1 minute read
Gathering Six
CO-WORKER TO CO-WORKER On the Job
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
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Colossians 3:23
Work environments dramatically changed after COVID. Many small businesses were forced to close. Employees learned to do their jobs from home, Zoom meetings became the norm, and those who were clever enough to adapt managed to pivot to stay alive. One thing, however, that remained the same throughout the pandemic was the need to interact with people. The workplace is still the number one place most people connect with other human beings.
Though not everyone works the traditional 9-to-5 hours, we still invest a large percentage of our life working. It could be a part-time, after-school job at the drive-in or mall, or an all-encompassing career in medicine, engineering, or business. In every case, there are co-workers, colleagues, and bosses to contend with. They gather and gossip at the watercooler, sell merchandise from behind the counter with you, or share a drink after the garage closes. Most people measure job satisfaction by their relationships at work. If you love your work buddies, you will stay put. If the office is full of stress, you might have your resume warm and ready to go. What’s your work environment like? What can you contribute?
The Bible is packed with stories about workers who impacted their surroundings. Bezelel was a construction worker who crafted a place of worship. Daniel and Joseph were responsible managers who influenced their nations. Lydia was a seller of purple fabric who spread her faith. Paul was a tentmaker who changed the world with the Gospel. In each case they did their job well and leveraged their work to be a light in the darkness. By treating people well outside the church in the workplace, real relationships can bloom, and God is able to do His work of reaching the lost.
Whatever you do as a job, employ the Golden Rule. Do quality work for the Lord’s sake, and treat your co-workers with the dignity, support, and friendliness you would want.
