September 4, 2015

"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.  Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.  They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart."  Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 

Your job is a blessing! I hope that is your attitude toward the work God has provided for you.

I'm sure all of us have had to take some jobs we really weren't excited about. I had several of those at various times in my life. It was necessary to have those "dirty" jobs in order to get prepared for my "dream" job! That brings me to the second point about your attitude toward your job.

Love your job as a bridge!

One day an eager young man from Stanford University applied for a part time position at the school. The man who was doing the hiring said, “All I need now is a typist.” “I’ll take the job, said the applicant. “but I can’t start until next Tuesday.” On Tuesday he reported for work. The employer said, “Why couldn’t you come until today?” “Because I had to rent a typewriter and learn to use it!” Do you know who the student was? Herbert Hoover!

Here is a real life example of how Herbert Hoover used an entry level job as a bridge to his dream job!

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT YOUR JOB AS A BRIDGE?

It is a bridge to a strong reputation

“We know how telephone conversations are; we usually hear only one side of the conversation. A young boy was talking and his father was listening, "Hello, sir, I was calling you to see if you could use a lawn boy to do your yard work!" "Oh, I see you already have one!" "Well, is he doing your work to your satisfaction?" "He is! Thank you, sir, I was just checking," then the young boy hung up the phone. The father looked at his son and said, "Sorry son, you didn’t get the job!" "Oh, no sir," said the boy. "I’ve already got that job. I was just calling to check up on myself!"

WHAT IS YOUR REPUTATION AT THE PLACE YOU WORK?

ARE YOU MAKING YOUR FATHER PROUD?

It is a bridge to showing real faith.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people”  Galatians 6:10

Here are a few practical tips:

• Be “pre-prayered” – Pray for God to fill you so he can use you.
• Be pleasant and positive – Be a joy to work with!
• Be productive – Make the boss money and assist your co-worker

     YOUR WITNESS WILL BE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR WORK!
   
     It is a bridge to redemptive relationships

     What sort of bridges are you building to introduce the reality of Christ where you work?

If you are called to be a witness (and you are) – and if you spend 40 hours per week 50 weeks a year around the people at your job (and you do) – then how can you NOT be intentionally building bridges to your co-workers?

In the south tower, the first to collapse, a young quadriplegic was at work on the twenty-seventh floor. As evacuation of the building began, this young man instructed his personal-care attendant to leave with others via the stairs. While the attendant was at first hesitant, she agreed after the quad's best friend at work, a 55-year-old man, volunteered to remain until fire-fighters arrived to carry the quad down the stairs. The best friend could easily have made his way down the stairs, but selflessly he chose to stay with his buddy. Both men lost their lives when the south tower came down.

In the north tower, two men started down the stairs from the eighty-first floor. When they reached the sixty-eighth, they came upon a young woman in her wheelchair on the stairway landing. They quickly moved her from her wheelchair to a special fire-emergency carrying chair. Then, without regard for their own well-being, carried this lady down 68 flights of stairs to safety.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO INTENTIONALLY BUILD REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIP BRIDGES WITH THOSE YOU SPEND 2,000 HOURS EACH YEAR?