Kingdom Influence at the Workplace

Practical ways young believers can influence their sphere at the workplace for God’s Kingdom

Let me set the context to this post. First, I do not have a lot of experience in the workplace, 2 years and 4 months to be exact. So if you are looking for in-depth content this might not be the post you’re looking for. That being said, I do love the Workplace and what God’s Word says about it. I also know how challenging it can be entering the workplace as young people. In most cases, we start our careers unprepared. It is with this heart, I’m writing on this topic, from my experience and perspective.

Last year in 2018 our Church – All Peoples Church (APC) hosted its annual Christian Professionals Conference. As a part of the pre-event buzz, the team ran a white paper challenge. To write your thoughts on a topic from a list curated by the team. I really didn’t think much of it. After a reminder email was sent a day before the due date. I thought why not give it a shot. I didn’t put much effort into the piece in all honesty. Fast forward to October 6th, 2018, the day of the conference. It was time to announce the winners of the pre-event contest. And to my surprise, I won the white paper challenge! I really couldn’t believe it.

“Work is so foundational to our makeup that it is one of the few things we can take in significant doses without harm. Indeed, the Bible does not say we should work one day and rest six or that work and rest should be balanced evenly but directs us to the opposite ratio. Leisure and pleasure are great goods, but we can take only so much of them.”

– Tim Keller

So here it is, my unedited white paper piece for you to read and gain insight. Enjoy!

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Called & Commissioned

I’d like to start by stating the truth of God’s Word. That is, we are called to be a people of impact in every area and dimension of life. Including our workplace environment. One of the very last words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-19, says to “go and make disciples of all nations”. In fact, this was our original design from the very beginning in Genesis 1:26 where God creates Man in His own image and gives Man the mandate to rule and take care of Earth. Now in the workplace, each of us individually has a role and place to make this impact, and God gives us the Grace to do so, as we see in Ephesians 4:7. We are to know and grow in this Grace in order to bring Kingdom Influence in our sphere. Wherever we are in the professional realm, this must be rooted in our hearts.

Mentor & Imitate

Before we get to mentorship, it’s crucial for each of us to understand that Jesus must be our ultimate source for inspiration and wisdom, Ephesians 5:1 starts out with the phrase “follow God’s example, be imitators of God and walk in Love…”. We must rely and lean on God to bring impact. Moving on, to me, the most practical way to grow and learn in the workplace is to have a mentor or buddy. Someone preferably who is a leader or master per se in the domain/field you are in. We see in scripture as well to follow the example of those around us, Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:17- “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do”. I believe having a role model in the business world is key to growing and bringing influence to the sphere we’re called to.

Excellence

The most impactful way we can bring about influence is to be excellent in what we do. Whatever the domain, expertise or skill, we as God’s people need to be at the forefront. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. No matter where we are on the ladder, it’s important we excel and bring out the best in everything we do. Ask any organisation, there is nothing like having the best resource in your team.

Final Thought

As I conclude, it’s time for us as Christian Professionals to rise up and take our place. The world is filled with Sin and its adverse culture, but we need to bring the Aroma of Christ as mentioned by Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:15. We need to start somewhere, start today.

The World needs a representative of Jesus.

The Workplace needs a representative of Jesus.

If not us then whom?

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That was my white paper piece. I hope this has given you a picture of our role as young believers in the Workplace.

“God has designed you uniquely for a purpose. Part of the unfolding

of that purpose may include the workplace. Hence, who you are

and what you do in the workplace is important. Who you

become and what you accomplish in the workplace is greatly

influenced by your personal vision and purpose.”

— Ps. Ashish Raichur, from the book Timeless Principles for the Workplace

As I conclude this post… If you’re reading this and you are already in the workplace, I pray that God would take you to newer heights for His Glory. If you’re here and you are stepping into work soon, my prayer is that you would be the perfect representative of Jesus in the Workplace. Thank you for reading and pouring in the support. Feel free to share this with your friends and family and don’t forget to comment your thoughts as well.

God Bless!
– Sam D. Mathews

Kingdom Influence at the Workplace

Called & Commissioned

Mentor & Imitate

Excellence

Final Thought

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