40 Faces, 40 Places: A Devotional JourneySample

Andy from the Vale of Glamorgan

Sometimes whole-life discipleship looks like being honest and compassionate when others aren’t.

I recently worked as a trustee in two charities – one Christian and one non-Christian. Unfortunately, the charity sector isn’t immune to unethical practices. Working at the non-Christian charity, I had to resist pressure to break the rules while also creating policies that close dangerous loopholes and ensuring we have a working environment where everyone can share concerns confidentially.

In both charities, I’ve felt the pressure from not trusting God to provide funding, the right staff, or opportunities to share the work with the public. Despite Covid making things vastly more complex, the charities’ staff and volunteers have clearly received extra strength and imagination to cope with the issues. The charities haven't merely maintained a reasonable level of service but have been enabled to go above and beyond.

There have also been times when relational issues have paralyzed the charity, but in each case, God has worked through me and others– not necessarily Christians – to resolve the issues. In one case, people who had been loggerheads came to understand each other’s positions and became a more effective team.

I knew the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity founder, John Stott, very well and learned a lot from him. Fruitfulness on the Frontline, an online course, encouraged my church's small group and me.

Reflection

Three of the Ms explained in the course are particularly relevant to his story. We’re all called to minister grace and love, mold the culture of our frontlines, and be a mouthpiece for truth and justice.

Whenever we shape the culture of our frontlines to be more trustworthy and honest, create safe places for people to voice honest concerns, or work to restore relationships, we’re working towards these three Ms.

It isn’t always easy, but, as Proverbs 11:1-3 reminds us, our God looks for honesty, humility, and integrity in all we do. When we invite Him to work through us where we are, we see Him changing things for the better – like Andy's workplace productivity and relationships.

Prayer

Lord, I might not be a greengrocer or trader in gold, but please bring to my mind what ‘honest scales’ look like in my tasks today. Help me have the courage and confidence I need to stay true and work to please You. Please work through me as I minister grace and love, mold the culture I’m in and act as a mouthpiece for truth and justice.