How to be a Christian at Your Work – Part 1 of 2Smakprov

Our guide word “NICER” helps remind us how to live as a Christian at our work: 

Today, we look at the letter C, which reminds us to be “Compassionate in relationships”, even at work. For this, we look to the life of Jesus during his work on earth. 

First, let’s have a look at what Jesus’ work really was – describing it as we might describe a new business startup today:

Objective -- Develop a new culture / launch a new product, and set it up for lasting global success. 

Team -- Find and educate them yourself. 

Schedule -- Finish the job in 3 years. 

Budget -- No money. 

Facilities -- Company facilities (synagogues) are available, but not the support of existing staff (priests, Levites, etc.), who will actually see this new project as a threat.

Wow! I bet you hadn’t looked at Jesus’s earthly assignment to do His Father’s business like that before.  Put this way, it’s quite a challenge, even for the Son of God!

So Jesus has more than his hands full with this challenging business startup assignment. Now, let’s catch up with him as he’s out working on this in Matthew chapter 9. 

Here, we find Jesus in the midst of his travels from town to town to preach the good news and heal the sick. He’s on a massive 3-year road trip to change how people see religion and their relationship with God.

A non-stop road trip with so much to do… 

But then check Matthew 9:36 – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them...”  

Similarly, when Jesus’ comes across a funeral procession of people he has never met in his travels, we again hear about his compassion: “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her…” (Luke 7:11-13)

As CEO of this demanding startup venture, Jesus was busy and pressed for time, yet he still made time to be compassionate. We may also have a busy schedule with pressing demands, but even so, we are still called to be “Compassionate in relationships.” 

Think about your work… Oftentimes, you may be so busy trying to get your work done, that you can’t find time to even think about caring for and showing compassion to your fellow employees.

But as Christ-followers, we’re all called to be like Jesus, aren’t we?

So, even if you’re busy or behind schedule, look for an opportunity to exercise compassion, just like Jesus did. A moment here, a kind word there, is enough to get started.

Then watch how God can use you for His glory, even at your work. 

PRAYER

Lord, I know that you love me, even so much that you gave your only son to die for me. Help me to also show this kind of love and compassion to my coworkers, especially when I get too busy or don’t feel like caring. Thank you for your unstoppable love. Amen.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT

To what degree do you exercise compassion at your work?

Have you ever gone out of your way to show compassion to someone at work, even though they’re not part of your regular work group?

What do you think would happen if you did that? Would people notice?