Christian Management
I am amazed that reality TV shows have lasted so long and I am concerned about
what they seem to promote. Some promote a viciousness of self survival with a no
matter what it takes or who it hurts attitude.
This world is turning into a society of narcissistic robots. Of course, I use
the word narcissistic loosely and not as a professional mental health diagnosis.
People are being taught that if they want to get ahead in their career they have
watch out for number one and shred others to pieces while dragging them down so
they can jump over their beaten body. They do this with a lack of emotions,
conscience, or concern for anyone in their path as though they are robots. They
do what is best for themselves. Period.
Surviving with sharks
Can a Christian survive swimming with sharks? Yes, absolutely but only with the
guiding and protecting hand of God. If we do what is right and ask the Lord to
control the results then sharks cannot do harm. What is right? The right things
to do are the basic Christian principles. Care more for others than yourself. Be
honest. Be fair. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Have
compassion. Have mercy. Forgive. Be slow to anger. Be quick to listen. Etc.
We often forget that God is not only judging our personal life but he is also
judging our professional life.
Christ was the Master Manager
No human has ever had or will ever have more power or wealth than Christ. He is
the creator of everything ever created and has inherited ownership of it all by
the Father. Yet Christ didn't smoothly glide around among the people looking for
whom he could destroy so that he could look good or have it better. He owned it
all but never took possession of a earthly home. He owned it all but never had
the finest of earthly transportations available. He was the Master of masters
yet he washed the feet of his subordinates. Christ cared more about doing the
will of the Father than promoting his own power, fame, or wealth. This is the
management example we should follow.
We might not see the immediate results of our efforts but there will be good
eternal results. If we need instant gratification to make it worth our while,
then we might be highly disappointed. To be completely honest Christians should
be willing to do what is right even if zero rewards are involved. Christ saved
me from an eternal life in hell, so as far as I am concerned that alone is worth
my obedience for the rest of my life without expecting additional rewards.
I miss my father so much. He was adamant about teaching me that I should do the
right thing, even if it was to my own hurt (Ps 15:4). I try to live by this.
Most of the time I can, but sometimes when I am face to face with a real live
human shark, who has singled me out for bait, it is extremely difficult.
Who’s in control?
Remember the Lord is in total control of who rules all dominions including the
tiny companies – tiny from His prospective —we work for. I have witnessed
personally his corporate maneuvers. I worked six years for a person unfit to be
a manager. He was dishonest and unfair. But I prayed every day – all day long
for six years – for God's protection and guiding hand. Then one day, I witnessed
the moment that God chose to take care of the matter. It was amazing how it all
came about and I have absolutely no doubt that is was the hand of God that
controlled the chain of events. Six years was a huge chunk of my life but I
never stopped begging God to help me nor stop believing God had the power to
change the management over me. God tested my willingness to wait upon him and
his timing.
What is more important than climbing the corporate ladder?
I love Jesus and I pray I can always manage and deal with fellow employees with
the same humble attitude that Christ exhibited, even if I never get close to the
top. The light we shine on Christ is far more important than how far we climb
the corporate ladder. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah – who is more commonly
known by their Babylonian names of Shadrach, Mishael, and Abednego than by their
godly Hebrew birth names (which I prefer) -- were not only willing to give up
their very powerful political positions but they were willing to give up their
lives by being burned to death in exchange for doing the godly thing. You are
probably familiar with their response to king Nebuchadnezzar, "If it be so, our
God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he
will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O
king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou
hast set up." Daniel 3:17-18
It's natural to be competitive and have a desire to be promoted but never forget
that our behavior is being watched and judged by God. Make godly decisions.
Treat people the godly way. There is no higher "top of the ladder" as there is
in heaven. The spiritual ladder position will be eternal. The corporate ladder
only last a few years and then it evaporates into time.
Psalm 15
By Marilyn H Spicer