Two Minute Drill - Week of May 13

Job Hazards

We know what kind of violent insults can be hurled at coaches whose teams miss the playoffs for a second season in a row. We hear of even college players—nineteen and twenty year-olds, remember—getting death threats after throwing more interceptions than touchdowns.

But in their own way, any unfair complaints you may be enduring on the job right now are just as damaging and hurtful as these. Perhaps your upper-level management is making it nearly impossible for you to succeed. Maybe a coworker or employee with an axe to grind is bad-mouthing you every chance he gets. A customer whose order was delayed—just this one time—is talking you down to those who could take you down.

People can misunderstand. They can take things out of context. They can see something they don't like about you and never leave the door open for a second impression, no matter how hard you try to please them. "Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets" (Psalm 55:11).

But as for you, keep showing up for work on time with all your personal skills in playing shape. Do your best to treat others fairly, learn from criticism, control your anger. Then just "cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall" (Psalm 55:22). You don't have to beat them. You just need to know where your true victory lies.

Pray this prayer: Lord, I've really been under attack lately, and I'm getting tired of it. But you certainly know—much better than I do—how it feels to be mistreated. Help me learn how to handle this well.

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