It's now Monday...
In light of Easter - the epic events of Friday and the cosmic work of Sunday, what is the appropriate response?
Is it busyness or rather business as usual as we head back to work?
Surely life can never be the same.
What can this be compared with in our generation? The events of September 11 in America? Not close but ...
According to Pew Research Centre:
"By the following August, half of U.S. adults said the country “had changed in a major way” – a number that actually increased, to 61%, 10 years after the event.”
“For most who are old enough to remember, it is a day that is impossible to forget. In many ways, 9/11 reshaped how Americans think of war and peace, their own personal safety and their fellow citizens.”
If such an event could change a whole nation, how much more will God’s eternal work of redemption, foretold at creation and fulfilled in history at Calvary, reshape and transform how we think, live and work today?
Think of young Timothy in the bible who had to choose a response in light of all that he had received. Though his father was Greek, his lineage was littered with faith-filled Jewish women who nurtured him and prepared his heart to receive the Messiah. The Apostle Paul then discipled, taught and commissioned him into service.
Paul later had to help Timothy choose the right response:
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands...do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord... Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
What a fitting way to respond to so great a salvation - fan into flame the gift of God that is in you.
It requires a change of thinking and attitude towards the whole package of salvation. Not timidity, negligence or indifference, but zeal and holy fervour. That was the right response.
It befits us also.
Fanning into flame our gift means we recognise it, appreciate it, exercise it, develop it, utilize it and maximise it - for God’s glory and for the good of our neighbour - in the context of our work and the workplace.
There are others, but here are just some gifts (Romans 12) and how they can be used corporately at work:
- Encouragement – The ability to challenge and bring out the best in others.
- Giving – The ability to provide resources willingly and generously.
- Leading – The ability to cast vision and/or direction.
- Mercy –The ability to offer practical compassion.
- Prophesy – The ability to communicate God’s will inspirationally.
- Service – The ability to provide practical assistance.
- Teaching – The ability to instruct and train others.
We all have gifts but the grace given to each of us means they will be diverse and varied.
Once we identify our gifts, we are to develop them so that we can consistently and intentionally look for ways to use them to add value, and to enhance and transform the workplace culture and community.
This is the ultimate response. A drastic change of mind, heart and attitude, demonstrating our gratitude to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus, the price He paid at Calvary and the salvation we have received as a result.
And, this response will open up many opportunities to be a Witness in the Workplace.
So why wait, fan into flame the gift of God that is in you!!
Talking about adding value... We were able to do that at the Accenture Christian Network event titled: “What’s the big deal about Easter?”. Here is some feedback:
...I appreciate your input about revisiting the claims of Jesus makes at Easter. I think I know this should be done implicitly, but it is not something that I practically went about doing, so I will look into doing that. I also hope you enjoyed the event, thank you so much for attending.
Our Next Session is coming up in May!!
Also, amazing things have been happening at the Online Monthly Workers' Prayer Gatherings. Join the next one at Lunchtime on:
Date: Friday 14th April 2023
Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Zoom Link: Use link above
Have a wonderful Spring Season.
Do let us know how we may be of service to you in your work context, especially in the current climate of transitions and constant change.
Hope to see you soon.
Great blessings,
Elizabeth.
founder, Workers Aflame!
