Working for God

I just had to include these two wonderful excerpts because I think they will really be of tremendous help to us in our working environment, in fact, in all areas of our lives and even in our interactions with anyone. There could be some who feel that going into work sometimes is like going into a war zone. The second excerpt's for you! *smile*

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The first one comes from a Christian-leaning management and corporate learning website. And it is about communication. I'm trying to really get going on these habits. :-) Can you imagine a church, or a company, in which everyone is trying their best to cultivate these habits? Wow! That would be so amazing and such a loving environment! Don't they remind you of Christian principles in the Bible? *smile*

Communication Habit Traps To Get Into

• Tell it like it is - People are stronger than you think.
• Be kind - People are weaker than you think.
• Speak to everyone like an individual - People respond to respect.
• Listening aids good hearing - People want to be listened to.
• Choose the appropriate time and place - People have feelings.
• Avoid sarcastic criticism - People respond to encouraging challenges.
• Body language speaks loudly - People "see" what you say too.
• Be sincere - People believe people that are believable.
• Open your mind - People work poorly with no options.
• Be clear with instructions - People understand differently.
• Remember names - People try to remember yours.
• Show real interest - People like to see your human side.
• Be real - People are moved by earnest honesty.
• Show support - People work for those who work for them.

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The second one came from an interview that Christianity Today did with Bishop T.D.Jakes, who was listed in February by Time magazine as one of America's 25th most influential Evangelicals. If you want to read the full interview, please go to http://www.christianitytoday.com/workplace/articles/interviews/tdjakes.html

The Ten Commandments of Working in a Hostile Environment

1. Know that you are anointed for the job or position you now hold. God uses ordinary circumstances as a training ground to perfect our character.

2. Don't expect to be appreciated. God values humility and servanthood, not pride and entitlement.

3. Embrace opportunities for change. May we reach the stage of maturity when we are no longer surprised by change.

4. Do the job well while remembering the vision. The secret to performing your duties well where you are is to maintain a vision of where you're headed.

5. Don't let the environment get inside you. To counter bad attitudes, behavior, and gossip, maintain a regular diet of prayer and Bible study.

6. Increase your capacity to work with difficult personalities. Too often we only try to fit in and connect with others similar to us.

7. Where you are is not where you are going. Be peaceful while progressive….

8. Achieve optimal results with minimal confusion. We spend too much time trying to compensate for our weaknesses rather than capitalizing on our strengths.

9. Do not pledge allegiance to cliques and groups. The enemy tempts us with the security of the group and the approval of others.

10. Keep your song near you. Spend time in God's presence. Study His Word, offer up prayer, and look deep inside yourself to call up your song—praise and worship Him.