Work is a blessing, not a curse.Thank God it’s Monday! Bridge the Sunday gap to Monday.Bridge the Sacred and Secular divide.Work is a ministry, not just a job.Work as Worship – work is more than a paycheck.Receive blessings from God and be a blessing at work.Keep an empty seat for Jesus at work – a reminder to invite Jesus to intervene, integrate our faith at work.Take Jesus to work – don’t leave Jesus at home. Don’t lock Jesus outside of your office.Embrace and enjoy our work with God’s 5P blessings – His Presence, Power, Promises, Provisions, Pleasant surprises.
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20. Practicing Gratitude

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:12, Mark 6:37-44

Gratitude is a spiritual practice that helps you notice and appreciate God’s work in your day to day. In this plan you’ll learn 4 different techniques for making gratitude a part of your daily life.

We would like to thank the Theology of Work Project for providing this plan. For more information, please visit www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Gratitude is a spiritual practice of seeing and celebrating the good in the world around you. This is easier said than done.

Modern life often forces you to focus on what is bad – what needs to be fixed immediately, what crisis must be prevented, what new thing you need now to make your life better.

Learning to notice the good takes practice. Thankfully, every time you flex your gratitude muscle you get stronger. You get positive feedback – it feels good to be grateful. And you connect with God who is the source of all goodness.

You don’t need to look for big miraculous things to be grateful for. Jesus showed that gratitude can begin with very little. On a day when it seemed like he and his friends wouldn’t have enough to eat, Jesus looked up to heaven and thanked God for the food they had (Mark 6:37-44). When Jesus did this, the little they had turned into an abundance.

Start your gratitude practice by simply noticing what is good in the world around you. This goes back to the very first chapter of the Bible, when God “sees” what is good in his creation (Genesis 1:12).

Practice:

· What is good in the world around you right now? If the seat you’re sitting on is comfortable, thank God for that.

· During your day, make it a point to notice one thing that’s good. If a coworker smiles at you, this can be a prompt to gratitude.

· Before you go to bed tonight, think back on your day. What was good today that you can thank God for? Make a list.

·

Prayer: God, thank you for the good you have put in my life today. Reveal yourself to me through your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Further Exploration: Read the article From an Attitude of Ingratitude to Gratitude .


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

19. If I Had a Million Dollars

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:10, Hebrews 13:5-6

We often think of money as a fast-track to satisfaction. Yet Ecclesiastes 5:10 points out that the lover of money will never be satisfied. There is never an amount of money that is enough. Money promises security, but it never completely delivers.

If money can’t bring us real satisfaction, then what can? The solution is found in Hebrews 13:5-6, in the advice to “be content with what you have.” Contentment doesn’t come naturally. For many people contentment is a skill we need to cultivate.

One way to cultivate contentment is to be aware of contentment when you experience it. Do you enjoy a walk in the sunshine, or a chat with a friend, or your soft bed at night? When you notice a moment of contentment point it out to yourself, by repeating either silently or aloud, “I am content right now.” You can even keep a little diary where you note down every time you feel content.

Contentment is the opposite of anxiety. Wanting things makes us anxious about money, but recognizing contentment brings peace.

It is important that Hebrews 13:5-6 links contentment with the confidence to say “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Money does not create contentment, confidence in God does. If we notice whatever God has given us today, it strengthens our faith that God will also provides for our future.

Prayer: Thank You God for what I have today. I trust in you for an end to anxiety. Amen.

Further Exploration: We hope this plan encouraged you. Find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

18. I’m Not Saying You’re A Gold-Digger

Scripture Reading: Exodus 12:36, Exodus 32:3-4, Exodus 13:3

To move away from anxiety about money, it helps to reflect on what money is and what money is not. Money is a gift from God, a blessing that he freely gives to his people. But money is not God. When we attribute good things in our lives to money and not to God, we are robbing God of the credit he deserves.

