Sacrificial Love Gives Us Endurance at Work

(Note: This article was published on the Christian Grandfather Magazine and The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics blog, and was posted on the Coram Deo blog.)

Recently, I had some interesting thoughts regarding one of my favorite theology of work topics. Let me circle back to the subject of “thorns and thistles” of which I have written several articles on my blog and discussed in chapter 7 of my book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession.

I discovered a connection between Christian love and work that I had never noticed before. The main idea is that we can continue to pursue the challenging tasks we are called to do despite the difficulties we experience because love by definition implies sacrifice. We can endure during the hard times for three good reasons: 1) God calls us to work even though it is hard, 2), sacrifice demonstrates love to others, and 3) suffering for doing right is part of the normal Christian life. Let’s unpack this a bit.

God calls us to work, even though it is hard

Let me start at the beginning. In Gen. 1:28, God declares what is referred to as the creation or cultural mandate. It is both a blessing and a command. God had a critical job for Adam and Eve which also applies to us. They were called to cultivate the earth and bring out its potential, expand God’s creation, and be fruitful and multiply. This job began in Gen. 2:15 when God put them in the garden to work it.

We read in Gen. 3:16-19 that Adam’s sin resulted in God cursing the ground he was called to work. Instead of good things like food and flowers, the garden was now going to produce thorns and thistles, making work unnecessarily difficult. It also brought painful labor to Eve’s mission to bring forth new life. The very things that Yahweh called them to do were forever going to be harder than intended.

From this point forward, labor for men and women was going to be painful, time-consuming, frustrating, stressful, sweaty, and full of relational conflict. And yet, the work had to be done.

It also occurs to me that work is not just hard because of Adam’s sin and everyone else’s. It is hard by design. It takes physical effort to cut down trees, build a house, or haul in a net full of fish. It takes mental effort to analyze complex data, conduct legal research to defend a client, or to discover a cure for cancer. Even though work is hard, God created human beings in His image with strength of mind and body who have the capacity and capability to accomplish great things to expand His creation.

Sacrifice demonstrates love to others

The second reason that can motivate us to keep on working faithfully, even when it seems impossible is to do so, is to show love to those whom God has placed in our paths wherever it is that we work. If we press on when work is hard, it displays love to our bosses, coworkers, employees, and customers.

Love implies sacrifice. Love is defined as sacrificially meeting someone’s legitimate needs. We often have to give up something of ourselves: time, talent, or treasure. Think of the Good Samaritan. I am also reminded of Jesus washing the disciples’ dirty feet. That took love. (See John 13:1-17.)

The Apostle John wrote this powerful assessment regarding Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross for all humankind: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13).

There are countless examples of those whose work is incredibly difficult, and yet they continue doing it day after day because they love those whom they have been called to serve. Mothers and fathers immediately come to mind. They care for their children 24/7/365, keeping them alive, growing, and safe. There are many other workers who press on through incredible challenges. Think about teachers, nurses, police, etc., who do what they do out of love for those who desperately need their expertise.

Suffering is part of the Christian life

We have discussed that work is going to be difficult because of Adam’s sin. And yet, God calls us to work. When we willingly sacrifice our time, talent, and treasure, as well as giving up our pride, our sleep, a meal or two, and the freedom to do what we want in order to serve others, this demonstrates unconditional love. This kind of suffering, whether big or small, is a normal part of the Christian life.

The Apostle Peter gives Christian employees some helpful instructions. “Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” (1 Peter 2:18). He exhorts workers to press on in spite of the actions of their sinful bosses. Peter also taught that suffering for doing good is to be expected. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

I have only had a handful of what I would consider bad bosses in my many years with the Army. There was one I had a few years ago that forced me to focus on applying these biblical principles. I had to pray about my attitude and depend on the Holy Spirit to guide me as I responded to her yelling at me.

Working in an environment filled with sinful men and women (including ourselves) is one result of the Fall. This is the doctrine of original sin. (I invite you to read an article I wrote about this topic.)

We also know well that trials we go through build our character and increase our faith (James 1:2-4). Think of those irritating things and selfish people at work as a trial or a test that we must endure.

The good news is that God did not leave Adam and Eve to remain in the mess that they created for themselves and us. The gospel of Jesus Christ brings to all some measure of relief from the curse. He may not redeem work in this life, but He does redeem, renew, and restore workers who belong to Him.

Sherman and Hendricks, in Your Work Matters to God put this consequence of Adam’s sin in proper perspective. I absolutely love this quote. “Work is not our enemy. Sin is our enemy. And only Christ is adequate to deal with sin. His strategy for dealing with sin, however, is never to remove us from the jungle, but instead to make us adequate to live in the jungle … Sin may make the work world a jungle. But we must never forget that Christ is the Lion of Judah, the King of the jungle!”  Hallelujah!

Parting thoughts

When our jobs are the most difficult, if we reach out to the Lord by faith and seek His face in the Word and in prayer, His presence will be with us to give us strength to persevere through every trial we face.

As we serve our bosses, coworkers, employees, and customers with God’s sacrificial love that was modeled for us by Jesus, we glorify God. We put the spotlight on the one who redeems workers and enables them by grace to bring a bit of the Kingdom of God to our workplaces. God’s curse on work will continue until Jesus returns, but until then, let us continue to be faithful to love others in spite of it.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 42 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is passionate about helping people with ordinary jobs experience God’s presence at work. Russ received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math teacher and youth minister. He served for 20 years on active duty and has worked for 15 years as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Since 2015, he has written over 200 articles on faith and work topics. Over one hundred of these have been published or posted on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine. (See complete list of published articles on Linktree.)

Not Compromising our Faith at Work

Two weeks ago, I posted an article I wrote on social media. The next day, I received a response from someone I didn’t know. They thought my article on spiritual development in the Army would serve “as a helpful start for any Christian soldier wanting to think more intentionally about the intersection between soldiering and the Christian faith.” I was grateful for their feedback.

They also had a few questions for me to address, which seemed to come from an anti-military bias. I wanted to be careful how I responded. I replied that their questions deserved a thoughtful response and that I would try to answer them soon. Since they were important questions that other Christian workers might also be interested in, I decided to tackle them by writing a fresh article.

Here are the questions I was asked to consider:

• What if military values (whether espoused or practiced) conflict with biblical values?
• Should the Christian soldier submit to his/her employers when the latter behave or issue instructions/orders contrary to Biblical values?
• How does love for one’s neighbor find expression in that context for which the training, maintenance and repair of weapons, and the advising of senior leaders take place, namely, combat against a foreign enemy of the state?

