Serve God in the workplace and rest in the Lord
[Workplace Interpersonal Relationship Series]
In today's society, most people spend the majority of their time working in the workplace. The workplace is the primary environment where most people live their daily lives, and it is also an important place for practicing interpersonal relationships. Work is the main source of income for families, so the employment rate is a key indicator of economic policy, and creating job opportunities is a major focus for governments around the world. Whether people like it or not, most still have to work. Whether the purpose of work is to earn a living or to showcase talents and utilize gifts, one's view and attitude toward work reflect their worldview and will also affect workplace relationships.
How Do You View Work?
What is your perspective on work? Some say, "Doing work you love is freedom; loving the work you do is happiness." If you love the work you do, are able to apply what you've learned, and feel like a fish in water, then facing work with joy truly is happiness. However, some people see work as merely a means of making a living, bending their will for a small paycheck, feeling helpless. Such people often believe their talents are going unrecognized, and their ambitions stifled; they view their work as unappealing yet too valuable to abandon, begrudgingly enduring one job after another. Dissatisfied with their current situation, they seek new opportunities, distracted by lofty aspirations and unable to focus. Their performance suffers, leading to frequent reprimands, which in turn results in shirking responsibilities and blaming others. Both supervisors and colleagues shake their heads in disappointment, and their interpersonal relationships are far from admirable.
A Healthy Attitude Toward Work
For Christians, work is a calling from God and a gift from Him. The workplace is a field of harvest, a position for serving God. They believe that "work is worship," not because they idolize work, but because they firmly believe that God reigns over the workplace. They see themselves as Christ's servants, sent by God to serve in their roles with a divine purpose. They believe that diligent work is serving God, and the ultimate goal of work is to glorify God and bless others.
As a result, they take pride in their work and find joy in God, maintaining a positive attitude and higher emotional intelligence (EQ). Not only do they fulfill their own responsibilities well, but they are also willing to help others. Work does not necessarily only refer to paid employment outside the home. Ruth Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, had a note posted on her kitchen cabinet that read, "I serve God here three times a day." This reminded her that even preparing meals should be done with a heart of service to God. This echoes what Colossians 3:23 says: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Work Attitude Affects Interpersonal Relationships
Your attitude toward work impacts your relationships in the workplace. Whether your supervisors, subordinates, or colleagues are Christians or not, they have sharp eyes; they observe your attitude and performance at work as a reflection of your faith. Through your work, they can see God's presence with you and how He grants you wisdom and ability, helping you succeed.
A person with strong faith understands their identity and does not think of themselves more highly than they ought, but rather with sober judgment. Knowing that their work is a gift from God, they cherish the opportunity and recognize that work is an important means to glorify God and benefit others.
The Workplace Testimonies of Joseph and Daniel
I am deeply moved every time I read the testimonies of Joseph and Daniel. When I face difficulties, I often reflect on them as role models. The challenges they faced were much greater than what we encounter today—they were both exiles in foreign lands, with Joseph sold into slavery and Daniel taken captive as a servant. Yet they remained faithful to the Lord, patiently waiting on God amidst foreign people. They refused to sin or offend God; they would not violate their faith, be defiled, bow to power, or give in to threats, even at the risk of death.
Joseph was sold into slavery in Potiphar's house, but Potiphar quickly recognized that God was with Joseph, making everything he did prosper, so he entrusted everything in his household to Joseph. Later, Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned, but even the prison warden saw that God was with him, so he placed all the prisoners under Joseph's charge. Eventually, Pharaoh elevated Joseph from prisoner to prime minister. God’s grace and deeds allowed Joseph to stand out, but this was also the result of Joseph’s unwavering faith and resolve from the age of 17 to 30. He refused to offend God or compromise with sin and faithfully served Him.
Daniel’s testimony is similar. He was a noble Jew taken captive to Babylon, yet he resolved to keep his faith and refused to defile himself with the king’s food and wine. Wisely, Daniel asked the chief official to test him and his three friends by allowing them to eat only vegetables and drink water for ten days. At the end of ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than those who ate the royal food, so the official granted their request.
Later, King Nebuchadnezzar was enraged when no one could interpret his dream and ordered all the wise men in Babylon to be killed. Under this threat, Daniel did not panic. He respectfully asked the king for time, prayed with his companions, and God revealed the mystery of the dream to Daniel in a vision during the night. As a result, Daniel was appointed as the chief minister, and he recommended his three friends to help govern the province of Babylon, leaving a beautiful testimony.