The story in Exodus illustrates our dangerous temptation to turn God’s gift into a god itself. In Exodus 12:36, God gives the Hebrew slaves favor with the Egyptians, so that on their way out of Egypt they take Egyptian gold with them. These riches are a gift from God to his people, a reminder of his love and power. Yet when the people worry that Moses is taking too long on Mount Sinai, they urge Aaron to use the gold to make a new god. The people feel more comfortable with a fake god they can make themselves than with the real God who demonstrated his love and power over and over again. It shows just how easy it is to confuse money with God, particularly when anxiety makes us forget the ways God has provided in the past.

Just a few chapters earlier, God had given the Hebrews an antidote to forgetting him, in the commandment to celebrate the Passover. In Exodus 13:3 Moses instructs the people to celebrate God’s faithfulness by abstaining from leavened bread for seven days. This is to remind them that God brought them out of Egypt and that he is sovereign over everything.

Sometimes we need a concrete reminder that God is the source of all good things. If you’re having anxiety about money, consider trying a simple fast. If you typically buy lunch every day, or coffee at a coffee shop, take a break for a week. Eat more simply or more cheaply, and see how your anxiety level changes. Perhaps a fast will remind you that God has done good things for you in the past, and he is taking care of your needs today.

Prayer: Lord, you have done good things for me. Help me remember your faithfulness. You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Further Exploration: Treasure transforms. The “Treasure Principle” says that caring more about money than about God leads to anxiety. Click here to read more.


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

17. I want money, that’s what I want

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-33

Many people worry about money, and for good reason. We need money for a lot of things. Money keeps a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and food on our tables. Because money is necessary for so many things in our modern lives, money has come to represent abstract values, too. For many people, money is a stand-in for security. Your confidence for the future might be tied to the amount of money in your bank account. This leads to anxiety, no matter how much money you have.

This devotional aims to reduce your anxiety about money by divorcing your sense of security from a dollar sign. Each day will give you concrete steps from the Bible that can help you move away from anxiety and towards peace.

Jesus tries to lead his disciples away from worrying about money in Matthew 6 when he explains what God is like. God takes care of all the animals and the plants on earth, none of whom work for a paycheck. Jesus says we should trust God to do the same for us. Security doesn’t come from money, it comes from God.

When you believe God is looking out for you, your anxiety about money decreases. One way Christians throughout history have reminded themselves of God’s provision is by saying prayers of thanksgiving before meals. Try this: before you eat, pause and say either silently or aloud, “Thank you God for giving me this food.” As you remind yourself that God is taking care of you now, you will start to believe that he will provide for you in the future.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me everything I need today. Help me to hope for the future, free from anxiety about money.

Further Exploration: Read Christians Can Experience Deeper Rest from the Theology of Work Project Devotionals.


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

16. Servant Leaders Must Balance Servanthood and Leadership

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:21-27, Ephesians 4:15, Philippians 2:3-8

One challenge of servant leadership is balancing the selflessness of servanthood with the forthright management sometimes required of leaders.

Mark Roberts shares the following story about a time when he failed at servant leadership.

“Early in my career, I failed miserably at servant leadership. My first management job was overseeing a small tutoring business. I was responsible for hiring and supervising teachers. I remember observing one of my teachers not doing a good job, but I was afraid to confront her. So I said nothing and hoped she would improve on her own. When this didn’t happen, I realized that I would have to let her go. Dreading conflict, I sent her a letter, letting her know that her services were no longer needed.

When this teacher received my letter, she raced to my office. Banging on my door, she demanded to speak with me. When I opened the door, she proceeded to tell me in blunt language that I was a coward for not talking to her directly. I knew she was right. I had not done the honorable thing by sending a letter. Servant leadership required that I risk the discomfort of a face-to-face confrontation.

The memory of that encounter has stuck with me. Though I hate to have blunt, painful conversations, I’ve learned to have them. Part of what motivates me is the conviction that, as a leader, I’m called to serve those whom I supervise. This means I have the responsibility to tell them when they are not measuring up. It means I have to deal with the possibility of being disliked. I am called to speak the truth in love.”

Even as Jesus served others, he actively addressed problems with his followers when they occurred. This insight should inform our attitude in any leadership position. We shouldn’t refrain from exercising legitimate authority or lead timidly. Rather, we should use our position and power to further others’ well-being.

Reflection: As you think about putting servant leadership into practice, what are some of the challenges you face?

