. Yet, both got accused for doing the right thing. If it can happen then, it can very much happen now. Thankfully, we don’t have a prison and a lion’s den waiting for us. We should always be sure of one thing- never ever compromise on our beliefs! Stand for what you believe in. Do the right things, regardless of the persecutions you may face for doing so. Peter says that is “commendable before God” If you suffer for the sake of righteousness. (1 Peter 2:20).
There’s too much of politics and favouritism in my office
Let’s get this straight. No workplace is free of politics and favouritism. There will be ‘one-upmanship’ in every office. You may not experience it at certain places, only because we may not be the ones bearing the brunt of it. It is important for us as children of God to steer clear of these. It is just evil to pull down another team-member for your own benefit. Yet, sometimes, we could ourselves become victims of others’ dirty games. At times like these, try to get your point across to your higher authorities in a non-revolting and calm way. Talk to them in person. If not, drop a mail. In all these, never try and point fingers at a colleague. Be graceful, and ask God for guidance for all your communications.
And if you think there’s still no justice, here’s what the Word says in Colossians 3:25– Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Learn to rise above Politics and Favouritism. Don’t let these pull you down and discourage you from giving your best. And when you stay away from these dirty games, you are glorifying God!
How do I deal with my subordinates?
There would be some who would be terrific with their work. Some not so. Not everyone will be the same. Deal with them accordingly, all with the Love of God! The former needs constant appreciations, the latter constant encouragement. The Word says, the you should provide them with “what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Col 4:1). Be an example to your team. Be available for them. Do everything in your capacity to lighten their baggage – be it emotionally or professionally. Be a leader, and not a ‘boss’.
And here’s a word for those who have born again supervisors:
“Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to their welfare.” (1 Timothy 6:2).
In essence, do everything possible within your power, accompanied by the power of the Word of God, to make your workplace a place where people would see the hand of God over you. That is when you make your workplace an altar to glorify our Heavenly Master.
How did this post encourage you? Do share your thoughts below…