at work
Often when we meet new people, there is one question that comes up fairly early on in the conversation. That question is, ‘what do you do?’ The answer informs us a bit about the person we are talking to.
For some, their choice of career has been a well-planned route. These people knew exactly what they wanted to do/be when they were young and have methodically worked towards achieving that objective.
Others may have tried a few things but not settled until they found the job that was the right ‘fit’ for them. There is another group of people who are doing a job just to pay the bills. They may not like it but perhaps they don’t have a choice.
Then there is yet another group, who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to work. I’m sure you can think of a few more categories as well!
Most people will spend much of their life working. Ideally, it’s great to be able to do something that you love or enjoy – this does not then feel like work!
Better still is to do something with a sense of vocation or calling, where you feel like you are making a positive difference.
The latter part of the book of Genesis is devoted to the story of Joseph. He had been unwise as a young man, which led to his brothers selling him, and he ended up far from home in Egypt…
“The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favour in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.”
What stood out to me in these verses was that whatever Joseph did ‘at work’, his master (employer) noticed it, and Joseph was promoted to being in charge of the whole household.
The ‘X factor’ was ‘the Lord was with him’. God’s presence in Joseph was made visible through him. I don’t think this was just a ‘spiritual’ thing. It was a real tangible difference, that was so widespread that Potiphar entrusted his whole household over to Joseph.
As a Christian, does the presence of God in me, make a visible difference where I work? Does my faith shape how I work and bring blessing and prosperity there?
If I have the same ‘Lord with me’, as Joseph did, should, who I am, what I do and how I do it, be influenced by that, and be noticed?
Let me encourage you to take a moment to ask God about how you are at work? Are there visible signs that God is with you?
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader