When it comes to living your faith at work, there are really just two major factors. The first is simply deciding that you will no longer live a compartmentalized life. Tens of thousands of men and women have made this decision over the past decade because bringing your whole self to work is the right thing to do. And, we are called to live our faith in all aspects of our lives, especially our work. This is the “why” of faith and work.
The second major factor is much more challenging! The “how” of faith and work is where the real work is.
Recently, our WorkMatters Institute hosted a panel of business leaders from Walmart, P&G and J.B. Hunt Transport. One of our young professional participants asked the perfect question: “How do you walk with God all day? How do you not forget about him in the busyness of the day?” That is the million dollar “how” question.
There are literally hundreds of answers to that question. It’s the question that WorkMatters’ entire marketplace ministry is focused on. Here are a few of the suggestions our WorkMatters Institute business leaders recommended:
- You must start the day with some alone time with God – Without it, our days are almost predictably more difficult. With it, our days have a strong foundation to build on.
- Practice “life-giving” activities during the day – Take a break. Walk away from your desk. Even consider getting in your car for a short drive. Listen to something inspirational or simply drive in quiet. Come back renewed.
- Find an accountability partner – Who do you have a strong enough relationship with to give permission to speak into your life during the day? Who can say to you, “You didn’t handle that meeting well. What’s going on?”
- Practice the presence of God – Literally. The book Practicing the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence is a powerful read on finding joy in every task, even the mundane.
- Pray before meetings – Nothing new here, but it is amazing to see the impact of the Holy Spirit when we say breath prayers before meetings.
- Make it a discipline – Finally, and most importantly, it takes daily intentionality to build the habit of walking with God at work.
This verse gives you all of the encouragement you need:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
More Resources:
TradingUp.org – our friend and faith at work pioneer Doug Sherman of TradingUp.org offers a powerful text message delivered twice daily intended to give you big thoughts of God to consider as though God is speaking to you.
