My favorite verse directed to Christians in the workplace comes from Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
Paul wrote,
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).
This verse tells us how we are to work. We are to work with all our hearts as though working for God Himself!
I always pair the Colossians verse with a passage in Matthew as Jesus taught the disciples. In this passage, Jesus tells the disciples they are to be a light to the world, and through their example, they will draw others to the Father (Matthew 5:13-16).
The Matthew passage tells why we are to work as unto the Lord. This is because our example will draw others to the Father. Drawing non-Christians to the Father is God’s redemptive plan. God wants everyone to have a personal relationship with Him, and our workplace example serves as an entry point into that relationship.
So, as Christians, the way we conduct ourselves in the workplace, good or bad, is an example to non-believers. Working with all our hearts as unto the Lord is an example that will draw others to the Father. In comparison, Christians who neglect their work are a poor example and will drive non-Christians away from the Father.
I know which kind of example I want to be! I want to be the Christian worker whose example draws others to the Father because that is part of God’s redemptive plan.
This desire begs the question, “How can I amplify God’s redemptive plan in the workplace?”
3 Ways We Amplify God’s Workplace Plan
In her book, Make Work Matter, author Michaela O’Donnell suggests three interrelated elements contribute to our ability to amplify God’s redemptive plan in the workplace. They are participation, anticipation, and collaboration.
Participation
As Christians, our role in God’s redemptive plan is to participate in and amplify, His redemptive plan. We need to look around, see where God is already working, and then determine how we can contribute. This is the first way we can amplify God’s redemptive plan.
What opportunities exist for us to leverage our gifts, talents, and resources to build on work that God is already doing in our communities?
Is God already at work in an outreach to homeless people, mentoring young people, assisting single parents, or helping people recover from addiction? These and dozens of other opportunities exist in your community.
We are participating in God’s redemptive plan by building on a ministry that already exists.
Anticipation
The second way we can amplify God’s redemptive plan is to anticipate opportunities.
Near where I live, a small store imports handcrafted articles of clothing, jewelry, and other items from impoverished countries. This store was started by a group of young people who went on a mission trip and learned these talented craftsmen had nowhere to sell their items and make a reasonable profit.
They saw what was and what could be and decided their store was a way to close the gap. Now, these artisans earn more and can provide for their families, all because some young folks anticipated what could be.
Their store is a simple example of anticipating an opportunity to amplify God’s redemptive plan. I am confident there are dozens, if not hundreds, of similar opportunities near us.
Collaboration
Finally, collaboration is the third way we can amplify God’s redemptive plan. Sometimes, our brilliance may shine so bright that we come up with an idea all on our own, but more often, ideas brought to life result from a collaborative effort.
This blog is a good example. Sure, I do the research and write the articles. But a whole group of software programmers writes the code that makes this website possible. There is a graphics designer, and a talented young man proofreads my prose weekly. Yes, this blog is my idea, but I borrowed the concept from someone else. The result you see today is the consequence of the collaborative effort of many talented people.
Most enduring ministries result from the collaborative efforts of many people who all, in their own way, amplify God’s redemptive plan.
Effective Amplification of God’s Workplace Plan
If we are to work as unto the Lord in such a way that we are an example that draws others to the Father, the most effective way for us to work is by amplifying God’s redemptive plan in the workplace. We do that by
- participating in work that already exists,
- anticipating potential opportunities, and
- collaborating with others.
God has empowered us to complete this work through the Holy Spirit. When we do, we will be a light that shines before men that draws others to the Father!
More Articles
I have written several articles on Empowerment. You can find them by typing “Empowerment” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are several of my favorites.
- #411: 8 Things Smart Leaders Do to Set Their Followers Up for Success
- #302: My Super-Secret Plan to Integrate My Faith into the Workplace
- This is actually a series: #302, 307, 311, 315, 324, 333, 337, 341, 346, 350.
- #048: Ten Tips for Building an Empowered Organization
- #032: Are You A Leader Empowered by Grace?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. What does the phrase “work as unto the Lord” mean to you? Do the three ways of amplifying God’s redemptive plan in the workplace resonate with you?
I’d love your help. This blog is read primarily because people like you share it with friends. Would you be kind enough to share it by pressing the share button?
Category: Skill | Empowerment
Loved the part about the young folks who went on a mission trip, met struggling local artisans, and introduced them to a broader platform for sales. Nothing better reflects God’s grace than charitable acts that help our fellow man.
The store and the concept of helping in this way resonate with me because it gives people a chance to better themselves without making them reliant on handouts. In another case, my daughter, on a mission trip to Kenya, helped a group of girls living in mud huts to make and sell items needed in the community. It just takes someone with a bit of vision and a caring heart!