Today's Scripture
"All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:2-3 NIV
Thoughts for Today
For our last look this week at inventorying our lives, let's think about choices in the workplace. Sometimes we tend to live by a different set of standards in our career or business, but God wants us to be guided by his principles in every area of our lives. It is especially important to consider our motives for doing what we do at work. Are we motivated mostly by our desire to move up the ladder and make more money--or is honoring Jesus still our most important motivator?
In taking inventory, make a list of questions to ask yourself. You might want to use some like these:
- Have I been swept into a competitive mode that causes me to try to get ahead even at the expense of hurting other people?
- Do I base business decisions solely on my desire to succeed, or do I first consider the integrity of my choices?
- Has my work become so all-consuming that I am putting it above my focus on my family?
- Am I participating in workplace gossip or complaining?
- What kind of influence am I having on those around me?
Consider this …
Honestly inventorying your attitudes and actions in the workplace is the first step toward correcting any problem areas. As you confess your failures to God, he will forgive you and help you chart a better path. Jesus loves you. Only as you choose to do things his way will you find real success—the kind that lasts for an eternity.
Lord, help me clearly see my motives for all I do in the workplace. Forgive me for letting my desire to get ahead in my career overshadow my desire to honor you in all I do. I pray above all that my employer and co-workers will see Jesus in me and that you will use me to encourage them and influence them toward you. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Stepping into Freedom: A Christ-Centered Twelve-Step Program by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This twelve-step program is suggested for use in support groups, recovery groups and home groups. It offers help for anyone struggling with a life-controlling problem like drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addiction, gambling or workaholism. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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