There is more than this! Finding blessing at work!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:42AM On a Wednesday morning we have a prayer group that meets from 6h30-7h30 at our company. It is a wonderful gathering that fills me with hope, connects me with my faith, and offers support and encouragement for the week. But, it also allows me to see many of our staff arriving at work to start the day.
It is pretty sobering to see people arriving for work, knowing that they have 9 hours ahead of them, and many of them don't look energised, let alone blessed, by the prospect of being at work. I can understand some of the practical considerations that make going to work difficult - the mother of a newly born baby who longs to be with her child. That father of a sick wife who arrives at work worried about how his wife is feeling. The person who has to face a difficult boss, and those who don't particularly enjoy the tasks they are to do in order to earn an income and survive.
Indeed, work can be difficult - but, the good news is that there is MORE to work than just working! There is an immeasurable opportunity to find blessing at work by allowing God to use you to BECOME a blessing at work. And, it may be much simpler and easier to do than you think!
Listen to this interview between Particia McNaught Davis from Radio Helderberg and Dion Forster (broadcast on the 15th of June 2010 - 8mb MP3) and you may just get a few insights to help you to discover that your work life can be transformed into an extraordinary calling. Something that you look forward to, because there is a sense of incredible significance and purpose in what you're doing there - you are sent by God to achieve His will in that place, among those people, and within those systems! Indeed, 'work can be worship' (Col 3.23-24).
You can also download the first few chapter of the book 'Transform your work life: Turn your ordinary day into an extraordinary calling' and read all about Graham Power and how God is using him in business, and also about Dion Forster - a pastor who has been sent by God to work in the marketplace.
You can purchase copies of the book (with a free leather journal) for on R88 (just over US$10) at ChristianRepublic. Or if you're in South Africa you can pick up copies at Wordsworth books, Exclusive Books, CUM books etc.
Reader Comments (4)
Reminds me of my last Sermon on Samuel 17. here is a synopsys.
Consider the source of David’s power against Goliath, and ask yourself: As you go forward in life, how are you going to avoid losing your soul?
There is today such a hype in our country about power in leadership. Is our leadership in the quest for power forgetting about the little guy. Are we somehow trying to become the big guy, the Goliath’s of this world.
Are we following the wrong motives when we look at the big guy somehow trying to follow him or her. What are the motives of the leaders of today; is it vested in all for the sake of power? It asks the question of us; where does your power come from?
Maybe this is the best moment of your life to think about where power really comes from. David’s power lies in his five smooth stones. And this story shows us five sources of power. David’s power. God’s power. And your power.
The Five Smooth Stones
1. Doing the mundane things but doing it well and taking pride in it.
2. Make friends with the outdoor world. Do not rely on technology or physical advantage.
3. Know yourself – don not try and become someone else
4. Know who God is.
5. Know what power fundamentally is – what you have learned in life.
Treasure what you have learned about in what this story shows us of the five sources of power. David’s power. God’s power. And your power. Those stones hold the secret of where true power is to be found.
Don’t turn it into armor or weaponry, to protect yourself or damage others. Treat it as five smooth stones. Let it show you what time, the world, yourself, God, and power really are. Cherish those five stones. Use them wisely. Hold them close to you, and hear David whispering to you: “You don’t need to become Goliath.”
PS - We have a work Monday prayer meeting at 1:15 - What a Blessing.
Hi Herman,
Thank you for sharing your insights! What a great inspiration. I like the manner in which you have linked the 5 smooth stones analogy - very creative!
I hope that you're doing well?
I read your book and posted a review of it on my blog. If you intersted in looking at it.
Rgeards
Simon
Hi Simon,
Thank you for your review. I truly appreciate it - for others who follow this discussion you can find Simon's review on his blog here.
I have left comment on your review. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to the book. I appreciate it a great deal!
God bless,
Dion