by Belinda Smith
On the 1st of May every year, over 60 Countries across the world celebrate worker’s day, also known as labour day or often referred to as May Day and is a testimony to the hard battles that workers in this country and in other parts of the globe have waged for workers’ rights and social justice over many decades. The 8-hour working day was also established as a result.
With labour day behind us, I started thinking of the workforce in my own County and sadly, the reality in South Africa is that a third of our population is fighting for work, never mind for worker’s rights! Unemployment is at the highest it has ever been – so much more reason to be thankful for and appreciate the gift of a job if you are amongst those who are employed.
For many people, however, a job is just the “daily grind” – the thing you must do in order to pay the bills and to put food on the table at the end of every month. How sad if that is our only reason.
If, like me, you don’t feel like you’re a gifted evangelist, the workplace, where we spend a significant amount of our time, could become an awesome platform to show-case Jesus, make a spiritual difference, impact people and win souls for His Kingdom – IF we just dare to think a bit differently and be more intentional about our commission.
We have a responsibility to conduct ourselves at work in such a way that is pleasing to God and one which will help positively influence our working environment.
In Colossians 3:23-24, we’re told, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (NIV)
This verse reminds us that we are really working for God, no one else. We need to be honest, truthful, helpful and joyful always. We must remember that our behaviour could literally either influence someone to turn to God or to run away from Him. We never know how many co-workers could come to faith in Jesus as a result of our behaviour…. and it all starts with a little bit of Grace ….
Let’s look at what this Grace in the workplace looks like:
I found the following statement so profound:
“Let’s hold each other to a standard of grace, not perfection!” (Dr Stevie Dawn)
How amazing our working environment would be if we did just that! Grace is powerful – It’s showing our co-workers that there is no judgment when mistakes are made. We are all human after all, mistakes are going to happen – none of us are perfect. It’s giving each other some slack, a chance, the ability to feel safe when a mistake happens (note I said when it happens, as it will) and to forgive instead of punishing or ridicule.
It’s remembering that everyone is not always going to be in a good mood and to not take it personally when one of our colleagues’ snaps at us for no reason. It’s so easy to retaliate or gossip to one of our other co-workers when that happens, but let’s take a few seconds and not jump to conclusions nor make any assumptions.
In Colossians 3 vs 13 we read: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (NIV)
So let us forgive, let it go and understand that they might be reacting to something that is happening in their lives that we are unaware of, and which has absolutely nothing to do with us. Let us practice emotional maturity and be supportive rather and help by doing something constructive like asking if they’re ok and offering to pray for them or just silently offering up a prayer, asking God to help them with whatever it is that they are going through.
Grace in the workplace also means listening more and talking less! Really listening to someone else’s point of view makes him/her feel heard & feel valued. It’s putting our co-workers’ interests above ours and putting on the brakes of always wanting to push our point of view forward.
If a new employee joins the firm, make them feel welcome. Offer to make a cup of coffee for someone you see is completely snowed under with work. Show respect to everyone, not only your superiors. Treat the cleaning staff with the same respect you would the CEO of the Company.
I read the following on a T-shirt which I’m sure most of you have seen somewhere before – “If you can be anything, be kind!” Let’s keep that in mind always – especially when interacting with our co-workers.
You see, with Grace comes understanding and with understanding comes empathy and compassion and in the atmosphere of compassion, miracles happen!
In Proverbs 16 vs 3 it says: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (ESV)
Let’s ask God every morning to fill us with Grace, so that we can be effective in our working environment and attract more people to Him!
Imagine the power of a corporate culture that promotes the value of grace!