Bridging Two Worlds

One afternoon, I had lunch with my spiritual friend. Both of us are professionals working in the marketplace, and our conversation turned to the tension we often feel living in two seemingly contrasting worlds—inside and outside the workplace.

In the workplace, we’re expected to demand and deliver high performance. Zero mistakes. Top results. Yet, in ministry, whether we are leading, serving, or interacting in the church, our demeanor shifts. It’s softer, more grace-filled. Sometimes, it feels like we’re living in two completely different worlds.

It’s a paradox that can be unsettling. In one world, we rely on our own strength and competence. In the other, we are called to surrender to God. How do we reconcile showing love in a workplace that demands excellence and firmness?

Of course, doing our best at work is important. Like Joseph, who served Pharaoh and demonstrated excellence in managing Egypt, we are called to honor God by giving our best. But does that mean we lead in the same way at church as we do in the office? Should we appear like two entirely different people in these settings?

As my friend and I reflected on this tension, we realized that it’s part of a longer journey we are still navigating. Over time, however, two principles have helped us bridge these two worlds:

1. Bear Fruit Wherever You Are: No matter where God places us, our calling is to bear fruit for Him. When we abide in Him and surrender to His leading, our lives will reflect His love and purpose.

2. Involve God in Your Decisions: The tension between these two worlds often places us in difficult dilemmas, particularly in the workplace. Bring these struggles to the Lord, trusting Him for wisdom and clarity.

My friend shared a story from his own experience. His company had announced a restructuring plan that would result in him reporting to a new boss—someone who had once been his junior. This news troubled him deeply, causing him sleepless nights. He spoke openly with his current boss and voiced his concerns. After several discussions, he took his anxieties to the Lord.

He prayed and waited, and in the midst of his uncertainty, God gave him peace and wisdom. He became calm and ready to accept the changes. He even informed his boss that he was prepared to embrace the restructuring.

Interestingly, the restructuring never happened.

But for my friend, the experience taught him a valuable lesson: how to surrender and trust in God’s perfect timing and plans.

“When I was younger,” he said, “I thought my career success was due to my intelligence, determination, and hard work. I believed I could handle any challenge on my own. Now, my perspective has shifted and I realized that my career is entirely because of God’s grace.”

He explained that in surrendering this dilemma to God, he chose to adopt this posture: “I prepared myself to see the way out that God would provide.” Even when he couldn’t see any solution, even when he had no idea what the way out would look like.

Wow.

His testimony struck a chord. Indeed, our workplaces often become the arenas where God shapes us, teaching us to trust Him more deeply.

Doesn’t this remind you of the story of the 12 spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan? Ten of them saw only obstacles and a bleak future, while Caleb and Joshua saw the way out that God would provide and trusted in God’s promise. They were ready to step into the land God had prepared, while the others only saw defeats, though technically, their eyes saw the same things.

Beloved, our workplace is not separate from our spiritual journey. It is our Emmaus Road where we walk with God daily to learn to know and trust Him more each day.