My responses to these questions below will be presented in two parts. After I provide a biblical response to the issue from my experiences in the military, I will then address them in general terms in order to be most helpful to the largest number of Christian workers in a variety of fields.

What do I do when my employer’s values conflict with biblical ones?

In my experience as a Christian Soldier, I discovered early on that serving in the U.S. Army was a good fit for my Christian values. For example, integrity was extremely important. We were trained on the value of telling the truth, doing what was right, and abiding by the standards. Whenever our leaders found a Soldier not doing those things, counseling was given verbally and/or put into writing, punishments were handed out, and other corrective measures were taken. I rarely had to go through any of those things because of my desire to do what was right for the glory of God.

In general, though, Christians will occasionally find themselves at odds with the values and views of their employers, coworkers, subordinates, and customers. Even though the organization may encourage positive values, there will still be a number of individuals with whom you will work who are unbelievers with an anti-Christian worldview resulting in godless actions and attitudes.

How do we get along with them? We can’t avoid them altogether. The Apostle Paul points out that we would have to leave this world if our goal was to disassociate with sinners completely. Quite simply, I recommend doing what Jesus said was of utmost important: love your neighbor. Sacrificially meet their legitimate needs through the work you do and show them a better way.

How do I respond if my employer directs me to do something contrary to Scripture?

After serving on active duty for 20 years and in nearly 15 years of working in a civilian capacity, I honestly cannot recall a single instance where a senior officer or NCO ordered me to do something that would have violated my conscience or forced me to compromise my Christian faith. This is not to say that I have agreed with all of the policies that have been put in place at the highest levels, but none of these policies have negatively impacted me or caused me to compromise where I work.

The obvious place to go in God’s Word to find some definitive and timeless guidance is the book of Daniel, in the narrative of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Let me summarize this incident.

In Daniel 3:1, we read that “King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold.” In verse 5, we see that the people were commanded to “fall down and worship the golden image” when the music played. Those who refused to do so would immediately be thrown into “a burning fiery furnace” (Dan. 3:6).

Three young Jewish exiles who had been appointed to work in Babylon ignored this decree. As a result of their courageous refusal to obey the directive that was clearly contrary to the second of ten commandments to not bow down to a graven image (Exo. 20:4), they were tossed into the furnace.

They refused to compromise their faith. They were all willing to die for it. Their bold statement to Nebuchadnezzar indicated that they believed that Yahweh was powerful enough to deliver them from death. However, even if He did not do so, they were not going to bow down (Dan. 3:17-18). And so, we too as Christians may need to choose our battles. If standing up to our boss results in termination, a lawsuit, or anything else, we need to be willing to go through it and trust God.

How can Christians justify their part in military operations where human life is at stake?

This question is probably the easiest for me to respond to from a military perspective. I have written a few articles on the intrinsic and instrumental value of the work of those who serve in our military.

I do acknowledge the pacifist (or non-violent) approach to conflict resolution. However, that is not the view that has been widely accepted historically by the majority of Christians. Most believers understand the need for justice workers, those who work in law enforcement, in the judicial system, or in the military, because it is based on a foundational biblical doctrine that human beings are basically sinful. We will always need those who are willing to go into harms’ way to stand in the gap in order to protect the lives, limbs, and property of its citizens to bring peace.

Here is a great quote by Martin Luther from the book Callings by William Placher that helps me to better understand that those who serve in the profession of arms are truly doing God’s work: “When I think of a soldier fulfilling his office by punishing the wicked, killing the wicked, and creating so much misery, it seems an un-Christian work completely contrary to Christian love. But when I think of how it protects the good and keeps and preserves wife and child, house and farm, property, and honor and peace, then I see how precious and godly this work is; and I observe that it amputates a leg or a hand, so that the whole body may not perish. For if the sword were not on guard to preserve peace, everything in the world would be ruined because of lack of peace.”

So, absolutely yes, when a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, Marine, or Guardian (Space Force) does his or her assigned job that contributes to the readiness of their organization to be able to fight and win on a foreign battlefield against an enemy, they are loving their neighbor. They are loving their battle buddies with whom they serve and they are loving the citizens they have sworn to protect. Since this kind of work contributes to increasing shalom in society, their efforts haves eternal value.

Closing challenge

Although there may be some who find the military to be a field where Christians don’t belong, I think we actually need more Christians in the military. God is present in this valuable work.

In any field of work, if a Christian feels uncomfortable with where their organization is going, what they stand for, or what they value, they can either stay to bring salt and light to a decaying and dark environment, or they can find another place in this world in which to serve. However, it is unlikely to be much different than the first. This world is fallen. It will remain so until Jesus returns.

I think it is important to remember that each career field has its own unique temptations, just like it has its own set of “thorns and thistles”. In business, a Christian salesman may be directed to hide the truth about a product’s vulnerabilities, pad his or her expense account, or share a hotel room with a member of the opposite sex. In each case, the employee is faced with a hard decision. I am trusting they will take the wise path that leads to righteousness, regardless of the consequences.

God does indeed protect us from harm more often than not and delivers us from evil as needed.  However, sometimes He does allow us to experience loss and to suffer for righteousness’ sake. In those cases, rest assured that God will provide. He makes all things beautiful In His time.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 42 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is passionate about helping people with ordinary jobs experience God’s presence at work. Russ received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math teacher and youth minister. He served for 20 years on active duty and has worked for nearly 15 years as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Since 2015, he has written 200 articles on faith and work topics. One hundred and ten of these have been published on several Christian organization’s websites, including: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine. (See list of published articles on Linktree.)

You Will Enjoy the Fruit of Your Labor

During a conversation about a year ago about how God had blessed our respective adult children, I remarked to my wife’s sister that I was glad she was enjoying the fruit of her labor. In using the word labor, I was referring to the hard work over two decades in raising her three children. It was only after I had said it that I recognized that since she had given birth to these kids, there were labor pains involved.

God’s promise to Israel

I recalled a verse from the OT (Ps. 128:2), where God offers hope to the Israelites during their captivity. Yahweh said that there would come a day when they would once again “enjoy the fruit of their labor”.

