FIRST THINGS FIRST

                            First things First!

If we want to reach others for Christ in the workplace we must find a good starting point. We are all living in an era that requires an allocation of time and resources. As time passes quickly, there is a perceived urgency to make money, buy a home, a car, get a degree, a job that allows us to use our gifts and education. We can establish a real and lasting priority that usurps all of those things we value materially. 

Prioritize Life

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says it best, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (MEV). 

There is a time and a place for all the things we want to complete in our lives. There is a time for work, for recreation, and for honoring our family. Most importantly, there is a time to spend quality time with God so that we may not lose sight of the balance that we so desperately need in our lives. We must lean and trust in Him if we want to achieve true work-life balance. All of those toys that we attempt to find or buy, rust, and fade away. The investments that we make go up and down with the economy and news but the only thing I have found that always pays great reward are investments in time with God and the family. 

Establish a Firm Foundation

Investments in Faith and Family allow me the best opportunity to establish a foundation that I can depend upon when there is a problem. We often expect that our work is going to bring us satisfaction in life.  Work can make a living but the only a relationship with God brings true satisfaction. The Bible is not subtle about how we are supposed to decide between those worldly items and His word. Paul warns us in Romans 12:2, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (NKJV)

Family is a Firm Foundation

There is nothing more valuable than family so if we want to show our employees how to renew their mind we must start by demonstrating investment in our homes. It is essential to provide an example to our peers before we can reach them with words. 

The Impact of Showing

I was once promoted into a position where I managed about 300 employees at a specific location. I was immediately told by a number of people in the office that there were more than a dozen extramarital affairs going on between just the people who worked in the administration office. It was accepted or they would not have told their new boss.  I consulted with a Christian brother who I trusted for advice. He came up with the answer very quickly. He suggested I call all the employees together and make the following announcement” The next time I become aware of an affair by any employee, consider yourself fired.” HR told me I couldn’t say that and my bosses thought I would get the company sued.  I had the meeting and made the statement. I had relied upon two principles. First, God says that we are to honor our spouses. Second, I knew that any person in that room who had the guts to go tell their spouse they were having an affair was not wise enough to be in their job with our company. I never heard another word about my statement. Start your ministry in the workplace at home. Use that as a foundation for reaching others for Christ.