Whether our calling takes us to a factory, a high-rise office, a restaurant, a farm, a hospital, a classroom or a spare room at home, men and women are finding God at work by exercising their faith with fellow employees, managers, and customers. They’re discovering opportunities all day long to inspire others with the love of God and to be inspired in return.
Although we know the importance of exercising our faith at work it’s not always easy. Fear and pride can get in the way. We hold onto our way of doing things and avoid learning from others. Or we are afraid to share and practice our beliefs in the work environment. But we can overcome these blocks without resorting to passing out bibles in the office or cornering people and trying to convert them.
Ken Eldred, CEO of the Christian organization, Living Stones Foundation, has written an informative book, The Integrated Life: Experience the Powerful Advantage of Integrating Your Faith and Work, that provides practical and inspiring insights and advice to help today’s businessmen and women blend their work and spiritual life.
“Integration is the key to changing that mindset,” according to a description of the book on amazon.com, “and thus ‘redeeming’ the vast majority of our time, the hours devoted to work. When our work is a holy calling and a ministry, it’s loaded with spiritual significance. All that time we spend at work has spiritual value. So while balance alone might redeem some hours, integration can redeem far more!”
The author shows how to bring work and faith together so that all areas of our lives further God’s kingdom and fulfill our life mission, which leads to the abundant life God offers his people. “My purpose is to give you life in all its fullness,” (John 10:10 the Bible).
David W. Miller has also contributed to the subject of faith and work in his book, God At Work published in 2007. “Regardless of job level or salary, today’s employees want their work to be more than just a way to put bread on the table and pay the rent. This modern quest for integration has ancient theological roots,” he wrote.
In 2008, Miller joined the faculty of Princeton University, launching the Faith & Work Initiative, which is dedicated to the study of these issues. More information is available at the Princeton University Center for the Study of Religion website: http://www.princeton.edu/csr/current-research/faith-and-work.
Finding God at work will not only transform your daily experience but may bring others to faith, creating a life-changing experience for them, as well.
Enjoy this inspiring You Tube video of an interview with Christian author and consultant, Dr. Henry Blackaby, a Canadian now living in the U.S., about his work mentoring top business leaders of America. He teaches how to bring faith into the workplace based on Biblical principles.
©Karen O’Connor (www.karenoconnor.com). Karen contributes regularly to Finding God Daily.Visit Karen’s website to learn more about this author who has touched the lives of many women.