Prayer: Dear Lord, show me what it means to lead with confidence and humility. Help me see how to genuinely serve those I am called to lead. May my leadership imitate yours and glorify you. Amen.

For Further Exploration: We hope this plan encouraged you. You can find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

15. Servant Leaders Cultivate Teamwork

Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:18, John 15:15, Romans 12:4-7

An essential aspect of work is the opportunity it provides for building relationships. Relationships are an absolutely critical component of work itself, going back to when Adam and Eve worked together in the Garden of Eden.

We all depend on one another’s work. This interdependence is not a weakness, but a gift from God.

In the book of Romans, Paul writes that though we have many “members” (parts), we belong to “one body.” He applies this to the work that each of us does in a particular role. “We have gifts that differ,” he notes, and when he names a few of them, we see that they are forms of work: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership and compassion.

All of these roles are applicable to work outside the church. For example, prophecy—“to proclaim a divinely imparted message” or “to bring light to something that is hidden”[1] — is the ability to apply God’s word to dark situations, something desperately needed in every workplace. Ministry—with its cognate “administration”—is the ability to organize work so that it does in fact serve those it’s supposed to serve. Another term for ministry is “management.”

Servant leaders understand the value of each team member in his or her particular role, and nurture relationships between team members.

In an interview with Small Business School, Joseph Semprevivo, founder of Joseph’s Lite Cookies, describes his workplace this way:

“We’re team-based, and in order to have a team, you have to have honesty, integrity and promise-keeping. People need to know that [they depend on] the person to their right and to their left … and our team members in the front office depend on the team members in the production facility. And I would not have a job if it wasn’t for my team members in production. …So it’s a true partnership.”

Reflection: What are relationships like between team members in your workplace? Is there a step you can take to cultivate trust, teamwork and better relationships today?

Prayer: Father, teach me to see my co-workers as you see them. Bless our relationships so that by your grace you will be glorified through our teamwork.

[1] Gerhard Kittel, Gerhard Friedrich, and Geoffrey William Bromiley, eds., Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985), 960.

For Further Exploration: Read Work as Members of One Another (Romans 12:4–8) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

14. Servant Leaders Commit to the Growth of Other People

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Chronicles 11:10-25

In the book of 1 Chronicles, King David provides an example of servant leadership. When David finally comes into his own as a leader, he invests his talent in developing others. Contrary to his predecessor’s (Saul’s) fears of a rival, David surrounds himself with a company whose exploits rival his own (1 Chronicles 11:10-47). He honors them (1 Chron. 11:19), encourages their fame and promotes them (1 Chron. 11:25). God uses David’s willingness to sponsor and encourage people to build David’s own success and to bless the people of his realm.

Servant leaders invest in the growth of those they serve.

Reflection: How can you invest in the long-term professional, personal and spiritual growth of those you lead? How would this affect the climate of your workplace or the future of your company?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me wisdom to see how to invest in the development of those I’m leading. May we grow in becoming the people you created us to be. Amen. For Further Exploration: Read The Golden Age of the Monarchy: 2 Samuel 1-24, 1 King 1-11, 1 Chronicles 13, 21-25 from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

13. Servant Leaders Equip Others to Succeed

Scripture Reading: John 13:3-17

In the first chapters of the book of John, we see Jesus doing work that no one else did—making water into wine, giving sight to the blind, raising the dead. But in chapter 13, Jesus does something almost anyone can do, but few want to: Jesus washes his disciples’ feet.

Jesus, who reigns over the entire cosmos, performs a concrete act of lowly service. In doing so he shows us the purpose of godly work: to benefit others. Leaders who pattern their leadership after Jesus are called to accomplish their organization’s goals by meeting the needs of others, especially those they lead.

Dan King shares the following story.

“I was talking with a colleague about a project I’m leading at work. His response caught me off guard.

‘Wow,’ he said. ‘Your leadership has been exemplary.’ I had trouble seeing what I was doing that warranted praise. I can’t remember a time a compliment left me feeling so unworthy.

In essence, this project involves redesigning [a] training program. Of all the people [on] the project, I’m the guy right in the middle. To pull [it] off on time, we needed to do some serious hustling. It also required effective leadership to make all the pieces click. But my approach had been to take a serving role.