In context, these Israelites, as a consequence of their own rebellion towards God, were taken abruptly into captivity. They were forced to leave their farms and homes for a land far away. Their captors went back to Israel and took the harvest and their homes from them. Thus, the Israelites did not get to enjoy the fruit of their own labor. Someone else, who did not put in the hard work, was going to enjoy it instead of them. God was reminding them that a day would come, after their long captivity, where all would be restored.

Let me offer some brief observations about those times when we do not enjoy good results from our work and how God promises to bring restoration in His time and for His glory.

Our own captivity

So, let’s bring this into a contemporary context. How would you feel if this was your experience?

Can you imagine completing a major construction project and then someone else receiving all the credit and the bonus that came with it? Can you fathom writing a book and having someone else’s name on the cover? These examples highlight the pain of losing the benefits of what you worked so hard to achieve.

These situations may be extreme. However, don’t we all face disappointment when we don’t reap what we think we have sown as a result of our labor? How does a farmer feel when the crops don’t measure up to last year’s? How does a student feel when he doesn’t get the grade he thought he deserved? How does a parent feel when a child makes a bad decision or doesn’t live up to their potential?

We need to be reminded that in the time in which we find ourselves, in-between Jesus’s first and second comings, work will be harder than necessary due to Adam’s sin, everyone else’s, as well as our own. However, we must never forget that Jesus will return one day. When He does, everything will be restored.

God’s promise of restoration

One might say that sometimes our work seems to be fruitless. One might say that our efforts are in vain.

The writer of Ecclesiastes certainly understood this concept quite well. He observed that “the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Eccl. 2:17).

However, there is a great promise in one of the Apostle Paul’s letters in the New Testament that should give us hope in the same way as the promise we read above in Ps. 128:2 gave hope to the Israelites. Paul exhorts, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).

My wish is to exhort you in a similar fashion. I realize that some of us may feel like we are also in captivity, exiled to a foreign land or even wandering around in a desert place where there is no hope. If this is your experience right now, you should be reminded of Jesus’s word of encouragement to His disciples: “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

God promises that there will come a day, perhaps sooner than you expect, either in this life or the life to come, when all things will be made new. There will be no sorrow, no pain, no limitations, or no injustice. The work that you did, with the Lord, in the Lord, and for the Lord will not have been done in vain.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 41 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is passionate about helping people with ordinary jobs experience God’s presence and integrate their Christian faith at work. Russ received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math and science teacher and youth minister. He has completed 35 years of active federal service, including 20 years on active duty and over 14 years as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Since 2015, he has written 190 articles on faith and work topics. One hundred of these articles have been published on several Christian organization’s websites, including: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine. (See list of published articles on Linktree.)

Reflections on Working in a Job a Long Time

(Note: This article was posted on the Coram Deo blog, The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics blog in two parts, here and here, the Reformed Perspective blog, and the 4Word Women blog.)

I recently wrote an article about the challenges that a worker and his or her family will face when they start a new job. It has been a long time since I have done that, as I have served here over 14 years. I sensed there might be some things I have learned that may help others. Perhaps I could reflect on some of the challenges and blessings of working in the same job for a long time from a biblical perspective.

I invite you to consider with me what it might look like for a Christian to remain in the same job for an extended season. What are some of the downsides, if any? What are some of the advantages? Let me unpack this topic a bit, using some Scriptures and my understanding of the theology of work. To begin, let me address two potentially negative consequences for those who stay in the same job a long time.

Complacency

When a senior leader arrived at our organization several years ago, he expressed some concerns about me being complacent in the job. He thought that after six years I might have gotten too comfortable in this position, that I had stopped growing and improving, or that I did not care as much as I should.

I can see why an outsider who did not know me well might have some general concerns about an employee who been around awhile. These things are quite real. Some people do in fact get comfortable and set in their ways, stop learning new ideas, or no longer care. These bad habits can be temptations for Christians to fall into over time as they settle into their job responsibilities and routines for years.

However, there are some things while serving here that I have learned to help fight these temptations. What drives me to not be lazy, to keep on looking for ways to improve, and to pursue excellence in all that I do is simply this. As a Christ-follower, I have chosen to remember who I really work for.

The Apostle Paul, in Col. 3:23-24, instructs Christian workers to demonstrate their transformation in Christ. He teaches them to submit to their bosses, knowing who they ultimately work for. Paul exhorts, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Jesus is their true boss.

As I have done this myself, my motivation changes. I sincerely labor to do what is right for the glory of God, regardless of who is or is not looking. Moreover, I fully recognize that each one of us who are indwelt by God’s Spirit work in the very presence of God, which causes me to not be complacent.

Overconfidence

Another possible unintended result of a Christian working in the same position for some time is that it is easy to get overconfident in our own abilities, experience, and knowledge. This could cause us to lean on our own flesh and not depend daily on God’s strength and grace to get us through each day.

In my experience, I have found success in the recurring projects I have planned. When I have been tempted to get comfortable in my own way of doing things or have not been open to the ideas of my supervisor or from my team, I risked being perceived as an employee who is no longer value added.

This sense that we can do it all without anyone’s help (including God’s) is rooted in pride. I have to say that I struggle with that myself on occasion, when I think to myself, “Look at what I just did!”

In a devotional I subscribe to, I was reminded of a passage that has been meaningful to me since my college days that clearly applies to a tenured employee. Jeremiah 9:23-24 states:

Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.

It is easy to think that the wisdom, influence, and wealth that have been accumulated from working in a career for decades is something we did ourselves. We need to remember that it all came from God.

There are some downsides in doing the same job for years. However, there are many upsides as well.

Developing networks and relationships

I tell my people at least once a week, “We have a great team.” Each team I have had over the years becomes great only because I have intentionally built them by treating all with dignity and respect.

One of the things I have learned that has enabled me to do my job effectively is being able to connect the dots. When someone asks me a question that falls into someone else’s lane, I know who they need to call. I know where to go for answers. In many cases I will contact someone just like me who has also been working the same job for several years. Connecting with the right people gets things done.

More than just knowing who to talk with, I have been able to build personal relationships with a wide variety of individuals within my own organization, in our subordinate unit, in our higher headquarters, and with senior leaders and Soldiers throughout our Chemical Regiment around the world. Being known as the one to call has enhanced coordination with all organizations who need our support.

Becoming a faithful employee who has developed and maintained relationships with coworkers both within and outside your organization and becoming known as someone who can be depended upon to get things done leads to having a good reputation, which God’s word tells us is valuable. “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Prov. 22:1).

For the Christian, when we develop a reputation as someone who is not only dependable but has become an invaluable subject-matter expert, this will open doors to minister to a wider audience.

