Amid toxic environments, difficult bosses and colleagues, and unhealthy workplace practices, we can still choose to glorify God.
By Edmund Tan
As Christians, we are exhorted to be the salt and light of the world. Yet the workplace is often an area of constant challenge in our lives – from difficult bosses and colleagues to job security. How then could we glorify and reflect the love of God at our workplaces? Let’s consider three perspectives.
Lean on God; rest in Him
Most of us strive to advance our careers – to move on and (hopefully) move up. Perhaps this is why many of us unwittingly compete and compare ourselves with a worldly perspective. When things do not turn out as we wished, there is the ever-present tendency to take matters into our hands, rather than seek God first. To “lean on God” or “rest in God” does not mean doing absolutely nothing. In the context of our careers and workplaces, it might simply be consciously surrendering our plans, hopes, and desires to God. This conscious act reminds us – no matter what happens – that God is sovereign over our lives.
When we rest secure in the truth that God is in control of our lives, we take things in stride and inspire our colleagues with our confidence. If we are in a challenging position or ‘hardship posting,’ it could also be easier to recognize that God could be refining our character and preparing us for His next assignment.
Excellence is a means to glorify God
To be viable, the workplace values good performance. In this light, it will be difficult to glorify God if we are mediocre performers at work. Let us continually hone our skills and become excellent in what we do. Invest the required hours needed to gain mastery in our work areas. Learn, reflect, and improve to consistently produce excellent work.
But in the same breath, let us also continually guard our hearts: excellence – in whatever area of work that we do – should never become our idol. May we always remember that attaining excellence is a means to give glory to God!
Reach out and bless someone
The workplace is the opportune place to bless our colleagues. We can buy them gifts on various special occasions, e.g., birthdays and festive seasons. Treating our colleagues to a meal is another common way of extending blessings at the workplace. But blessings need not necessarily come in the form of gifts. The first part of Proverbs 18:21 reads, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” With appropriate words – both spoken and written – at the workplace, we can comfort, encourage, and affirm our colleagues. Have we been consistently making the effort to do so?
The key to being a blessing at the workplace is to be sincerely interested in our colleagues – being empathetic, understanding how they are coping, and knowing them as a person. The next time we return to our workplace, slow down a little at the pantry or water cooler, and catch up with a colleague.
Hear from two Trinitarians who recently shared at the Marketplace Thursday service on how they navigate toxic environments, stand-up to practices that do not glorify God, and choose to be a blessing at their workplaces:
Victor Chua, Area Four – An agent of change for God
“My workplace is fast-paced and has very demanding expectations on performance. There’s quite a bit of fear going around, which creates quite a bit of stress. However, in the midst of these work challenges, God has been reminding me to lean on Him, and trust that He will sustain and use me. ‘Letting go and letting Him’ has made me more empathetic and sensitive to the feelings of my colleagues.
I have felt impressed on many occasions to perform Care Acts to members of my division. I would catch up with them one-on-one to see how they are doing or write them individualized notes, while asking God for wisdom in these conversations and writings.
I don’t usually have the patience to write to people one-by-one, but I did this for my division.
Recently, I have been writing more openly about my own challenges. I also write about Christian principles I live by to get through these challenges, all the more during this pandemic.
I was surprised many of them wrote back, saying they were appreciative of me showing my vulnerability, and that I have spoken into their situations though I did not know what was going on in their lives. This has opened the doors for me to minister to them, and to encourage them with Scriptures and the love of Christ.
With each passing day, I understand more and more the purpose that God has for me. He is changing me and making me an agent of change wherever He places me.”
Alan Tang, Area Four – Steward of financial and human capital through servant leadership
“As I look back at my career, I can see God’s hand all over it, and I believe there is a reason why He has put me in this position. It is simply to glorify Him.
During seasons such as Christmas, it is a perfect opportunity to give gifts, e.g., Christian books. When I know of colleagues who are having their birthdays, I bless them with a verse and a text to celebrate with them. I also pray over my colleagues when there is a need.
An instance was for a then-colleague who had to go for an open-heart bypass surgery. As he was preparing for the surgery, I bought him a Christian book to read after the surgery, and encouraged and prayed for him. He was thankful and the surgery was successful, and he also read the book. Although he has not believed in Jesus yet, the seed is sown. Now he knows that I’m not just a former superior, but also someone who cares for him.
I see myself as a steward of both the company’s financial and human capital. I really love the concept of ‘servant leadership’ because it means that you look out for the staff’s welfare and development, and they will sense your genuine touch. That is how we could point them to the glory of God.”
Overcome workplace challenges and be equipped to stand firm on Biblical ethics and God’s truths. Come for Marketplace Thursday and reflect the love of God in your workplace. Book your seats here!
We are always delighted to receive testimonies. Give God the glory and write to testimonies@trinity.sg to celebrate what God has done in your life.
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