Even after a regime change, Daniel remained a top administrator under King Darius. Out of jealousy, other officials sought to trap him but could find no fault in him because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. They then conspired to have the king issue a decree that no one could pray to any god or human except the king for thirty days, or else be thrown into the lion’s den.
The king approved the decree and sealed it, making it irrevocable. But Daniel was undeterred and continued his practice of opening his windows toward Jerusalem and praying three times a day, giving thanks to God. Because of this, he was thrown into the lion's den, but God sent His angel to shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel was unharmed.
Daniel’s faith enabled him to stand firm, unafraid of power, calm in his demeanor, and wise in his words. He serves as an excellent role model for us in the workplace.
Resting in the Lord
Today's workplace can feel like an arena, full of intense competition. Some workplaces resemble battlefields, filled with dangers. Jealousy, conflict, and deception abound as people vie for dominance. How can Christians hold fast to their faith in such environments? How can we be God's blameless children in this crooked and perverse generation?
This is indeed a difficult lesson to learn, but the Lord Jesus has given us the secret. He said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus not only gives us this promise but also sets an example for us. He tells us that the secret to finding rest is to remain in Him, to be gentle and humble in heart, to take His yoke, and to learn from Him.
We should focus on obeying the Lord and fully trust in God.
Return to Rest, Quietness, and Renewed Strength
Isaiah 30:15-16 says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, 'No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee! You said, 'We will ride off on swift horses.' Therefore your pursuers will be swift!"
People often don't understand the value of rest; they constantly feel the need to do something in order to find meaning. The stronger a person's abilities, the more they are unwilling to rest. However, in the midst of busyness, making hasty decisions and rushing through tasks can lead to mistakes that are worse than doing nothing at all.
When facing difficulties, one must have a humble and reverent heart, looking to God, resting in the Lord, and earnestly seeking His guidance. Only then can we receive heavenly wisdom and understand God's will. It is only when a person quiets down that they can patiently wait, stay calm, and be renewed in strength. The most dangerous thing during a crisis is to lose composure, become panicked, and act out of desperation. In such times, it is crucial to remain calm, stand firm in faith, be strong and courageous, rest patiently, and focus on seeking God. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Personal Experience and Deep Feelings
I have worked in the workplace for nearly 40 years. I initially served in one company for 15 years, starting as a basic employee and gradually rising to the highest sales supervisor. During this time, I experienced 11 different bosses and moved 11 times. In order to expand the business, I traveled across the major cities and towns of all 50 states in the U.S., witnessing many successes and failures in various enterprises, observing much of the world's joys and sorrows, and learning valuable knowledge and experiences that greatly benefited my future management endeavors.
At the age of 39, I switched careers, guided and blessed by the Lord, and have been running a new business for 24 years, expanding operations to over 20 countries. During this time, I faced many setbacks, failures, dangers, and tribulations, but in the end, I was supported by God, turning dangers into safety.
I learned valuable lessons in times of crisis, firmly believing that only with steadfast faith can one remain calm amid change; only by wholeheartedly trusting in God can one stay composed and break through obstacles. As Paul said, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)
Therefore, whenever I encounter dangers and difficulties, I repeatedly recount God's grace, relying solely on Him. I often recite Psalm 27:1: "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" Whenever I meditate on the Lord's words and promises, my heart finds peace.
Thinking of God's promise that He loves me to the end and that He will never forsake me strengthens my faith, believing that God will make all things work together for good to those who love Him. I must be patient, wait for the Lord's guidance, and trust that He is with me and will lead me through difficulties.
Thank the Lord! Although I often make mistakes and feel weak, God has never failed me, has never turned away from my prayers, and has never allowed His love to depart from me. The most profound lesson I have received is to rejoice in the Lord (rejoice in the Lord), for God's will for us in Christ Jesus is to "be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances." (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) We should not be anxious, for "the joy of the Lord is our strength." (cf. Nehemiah 8:10)
Elder Lin, served as Chairman and CEO of Payless Car Rental System Inc., one of the six largest car rental companies in the United States, from 1989 to 2013. Currently, he is a director of the Christian Messenger Association and is dedicated to the ministry of workplace missions and corporate transformation.
Read more:
To Succeed, Prepare for Spiritual Warfare
How much money do I need to retire?
Making Peace with Time, Moving Forward Together