Becoming a subject-matter expert

Another result of being in the same job for a long time is that people normally get better at their job. Think about a seasoned actor or baseball player. It takes time to get good at what they do, even when they have the God-given talent behind it. Polishing your craft to perfection does not come quickly.

In my job, my main function is to advise leaders as a civilian member of a military staff. The longer I have done it, the more credibility I have in their eyes. I can advise them because I have seen a lot. Prov. 24:6 says, “Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.”

In 2 Chron. 32:3, we see that King Hezekiah “consulted with his officials and military staff”. They helped him to make a tactical decision when the king of Assyria was threatening Jerusalem. My recommendations, based on the experiences and wisdom God has provided, are valued and listened to. This enables them to make sound decisions that positively impact military personnel around the world. (I invite you to check out an article I wrote a few years ago where God used me in a huge way.)

The writer of Proverbs wisely counsels workers that an employee who is skilled in his or her work will eventually go far. We read, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings” (Prov. 22:29). This indicates to me that God will open up doors for us as we sharpen our skills.

I highlighted this biblical principle to my youngest son after his face was put on a billboard on the main drag of his college town as the lead in a production of Hamlet. His hard work and passion for his craft motivated him to learn technical aspects of his field, improve his skills, stretch his wings, and audition for big roles. I pointed out that if he faithfully used his God-given talents and polished them to perfection, his work would catch the eye of people who could trust him to take on more responsibility.

Closing thoughts

Those of us who are blessed to be able to stay in one job for an extended period of time can certainly get complacent and we most definitely become prideful about our accomplishments without giving God all the glory. However, I have seen the value of developing networks and doing our jobs well.

To quote a speaker I heard when I was a young Christian in college, like Abraham, Moses, and other ordinary workers we find in the Bible, God has sent me, I went, and I am put. As God has allowed me to stay put, on a consistent basis, I have worked in His strength to ensure that I remained a cleansed vessel so that God would be fully present with me, working in me and through me to glorify Himself.

I trust that these thoughts may encourage some workers to remain content where they are, to wait on the Lord, and see what He will do with them over many years as they grow in faith and in competence.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 41 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is an ordinary man who is passionate about helping ordinary people experience God’s presence and integrate their Christian faith at work. Russ received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math and science teacher and youth minister. He has completed 35 years of active federal service, including 20 years on active duty and over 14 years as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Since 2015, he has written over 180 articles on faith and work topics. One hundred of these articles have been published on several Christian organization’s websites, including: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine. (See list of published articles on Linktree.)

Where do I Find God When I Start a New Job?

(Note: This article was published on the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics blog and was posted on the Coram Deo blog.)

A couple of months ago, I sat in chapel where one of our chaplains and his family was recognized as they were about to move to another Army post to begin a new assignment. It occurred to me that I have never written about the many challenges a worker and his or her family face when they start a new job.

In the dozen jobs I had over my active-duty career, my wife and I understood that each time I was up for reassignment, there was what we called an “angel in uniform” who watched over the process. God needed us to be His representatives and do His work at just the right places at just the right times as we were stationed around the country and overseas. I tried to keep in mind that God was with me and that He had a variety of purposes in mind for His glory and my good.

But what do we need to do when we arrive at that new assignment? How do we fit in? How does our family find their place in the community, in the kids’ schools, and in church? These are not easy tasks.

Since there are numerous military families that are about to begin their “permanent change of station”, thousands of college graduates who moved across the country to start their new careers, and a host of other workers who for a variety of reasons have chosen to quit their jobs and relocate elsewhere, it might be an opportune time for me to explore this topic from a biblical and theological perspective.

Dealing with the new boss

Probably the first anxiety-producing situation is meeting your new boss. Like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get. This unpredictability makes it a huge challenge for everyone.

I think what makes it challenging for all is that we have all seen, heard of, or have had bad bosses who have made their employees’ lives miserable. There are bosses who have been incompetent, uncaring, insensitive, selfish, angry, demanding, greedy, lecherous, or lazy. These all sound like sins to me.

As Christians, we know that sin has negatively affected the workplace since Adam and Eve. Adam’s sin cursed work for every human. Everyone we work for, everyone who works for us, our customers, and each one of us brings our own sins to the workplace daily, making work unnecessarily painful. And yet, God calls us to submit to our employers, knowing we are working for Jesus (Col. 3:22-24).

I can’t help but think about Joseph, and the three main positions that he fell into, starting in Gen. 39. He did not have bad bosses; to the contrary. The big take away from this narrative is that God was with Joseph, which brought him success. As a result, He blessed his employers. (See Gen. 39:5 and 23.)

I encourage those starting a new job to see your boss as someone whom God has put in your path for a variety of purposes. You can learn from them as they provide both good and bad examples on how to lead. Their sinful attitudes and actions will be part of the “thorns and thistles” we will experience at work until Jesus comes back. We must learn to see these as trials that God will help us to overcome.

Learning the new position

The next biggest challenge that workers will face is figuring out their new job responsibilities.

Ironically, this one is slightly less scary than the new boss. At least you have an idea of what you are getting into with a new position. You may have never done this particular job before, but it is possible you know someone who has or you may have been recommended by someone who used to hold it.

Sometimes, the job meets your expectations. The new projects you are assigned are doable in a reasonable amount of time. Your coworkers seem nice. The hours aren’t too bad. So far so good.

But after a while, those old thorns and thistles start showing up. You get handed more projects than you can handle; your plate is already full. You are juggling glass balls that can’t be dropped. More and more is expected of you. There is only so much you can do. You may feel like you are drowning.

You may have the opposite situation. You may feel overqualified for the job. It doesn’t challenge you mentally. You don’t have enough to do. You are underutilized. You are bored. It is not a good fit.

Either way, as a Christian, you have additional resources to handle this new job. Remember God’s promise that He will be with you wherever you go. That does not exclude this wilderness in which you find yourself. He is not only with you, but is working in you and through you to those all around you.

If the job is not a great fit, you truly have options. You can endure it, which may be what God wants. Or you can ask Him to rescue you from it, which is another avenue that glorifies God just as much.

Getting the family settled

In addition to your own struggles with the new boss and the new job, your family (if you are blessed to have one) has some different challenges of their own. You owe it to them to understand what they are going through. You also need to focus some of your time and energy over several months to assist.

