Even though I'm old, the memory of first learning these verses has remained very sharp and clear. Even the negative emotions remain. Thankfully, when I was 18, my teachers helped me master the will of God in these matters. Thus I can report that the benefits, the harvest of living and working as God desires has been abundant!
There is ONE verse that changed my life in regards to my obedience to the will of God in the work place:
Colossians 3:23
Colossians 3:23–24
[23] Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (ESV)
Working for THE LORD changes EVERYTHING! It was God who guided me thorough much of my career; it was God who gave me strength for endurance and wisdom to provide value. It was God who opened locked doors of opportunity for me. Yet, he promises to REWARD us for our faithfulness! He really loves us greatly.
The other thing I had to do was to THINK through (in detail) and develop my ethics, based upon the scriptures. I had to logically conclude, for myself, my Godly conduct.
The best job I had lasted over 3 decades. It wasn't always easy. At one time, in my 30's, I was working on learning and mastering the concept "excuse free living". I thought I was doing a great job for the company - but I thought wrong. My boss visited me one day, to give me a scathing review of my work. However, at the same time, he was good enough to give me the correction, what I needed to do to correct the situation. It was hard to take, emotionally! "It's not my fault!" and other thoughts rushed through my mind. Yet, his conclusions were correct - I couldn't deny what he told me. So, I said "You are right. I will redirect my efforts from now on." Well, his response was surprising. It was like he was prepared for a heated argument that never happened. I found out later, that other employees he spoke to that day actually laughed in his face, thinking that they were too valuable to fire. Well, their days of employment there were numbered. Even though my boss never really liked me, he was always loyal to me from that day forward, which was critical.
Here is a list of verses that have helped me fortify my mind to work according to the will of God. They may help others as well.
Now that is what I call a "comment." Loved it. If the masses would understand a simple, but profound scripture: "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves." (Romans 13:1-2) Sadly, most will not realize this until it is too late.
Excellent essay!
Even though I'm old, the memory of first learning these verses has remained very sharp and clear. Even the negative emotions remain. Thankfully, when I was 18, my teachers helped me master the will of God in these matters. Thus I can report that the benefits, the harvest of living and working as God desires has been abundant!
There is ONE verse that changed my life in regards to my obedience to the will of God in the work place:
Colossians 3:23
Colossians 3:23–24
[23] Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (ESV)
Working for THE LORD changes EVERYTHING! It was God who guided me thorough much of my career; it was God who gave me strength for endurance and wisdom to provide value. It was God who opened locked doors of opportunity for me. Yet, he promises to REWARD us for our faithfulness! He really loves us greatly.
The other thing I had to do was to THINK through (in detail) and develop my ethics, based upon the scriptures. I had to logically conclude, for myself, my Godly conduct.
The best job I had lasted over 3 decades. It wasn't always easy. At one time, in my 30's, I was working on learning and mastering the concept "excuse free living". I thought I was doing a great job for the company - but I thought wrong. My boss visited me one day, to give me a scathing review of my work. However, at the same time, he was good enough to give me the correction, what I needed to do to correct the situation. It was hard to take, emotionally! "It's not my fault!" and other thoughts rushed through my mind. Yet, his conclusions were correct - I couldn't deny what he told me. So, I said "You are right. I will redirect my efforts from now on." Well, his response was surprising. It was like he was prepared for a heated argument that never happened. I found out later, that other employees he spoke to that day actually laughed in his face, thinking that they were too valuable to fire. Well, their days of employment there were numbered. Even though my boss never really liked me, he was always loyal to me from that day forward, which was critical.
Here is a list of verses that have helped me fortify my mind to work according to the will of God. They may help others as well.
Romans 8:28
1 Corinthians 3:13 - 15
1 Corinthians 15:58
2 Corinthians 9:8
Ephesians 3:20
Philippians 2:13
Colossians 1:10
Colossians 3:23
2 Thessalonians 2:17
2 Thessalonians 3:10 - 12
Hebrews 6:10
Now that is what I call a "comment." Loved it. If the masses would understand a simple, but profound scripture: "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves." (Romans 13:1-2) Sadly, most will not realize this until it is too late.