There was a time when a simple handshake was as good as a contractual agreement signed by two or more parties. For the most part, those days have been gone for a long, long time. In fact, even signed contracts are often broken and contested more than we might imagine.
God sees our vocations – even our careers – in a much broader way. They are an important part of our “calling,” what the Lord wants us to do during our time on Earth, participating in His divine purposes.
In the business and professional world, we admire strong and bold leaders. Stakeholders in companies typically look for proud, assertive individuals to head their organizations, whose courage, confidence, and determination seem unshakable. In His “sermon on the mount,” Jesus Christ declared, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5), but corporate boards of directors typically do not want people like that for leadership roles in their companies.
In difficult economic times, many of us have friends or relatives in need. We want to do whatever we can to help. The easy thing may be to just give them some money. A gift card to the grocery store or paying a utility bill can be a big relief for somebody short on cash. But Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35) One application of this admonition is that the receiver might not be as excited about the gift as you are as the giver – so caution is advised as you respond.
How do you feel when a server in a restaurant is friendly, seems genuinely interested in you, and is prompt in attending to your needs? For one thing, you might feel shocked or surprised, because often people seem determined to put forth only minimal effort in performing their jobs.
There is a disease afflicting the workplace that receives little attention, but it’s devastating. This “disease” is gossip, the practice of repeating disparaging, demeaning, and often deceitful information about other people.
There are many kinds of memorials. We have buildings, streets, libraries, parks and even hospital wings are named after individuals who have made invaluable contributions to their communities and society.
“Where did I come from?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?” These are the three most important questions anyone could ask themselves at any time.
A character that consists of trustworthiness, honesty, and love of neighbour at work may be the most important success factors in one’s career.
“What is truth?” This is a question countless people have asked through the ages. It has been a recurring topic for philosophers, sociologists, counselors, writers, even business and professional people. As if “truth” were an ever-changing commodity on some kind of philosophical buffet.