For example, I responded quickly to [my colleagues’] requests for information, even anticipating questions and delivering answers before they asked. My goal was to provide everything needed to put together a stellar program. In hustling to help everyone else, I thought of myself as a servant. My job was to deliver a large amount of grunt-work so that others could shine.

‘It’s funny that what I consider serving is perceived as leading,’ I said. He admitted he hadn’t thought of leadership that way, but it made sense. By helping others achieve, you also end up leading them.

We both walked away from the conversation resolving to be better servants.”

Reflection: Think of a project that you are leading at work. What do people on your team need from you? How can you lead through service?

Prayer: Jesus, as I reflect on your example, help me serve as you did. Amen.

For Further Exploration: Read Servant Leadership (John 13:1-20) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

12. Leaders Must Be Servants

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:35-45

In the book of Mark, chapter 10, we see James and John asking Jesus to share in his glory by sitting at his right and left hand. In such positions, they would receive both honor and exceptional authority. Jesus seized this teachable moment to reveal something radical about his style of leadership. He explained that Gentile leaders “lord it over their people” and “flaunt their authority.” But followers of Jesus must walk a different path.

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you,” Jesus said, “must be your servant.” The Greek original of this reads more literally, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” The word translated here as “servant” is diakonos (the word sometimes used to refer to a table waiter). A diakonos cared for the needs of others rather than his or her own needs. It denotes a person who serves in some subservient and humble role.

Jesus’s vision of leadership must have shocked his disciples. How can a leader also be a servant? This question continues to unsettle followers of Jesus today. All people tend to seek position and power rather than opportunities for humble service.

Servant leadership is as countercultural today as it was in the time of Jesus. Yet when we are in charge of people, we are called to be their servant. We must treat others with respect, care for their human needs and seek what is best for them, even as we seek the best for the organization in which we are a leader. Following Jesus’s leadership is not easy, but it is our calling as Christians who seek to obey and imitate Jesus.

Reflection: When you hear the phrase “servant leadership,” what or who comes to mind? Have you ever experienced this kind of leadership from one of your leaders?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I am challenged by your vision of servant leadership. This sort of thing doesn’t come naturally to me. Lord, transform my thinking and my attitudes. Help me to see the needs of my coworkers and reach out to care for them.

May I lift up those who are officially below me, seeking to honor them and acknowledge their contributions. Help me to exercise the authority given to me with humility, always seeing myself first and foremost as your servant, and therefore the servant of others. Amen.


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

11.  A Golden Rule for Making the Right Decision

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:12

Anthony Soohoo worked for Apple on the launch of the Apple PowerBook. Testing had shown that a very small sample of PowerBooks contained a harmful flaw. Soohoo was “under tremendous pressure to make a decision on whether or not to hold off bringing the product to market.” Millions of dollars would be lost through a delay, but there was also long-term risk in moving forward.

Soohoo made the decision to hold off on the product launch by putting himself in his customer’s shoes.

“If the flaw was bigger than we thought, it could have created a huge loss of trust with our customers,” Soohoo said. “Putting myself in the shoes of our customers, I think that’s what they would have expected Apple to do. Not a popular decision at the time, but it was the right decision for the business.”

Soohoo’s reasoning was a reformulation of the golden rule that Jesus set out in Matthew 7: Do to others as you would have them do to you. It’s a simple rule to apply to decisions because there’s only one question to ask: If roles were reversed, what would I like done to me?

Even though this rule is simple to apply, following through on the right decision isn’t always easy. Doing the right thing often entails personal risk. And there are competing pressures in the workplace. You may feel pressure to do something easier, rather than go through with the decision you know is right.

We can evaluate decisions by their consequences, by their effect on our character or by their effect on others around us. In the end, doing the right thing is a habit we cultivate with practice. Ask God for both the wisdom to make the right decision and the courage to follow through.

Prayer: Lord, give me guidance to make the right decision and strength to follow through. Amen.

Further Exploration: Read more about loving others through our work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary article “Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself.

Information for today’s case study came from “7 Business Leaders Share How They Solved the Biggest Moral Dilemmas of Their Careers” Fast Company, 2 June 2015


Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.