My wife has often shared with young military wives that are new to our community at Fort Leonard Wood it normally took her six months or up to a year before she felt totally settled in a new duty station. She does this not to discourage them, but to give them realistic expectations. She learned, the hard way quite often, not to get overly involved in ministry activities until our kids and her were more or less unpacked in the new house, comfortable in a new church, and making friends in the new school.

Figuring out your purpose

I have had the privilege of serving in the same organization doing the same job for over 14 years now. However, during my twenty years on active duty and in various other jobs I had after I graduated from college, I can remember what it was like to go through what you may be going through right now. One of the things I have learned well is to trust God to show me some of the reasons why I have the jobs that He provided, especially in those tough jobs where I failed as a youth minister and a recruiter.

I also know from reading God’s word that He often places His people in just the right places at just the right time where He has chosen to use them for the building up of His kingdom. Many examples of ordinary workers come to mind: Moses, Nehemiah, David, Esther, the Apostle Paul, among others.

I would like to leave those who have recently started a new job with a word of encouragement.

God put you where you are for much more than just a paycheck, although that in itself is part of His blessing, too. He has a purpose for you being there. My hope is that you will see it. Maybe you will learn something critical you will need in the future. Maybe you will supervise someone who needs what you have to offer. Maybe you are there to minister to your boss. Maybe you have this job to see that God is with you and is working in and through you to love your neighbors by meeting their needs.

Whatever the reason (or multiple reasons) that you are working in this new assignment, know that God will use you as you walk with Him, abide in Christ, and are filled with the Holy Spirit. God will be present with you in your work, which I have called “Immanuel labor” for the past several years. I trust that you will be able to experience God’s presence like never before, and that you have joy when you do leave, knowing that this job was a significant part of God’s abundant life for you and your family.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 41 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is an ordinary man who is passionate about helping ordinary people experience God’s presence and integrate their Christian faith at work. Russ received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math and science teacher and youth minister. He served 20 years on active duty. Russ works as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Since 2015, he has written over 180 articles on faith and work topics. One hundred of these articles have been published on several Christian organization’s websites, including: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine. (See list of published articles on Linktree.)

Giving Thanks for God’s Gracious Blessings

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

¹ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
² Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

(New International Version; copied from Bible Gateway.com)

I thought I would try something a little different this year.  I want to focus on the many blessings that God the Father has graciously bestowed in my life, centered around the callings He has given to me.

Christian

The first sphere where God called me was to be a child in His kingdom through faith in Jesus.  I have absolutely no room to boast in anything that I have done.  (See 1 Cor. 4:7.)  I simply want to put the spotlight where it belongs, giving glory to God who has been most merciful and gracious to me.  He has blessed me above and beyond anything I could have ever ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20).

• I am grateful God revealed Himself in Scripture; I have learned more about Him
• I am grateful that I have experienced the presence of Father, Son, and Spirit
• I am grateful for the hope that has kept me pressing on through a tough year
• I am grateful for the prayers of family and friends who have helped sustain me
• I am grateful that I have no fear of death because of what Jesus Christ did for me

Family

The next major sphere that God put me in was my family of origin.  I have so much to be thankful for when I reflect on all the love I was surrounded with from my mom, dad, sisters, brother, and grandparents.  Once I did the “leave and cleave” thing nearly 41 years ago and started a brand-new Christian family with my beautiful wife, Linda, God has continually blessed us beyond measure.

• I am thankful for my siblings who connected virtually on the 20^th anniversary of our father’s death in October and for their words of encouragement
• I am so thankful for an amazing wife of 40 years; her beauty, love, and wisdom have grown with the years; she is God’s greatest gift to me
• I am grateful for visits, both virtual and physical, with each of our three children
• I am so thankful for five amazing grandchildren, one of whom was born in April
• I am grateful to see the fruits of our labors in our 1st generation Christian family

Work

In order to provide for my family and to fulfill my purposes in the Kingdom of God, He called me to the sphere of work.  This winding spiritual journey morphed from math education, to ministry, to the military, where I still serve today.  This should be no surprise to anyone who knows me, that I have so much to be thankful for regarding employment, as well as to my writing efforts part-time.

• I am thankful for a great team of leaders and teammates who make me better
• I am thankful that I get to see God use me in the lives of people that I serve with
• I am grateful to have accomplished our missions while fighting COVID
• I am thankful that I get to live out the theology of work in three dimensions
• I am grateful for doors God opened up to share my work with a larger audience

I trust that whatever you find yourself doing this Thanksgiving, you will take time to reflect on the things that God gave you this past year freely out of His overwhelming mercy and amazing grace.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 40 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is an ordinary man who is passionate about helping ordinary people experience God’s presence and integrate their Christian faith at work. Russ received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math and science teacher and youth minister. He served 20 years on active duty. Russ works as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Since 2015, he has written 170 articles on faith and work topics. Eighty of these have been published over 150 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, 4Word Women, and The Gospel Coalition. (See published articles on Linktree.)

How Does Adam’s Sin Impact Work?

(Note: This article was published on the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics blog and the Coram Deo blog.)

Is it possible that one person’s huge mistake could have a negative impact on the entire human race?

On my drive in to work several months ago, I had the chance to reflect on the effects of Adam’s sin.  It took me by surprise when I realized some of the implications of this doctrine on my everyday work.

I have written two articles on how the Fall has negatively affected our work.  (Click here and here.)  I wrote another article on how to respond to the Fall.  In summary, here is what I have shared:

• Work will yield “thorns and thistles”, meaning that it will be painful, frustrating, and stressful; more difficult and time-consuming than necessary (Gen. 3:16-19)
• It will be unpredictable, unproductive, fruitless, sweaty, full of interpersonal conflicts, set in challenging environments, and marked by futility (Eccl. 1:2-9)
• This is the new normal until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to set us and the creation free from this bondage (see Rom. 8:19-22)

Let me try to unpack what Scripture teaches us about Adam’s sin, especially from the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Romans, and then discuss how this affects both Christians and non-Christians at work.

Adam’s sin brought sin and death to all

In context, the Apostle Paul had already made a strong case for the sinfulness of both Jew and Gentile in Rom. 3:9-18.  He supports his view that no one is righteous by quoting the OT many times.  (In vv. 10-12, he quotes Ps. 14:1-3 and 53:1-3, and alludes to Eccl. 7:20.  In v. 13, he quotes Ps. 5:9 and 140:3.  In v. 14, he quotes Ps. 10:7.  In vv. 15-17, he quotes Isa. 59:7-8.  In v. 18, he quotes Ps. 36:1.)

