Opening Remarks
· Jesus said pray, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. We are all ministers.
· Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do work at it with all your heart, as unto the Lord, and not for men...
· Perspective
- David shared a story of two people following Jesus - one loved his job, the other hated her work.
§ Virginia worked 30 years for a mill in Danville, VA and hated it.
§ Darrell worked at an airport in Fayetteville. He loved his job, made menial tasks fun, and served customers very well.
- It is a matter of perspective.
- David challenged us to answer the question, "Which one of those people am I?"
Perspective Changes Things - 6 "P's"
· Purpose
Why do I work? To make money, take care of family, and called to work.
Acts 13:36 - David served the purpose in his generation, he completed the assignment he was given. We are called to glorify God and honor Him with the way we conduct ourselves, serve people, work with excellence, and walk with integrity.
· Place
Where we work belongs to God, whether a classroom as a teacher, a bank as a banker, a real estate office as a realtor, a secretary at a doctor's office, etc. Moses was a shepherd watching a flock. God spoke to him through the burning bush and told him the ground he was standing on was holy. We don't necessarily take God to work as if He is not there to begin with. He is already at work.
· Products & Services
Psalm 138 - works are wonderful. Skillfully, wonderfully, fearfully made. Excellent product or service is an excellent representation of Christ. Jesus was a carpenter and his work was not "shoddy or poor". We bless God and others when we serve customers well. Exodus 31 - God gives skills to people.
· Posture
What is the nature of our posture? David shared the story of an irate customer and a telephone conversation with her. Even though David had no interaction with this customer at the car dealership, he apologized for the inconvenience and poor service. This customer began to cry because of the way he responded to her. Humility and service. We are to wash the feet of people by serving them.
· People
The high tech world we live in can cause us to lose meaningful relationships and have little interaction with people. Not enough people are being touched - not necessarily a physical touch but a kind gesture, a friendly smile, a handshake, etc. In the business arena, we can provide a personal, loving, and caring touch by our actions, words, and encouragement to customers and fellow co-workers.
· Potential
When we shift our paradigms to view work and purpose correctly (kingdom focused), we will have opportunities to make a big impact. Who do you represent? You, your boss, your employees, the King of the Kingdom.
Closing remarks
· Labor, service, worship are all derived from the same word - they are all the same. Work is worship.
· How are you living? Are you walking in integrity? Are you doing business with excellence?
· Preach the Word at all times, and use words when necessary.
- Work as Unto the Lord....