The Life at Work Test (from Life@Work by John C. Maxwell)

As each new year begins, we would do well to conduct a personal assessment by answering “yes” or “no” to the following statements:

·        My skill set is sharper today than it was three years ago (and my boss would agree).

·        My faith has made me “more valuable” to my company not “less valuable.”

·        I have a reputation at work for being someone who sacrificially helps others succeed without needing any credit for it.

·        My coworkers see me as a person settled, engaged, and fulfilled in my work.

·        I am the same person on Monday at work as I am on Sunday at church.

·        I have learned to stand firm in my convictions regardless of the setting or circumstance.

·        My life provides enough salt and light to encourage my coworkers and neighbors to investigate the claims of Jesus Christ.

Now, before going on, provide at least one example to validate each of your responses.  To carry this exercise to the next level, discuss your answers (and examples) with your spouse (if single, a trusted friend).

John Maxwell’s book, Life@Work, provides some fascinating insights regarding our Christian life and our work life.  Allow me to share some of them with you.

“It’s time for believers to confidently carry their faith with them into the marketplace so that our very culture feels the difference.” (Bob Briner)

“Faith is incompatible with mediocrity.”

“God gave us the ability to choose to do our best.  Our work becomes worship when we willfully give out our best every day for the good of those around us.”

“Every calling is great when greatly pursued.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes)

“When we come to grips with the idea and magnitude of God’s calling, we are less tempted to define success as a promotion to the seventeenth floor or a vacation in the Swiss Alps.  In our work we are called to higher, more attainable realities and to a deeper fulfillment and sustaining significance.” 

“Serving is the art and act of focusing on someone else’s interest instead of my own.”

“Contrary to conventional wisdom, the bottom line of a career is now how far you advance yourself, but how far you advanced and served others.” 

“Your work is either serving…or self-serving.” 

Your Work Matters to God

Your work matters to God.  His eternal purposes are alive and well in the marketplace as well as in the church.  Consider the apostle Paul’s comments about David in Acts 13:36: “David…served God’s purpose in his own generation.”  David’s life consisted of many roles one of which was king—over a large marketplace. 

You and I are now alive in our generation.  Our challenge is no less than David’s –to serve God’s purpose in our generation.  Many of us have been called to the marketplace to serve.  For some, even now you might know exactly what God is calling you to do; now you just have to come to terms with the sacrifice it will mean to you. 

New Year’s Challenges

You may be facing a New Year with many challenges.  These challenges may be approaching you from many directions—vocation, family, health—the list goes on and on.  As you ponder these challenges, consider this prayer from Maxwell’s book: 

Lord, I need You.  I believe that You are here right now in battle, right beside me.  Please help me overcome this.  Thank You that I do not have to face this alone with my limited resources.  Guide me as I seek to use my skills to the best of my ability in this situation.  You are my God, and I trust in You.  I yield to Your agenda.  I release my control of this situation to You.  I cannot do this in my own power.  I need You to bless me and enable my efforts.  Thank You for the help of Your Holy Spirit and for hearing my prayer.  Amen.” 

May God enable each of us to accomplish His will throughout this upcoming year. 

Keith 

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