Paul explains in great detail in Rom. 5:12-19 that sin entered the world through Adam.  Adam’s sin brought death and condemnation to every one of us.  We all die, which is a direct consequence of our own sin that separates us from God.  Through Adam’s disobedience, we were all made sinners.

Douglas Moo, in The NIV Application Commentary on Romans writes, “To explain the universality of sin, we must assume at least that Adam’s sin has predisposed every person to sin.”

Frank Matera, in his commentary on Romans, enlightens us further:

Paul does not try to explain how the effects of Adam’s transgression were transmitted to his descendants, but there is no doubt that he sees a connection between the trespass of Adam, whom Paul views as a historical individual, and the sins of his descendants. . . It is apparent from what Paul says in 5:18-19 that Adam’s transgression affected his progeny, bringing judgment upon them and constituting them as sinners in God’s sight. 

To me, Paul seems to imply that we inherited Adam’s natural tendency to sin (Rom. 5:19).  You recall that Adam was made in God’s image (see Gen. 1:26-28).  We read later that Adam’s son was made in Adam’s image (Gen. 5:3) as well as God’s image.  This preponderance to rebel against God is genetic. 

What are the impacts to workers?

Adam’s sin has enslaved every co-worker, supervisor, employee, or customer in our place of business.  Christians are not exempt.  Even though I might sin less, I am by no means sinless.  (See 1 John 1:8.)

Every day, I see how my sins and the sins of others make it more difficult than necessary at work.  We all get impatient when things don’t go our way.  We all struggle with submitting to authority.  We are driven by selfishness far too often.  We all would rather be somewhere else, other than at work. 

The Theology of Work Bible Commentary gives us an excellent description of the Fall on our work.  They state, “Work can be boring, degrading, humiliating, exhausting, and heartless.  We can be underpaid, endangered, and discriminated against.  We can be pressured to violate our consciences and God’s principles.  We can be fired, laid off, made redundant, downsized, terminated, unemployed or underemployed for long periods. . . We can suffer even in good jobs.” 

I see a logical progression here that I ask you to consider that flows out of these biblical principles:

1. Adam’s sin brought thorns and thistles into his own work environment and ours
2. Adam’s sin brought our sinfulness
3. Our sins brought more thorns and thistles into our own work environments

The first two are certain.  They cannot be adjusted.  The only variable is the third one.  We can’t keep our non-believing coworkers from sinning.  Only Jesus can do that.  However, if Christians can modify the frequency and severity of our own sins in the workplace, perhaps work might not be so hard.

For example, things always take longer than you think they will.  That is due to Adam’s sin.  However, if I or a coworker don’t pay attention to detail, and a slide presentation has to be redone, that is due to our sin, not Adam’s sin.  My coworkers and I add unnecessary pain and frustration to our own work.

Does our faith in Christ offer any hope?

Unfortunately, Christ’s death does not change the nature of work.  It will still yield thorns and thistles for us. The good news, however, is that it does change the worker, which means that our contributions to the mess can be minimized.

In Eph. 2:1-10, Paul contrasts our old life “in Adam” (as an ordinary human being) with our new life “in Christ” (as a believer). There are radical changes that immediately take place at the moment of salvation when God transfers a believer from the domain of death/darkness to life/light.  There is not only an irreversible change in status (i.e., being declared righteous in God’s sight), but there is also an enduring change in capabilities for all who are in Christ (i.e., we can grow in holiness and become like Jesus).

Matera confirms my thoughts.  He writes, “There is something radically amiss in the human situation that can be remedied only when people are transferred from the realm of Adam to the realm of Christ.  So long as they remain ‘in Adam’, they are infected by and subject to the power of his sin.  Only when they are ‘in Christ’ are they free from the power of sin, which introduced death into the world.”

Genuine Jesus-followers have not only received forgiveness/atonement through the blood of Christ, once for all (Heb. 10:10) for all sins (past, present, and future), but have also been given several supernatural resources at conversion.  We become new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).  We are able to fight spiritual  battles (Eph. 6:10-17) and overcome our fleshly tendency to sin (Rom. 8:9-11).

In Christ, the penalty of sin has been removed (see Rom. 3).  The power of sin has also been removed (see Rom. 8).  However, we will have to deal with the presence of sin in our lives until Christ returns. Christians will always struggle with our own flesh or sin nature.  However, we have some advantages that nonbelievers do not have.

The Holy Spirit indwells and empowers every believer (1 Cor. 3:16).  He teaches and reminds us of Jesus’ words (John 14:26) so that we can experience changed hearts and minds (Rom. 12:2).  His truth will set us free (John 8:32).  We actually become more Christ-like through the sanctification process (Phil 1:6).  He also causes the fruit of the Spirit to grow (see Gal. 5:22-23).

What I am trying to emphasize here is that even though Adam’s sin brought a curse on work which still impacts the work of believers and non-believers alike, the sin that we bring to the table which directly contributes to the thorns and thistles we experience in the workplace is something that we can overcome, to a degree, by our reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit to make us more holy at work.

Where do we go from here?

I trust that this reflection on Adam’s sin will cause you to see the effects of sin in at work more clearly.  I pray that it leads to a desire to minimize your own sin which will increase your experience of God’s presence at work, so that you can participate in God’s work to redeem those who are enslaved to sin.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 40 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is an ordinary man who is passionate about helping ordinary people experience God’s presence and integrate their Christian faith at work. Russ received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math and science teacher and youth minister. He served 20 years on active duty and now works as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He has written 160 articles on faith and work topics on this blog since 2015. More than 70 articles have been posted or published 150 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, 4Word Women, Acton Institute, and The Gospel Coalition.

Who Are Your People?

Who are your people? 

Who are the unique individuals God has placed in your midst that He has called you to serve?

Last spring, I had one student who attended my class where I teach the principles found in my book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession as part of our military installation’s Wednesday night ChristFit program at the Main Post Chapel.  He was a member of the Michigan Air National Guard, attending the Basic Engineer Course to earn his military occupational specialty.  This is the question I asked him during our virtual session on Zoom.  We had a great discussion that night.

The question came quite naturally as we looked at one interesting verse in the book of Exodus, where Yahweh had asked Moses about why the Israelites had made a golden calf.  This key verse that I mention in chapter 5 of my book is just one of many illustrations of the biblical connection between God’s divine presence and human work and that God often uses His people to be His coworkers.

