The enemy has many ways he can attack us at work. One of the ways I am attacked most is distraction. Satan knows my weaknesses and can use them to take my focus away from God’s will or the task at hand and instead focus on sinful, wasteful pursuits. I came across a verse recently that really helped bring God’s will into focus. Try this test next time you’re feeling out of focus in your faith and work:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:8
Let’s unpack some of these questions:
Is it true? – Your integrity is at stake here. If it is false, move on. If you run across something false that could be harmful to your employer, you may need to report it to your supervisor.
Is it honorable? – Does it bring honor to you, your family, your employer, and God? This is a good time to circle back with your personal values as well as your company’s values. Your values are always good reference points.
Is it just? – Is it fair to everyone involved? At times, some decisions feel like “lose-lose” propositions. Revisit the first few questions and ask God for clarity on which decision is best.
Is it pure? – Examine your focus for sin. Are you allowing gossip, lust, anger or another sin to distract you at work?
Is it lovely? – Love is at the top of our list of the 7 Pillars of Faith and Work. Is your focus full of love or hate? If it’s the latter, it’s time to adjust your focus.
Is it commendable? – Similar to honor, are you focused on things that you would be willing to share with others? If you feel like you have to keep that thought or focus to yourself, you need to change course.
Is it excellent? – Excellence is another one of our Seven Pillars of Faith and Work. Are you aiming high and pushing hard in your focus or are you allowing your direction to lead you to slothful pursuits?
Is it worthy of praise? – I love this last one. Does your focus bring praise to God or does it defame his name? May everything we dwell on at work bring honor, glory, and praise to God!
As marketplace practitioners, we have to fortify our thoughts. Our thoughts drive our self-talk. Our self-talk influences our attitude. Our attitude shapes our behavior. Our behavior is what gets reflected to others. You see – it is all connected. Using this test throughout the day had radically changed my attitude at work. I encourage you to try this out next time you feel out of focus in your faith at work.