Let me explore this important topic briefly.  First, let me unpack a few high points of this narrative.  Then, allow me paint a picture of the variety of individuals that God has called you to serve.  Finally, I will provide some biblical and practical ways so that you can glorify God and love your neighbors.

My people or God’s people?

Exodus 32:7 is a thought-provoking verse.  It ties the foundational biblical connection of God’s divine presence and human work (which I call “Immanuel labor”) to the concept of God choosing to use humans as His coworkers in order to expand His kingdom.  We read, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.” 

I find what God said somewhat humorous.  Clearly, they were not Moses’s people; they were God’s people!  God was the one who delivered the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, not Moses.  And yet, because God said it, both perspectives were true.  The Israelites did belong to Yahweh.  But they also belonged to Moses.  Truly the Lord was the one who delivered them from Pharoah.  It is also right to say that He used Moses to accomplish it.  This indicates that God saw Moses as His coworker.

God’s very real presence with Moses, which he first experienced at the burning bush, on Mount Sinai, and in the desert as He led the people day and night for forty years, enabled Moses to take responsibility for the mission he was given and play a critical role in the Israelites’ deliverance.

Who are your unique neighbors?

My Airman provided a heartfelt response to my question.  His answer was quite simple, actually: his family, church, coworkers, school, and community.  I thought that about covered it extremely well.

For Moses, I am not so sure he would have answered as quickly or with quite the same enthusiasm.  As you may recall, the Lord referred to the Israelites as “stiff-necked people” (Exo. 32:9).

Another key biblical character comes to mind.  This woman fully accepted where God had placed her, and fully embraced the people that He had sovereignly placed in her sphere.  Her name was Ruth.

In Ruth 1:16, we read this bold statement of faith in Yahweh, submission to His will, and loyalty to her family, that Ruth made to her mother-in-law, Naomi: “Your people will be my people.  (I invite you to check out an article I wrote about the book of Ruth, which has a lot to say about work.)

Let’s bring this discussion to our own place and time and explore the variety of people that are ours.

If you are a teacher, your students are your people.  But so are their parents, your co-workers, the office staff, substitute teachers, principals, custodians, administrators, and school board members.  

I could continue to describe how each field of work has its own unique set of individuals God that has entrusted to them, but I think you get the idea who your neighbors are.  It is not just the people below us, those we are directly responsible for, but it is all others who are above and around us on all sides.

How can I best serve my people at work?

Just like the main character in the well-known parable of The Good Samaritan, it was the one who showed mercy to the man in need who was obeying the biblical command to love their neighbor.  He showed mercy through words and deeds, meeting physical, emotional, mental, and financial needs.

In Matt. 25:31-46, Jesus painted a picture of the day of judgement that all will face at the end of all things when He returns.  Those who were His sheep entered into His kingdom to spend all eternity with Him.  Those who were goats were sent into eternal punishment.  What distinguished the sheep from the goats was obviously their faith (or lack of faith) in Jesus. 

One of the ways that showed whether or not a person had truly accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior was how they treated those in need.  Jesus explained that when people fed the hungry, gave a drink to the thirsty, or invited a stranger in, it was as if they were actually doing it to Him.  If they did not do any of these things, they did not do them to Him.  This corresponds well with the verse where the Apostle Paul states, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17).

There are employees, coworkers, bosses, customers, and counterparts all around us at our places of work.  Each of them has a whole host of human needs that perhaps you and I could meet in the name of Jesus.  Some needs, like the man who was beaten, broken, and bleeding in Jesus’s parable, are obvious to all.  Some needs have to be carefully uncovered in a trusting relationship.  Perhaps God has placed you right where you are to use you just by what you do to meet the needs of your people.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 40 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is an ordinary man who is passionate about helping ordinary people experience God’s presence and integrate their Christian faith at work. Russ received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math and science teacher and youth minister. He served for 20 years on active duty and now works as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He has written 160 articles on faith and work topics on this blog since 2015. More than 70 articles that he has written have been posted or published 140 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, 4Word Women, Acton Institute, and The Gospel Coalition.

How do we Respond if we are the Incompetent Colleague?

(Note: This is the second of a two-part reflection on this topic.  I invite you to read the first part here. This article was published on the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics blog and was posted on the Coram Deo blog. It was also included in the IFWE’s top ten articles for 2022.) 

Do you ever feel like you just can’t keep up with all of the expectations and requirements of your job?  Does your boss or your coworkers ever give you the impression that you are the weakest link on the team?  I know I would have to honestly answer “Yes” to both of these questions.  What about you?

I have enjoyed a long season of perceived competence in my current position, only by the grace of God.  However, there have been several times throughout my military career (both as a Soldier for 20 years and as a Department of the Army civilian employee for 13 years) when I did not feel very competent.

I was inspired to consider writing another reflection on this critical topic that I was first exposed to in reading William Morris’ book, Love thy Colleague: Being Authentically Christian at Work.  In my first article, I answered the question, “How are we to love the incompetent colleague?”  In this one, I want to turn the table around and ask, “What if we are the one who is incompetent?  How do we respond?”

In this article, I want to explore several ideas.  When we are perceived as incompetent (or actually are), we may need to graciously receive help that is offered.  Also, it is during these times that we may need to develop humility.  Finally, we may also need to accept that all of us are incompetent at some level.

We may need to receive mercy

Morris refers to the parable of the Good Samaritan throughout his book.  When our coworkers are in need, he focuses on how to show mercy.  When we are lacking, he encourages us to receive mercy.

Morris indicates:

Accepting mercy means taking the training and advice that are offered to make me as good as I can be; using those opportunities to nourish my own skills and aptitudes.  And it can also mean accepting, as we’ve just seen, that we are simply not cut out to be in some jobs; that we will always be a drag on our colleagues and on the business (in addition to tormenting ourselves).  It can mean accepting from others the merciful message that we should be looking (working with the Spirit) for something to which we are better suited.

What Morris stated above, re: receiving training as needed and accepting the fact that there are certain jobs that are not a good fit, I am reminded of my own failures while assigned as an Army recruiter.

If you feel you cannot cut it, or if you get cut from the team, I believe that God will always provide another job in a field where you may naturally be more competent. However, if your life or family depends on you keeping this particular job where you are struggling, I also believe that God will enable you to be competent enough through training over time.  God will bless your sincere efforts.

We may need to develop humility

From a solid understanding of the doctrine of man, we know that each one of us are sinners, by nature.  We also know that when we happen to succeed, it is easy to be prideful about our accomplishments. 

Morris concurs with this tendency towards pride.  He calls attention to a “counter-intuitive aspect” of this challenging situation: “the benefit that lies in realizing that we actually are incompetent.”  He rightly observes, “The downside of ‘competence’ is the illusion of control.  The illusion that we, as individuals, divorced from a community, can shape the world around us.  The illusion that we as human beings, divorced from God, are the source of our own success.  Competence makes us think more highly of ourselves, and makes us forget what we owe to God, and what we owe to others.” 

When our weaknesses or blind spots are pointed out, it provides us a chance to reflect on the fact that we are no better than anyone else and that any successes we do have are only by the grace of God. 

Morris continues:

If we’re staggering about in the mud, completely unable to get our footing, to regain our balance, we quickly realize that we need help.  We realize we need someone to reach out an arm to steady us; to reach out a hand to pull us up.  We remember that we need others, and we need God.  We’re not self-sufficient, not autonomous, and not that clever.  So, recognizing that we are incompetent, and that we do need the help of others, can be mercy indeed.

Humility is a hard character trait to develop.  Even if we do master it, it is not something that we should brag about. 

Proverbs 16:18 is a well-known verse that is appropriate to highlight here: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  What I’ve learned is that if I do not humble myself before the Lord, He may have to do something to humble me in a way that may not be so comfortable.

Morris shares some wise counsel: “The illusion of competence, of being able to do it all, of having almost limitless capability, can lead us into taking on too much and becoming ever busier. . . Acknowledging that I am incompetent can allow me the opportunity to reassess, regain perspective, and perhaps, slow down a little and give more time to what really matters – including other people.”

None of us are totally competent

Let me expand a little bit on what Morris mentioned above about our collective incompetency.

The Apostle Paul writes something relevant to this discussion in 1 Cor. 1:26-29.  He contrasts the average Christ-follower with those who were considered by the world to be successful.  They were not wise “according to worldly standards”.  Not many of them were powerful or of noble birth.  I can extend that a bit to observe that the average Christian may not be rich, popular, or beautiful, either. 

Paul goes on to say that God did not call the individual members of His Church due to their worldly value.  Instead, He “chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

Even Paul, as competent as he was in his profession, did not consider himself to be adequate for the task. He recognized that he was weak, “a jar of clay”. It was God’s “all-surpassing power” which enabled him to preach the gospel. (See 2 Cor. 4:7)

All of us, redeemed and lost, are in fact, incompetent.  And yet, God loves us and accepts us in Christ.  He graciously invites us to join Him in His mission to continue to sustain and expand His kingdom.

Morris also reminds us of God’s amazing grace.  He points out that God always welcomes us into His kingdom based on Jesus’s sacrificial death on the cross, “not because we are worthy of it, but because He loves us, incompetent as we truly are.”  Amen!

Closing challenge

Here is my final word for those who are struggling with being the incompetent worker.

Whether you find yourself in a steep learning curve, a temporary slump, a season of unproductivity, or determine that you lack the ability to develop the skills to be adequate to perform the basic functions of your job, you need to remember this.  The God who created Adam gave him his first job.  He designed him with the potential to learn and develop the skills needed to do that job. God provided Adam an opportunity to do work that was of value and which served a purpose for His kingdom and for others. 

Will not the same creator do the same for you?  He will make you competent!

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 40 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is an ordinary man who is passionate about helping other ordinary people experience God’s presence and integrate their Christian faith at work. He received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math and science teacher and youth pastor. After serving 20 years on active duty, Russ now works as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Seventy articles that he wrote have been posted or published 130 times on numerous Christian organization’s websites, including: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, 4Word Women, Acton Institute, and The Gospel Coalition.

Showing Respect to Those Outside Your Organization

As a young sergeant in the U.S. Army, during my first unaccompanied tour in the Republic of Korea, I witnessed a classic example of disrespect shown to someone I did not know at our higher headquarters.  I was assigned to a military police company.  My company commander always referred to the battalion operations officer as “Major Problems”.  I was fairly certain that his rank was that of major.  However, I’m pretty sure that wasn’t his last name.

I cannot be the only one to have heard someone complain about those who work at the level above or below you.  It is a common occurrence.  The television show “The Office” contained many scenes where the regional manager said something negative about those who worked at the corporate office. 

Let me briefly dive into this critical topic that I have not explored or addressed in previous articles.

Why is disrespect in general a problem?

Disrespect is cancerous.  It starts out small, then spreads itself to others, both inside and outside your organization.  If tolerated, it becomes a new standard that is going to destroy everything in its path.  And, as one of my coworkers stated, we tend to remember negative things more than positive ones.

What is wrong with complaining about the CEO above you or the franchise managers below you?

Allowing yourself or your employees to make jokes or say negative things about leaders or staff members in other organizations that you work with indirectly will come back to bite you.  It is gossip, plain and simple, which is prohibited in Scripture.  (See Prov. 18:8.) 

Even though it may seem to be a team-building activity to unite together as you express how much you despise them, it can actually be counterproductive and destroy the kind of quality teamwork that you are trying to develop.

It would be hypocritical for me to emphasize the concept of treating others right in front of me with dignity and respect and then do the opposite with some folks who work down the street or upstairs.

Also, it would be a bad situation if you got transferred to another branch or assigned to work at the corporate office and the new team that you have to work with has heard you were bad mouthing them.

What does right look like?

I make it a point at work to treat everyone on my team with dignity and respect.  I demand the same from all.  What this means is that we do not interact with people differently based on their race, gender, religious background, age, political affiliation, etc.  We do not talk about “those people” who are different than we are.  We are a team, and our strength lies in our diversity.  Everyone contributes.

This looks like we are intentionally following Jesus’s golden rule.  We do unto others the way we want others to do unto us.  We love our neighbors, whether they are in the cubicle next to ours or work somewhere else.

I challenge you to give this some thought and maybe change how you treat those outside your own team.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 40 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He is an ordinary man who is passionate about helping other ordinary people experience God’s presence and integrate their Christian faith at work. He received a B.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University in 1980 and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is a former junior/senior high school math and science teacher and youth pastor. After serving 20 years on active duty, Russ now works as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Seventy articles that he wrote have been posted or published 130 times on numerous Christian organization’s websites, including: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, 4Word Women, Acton Institute, and The Gospel Coalition.