CURRENT THEME: New hope for 2013 (Share your feedback with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or share your testimony atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

DAY 30: NEW HOPE ... FOR THE WORKPLACE

By: Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Do you feel like you are on the verge of resigning from your job today due to your impolite boss orrude colleague's behaviour? When last have you prayed for them? And if you have to be honest: Have you started to take your job for granted or do you still see it as a gift from God? 

Do you realize that having a job puts you in a better position than 24.9% of our country's adult population who are currently unemployed? Or, did you know that having food in the house, puts you in a better place than 50% of the country's population who, according to the latest statistics, live below the breadline? Maybe we need to startfocusing on what we have instead of what we don’t have?

I want to give you five biblical principles for the workplace that might help you to tackle difficult challenges in a much easier manner:

PRINCIPLE 1: WORK AS IF GOD IS YOUR EMPLOYER 
In Ephesians 6:6 we read: “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Do you work to please God or to impress your manager?

PRINCIPLE 2: ASK FOR GOD’S WISDOM AND GUIDANCE 
In James 1:5 we read: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Who do you consult first when you suddenly face a wall and not knowinghow to handle a particular challenge? God, the internet, or your colleagues?

PRINCIPLE 3: ACT WITH INTEGRITY AT ALL TIMES 
In Deuteronomy 25:15-16: “You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lordyour God is giving you. For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.” Do you have clear boundaries for your actions in the workplace or are there a few gray areas in which you are stillcompromised?

PRINCIPLE 4: MAKE GOD PART OF YOUR PLANS
In Proverbs 16:3 we read: “Commit to the Lordwhatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Do you ask for God’s guidance before you tackle new projects or only when you start panicking if you get stuck?

PRINCIPLE 5: DO NOT JUST TALK, WORK HARD!
In Proverbs 14:23 we read: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Are you someone who tries to do as little as possible in the workplace or can God trust you to do your best in every situation?

Let us thank God for our job today and remember that we are working for Him and not just our CEO’s. Let us invite Him early in the morning toour workplace and trust Him to lead us through hisHoly Spirit before the problems arise. Let us be known as people acting with integrity, consultingGod before we approach a new project and working hard to make it a success. Let us be thankful for what we have and stop focusing on what we don’t. God bless.

PRAYER FOR THOSE WITH A JOB:
Father God, thank you for my current job. Help me to act with a positive attitude so thatmy colleagues would enjoy working with me.I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO CURRENTLYSEARCH FOR WORK:
Father God, thank You for knowing about my current situation. Help me to stay positive even though it might take longer for me to find a job than what I hoped for. Lead me to the right company and give me wisdom, confidence and favour when I go for a job interview. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

** Benescke Janse van Rensburg is a radio DJ, freelance journalist and author of the books,Ontdek God in die stories van mense,Wysheid-oordenkings uit Spreuke and Hoop intye van nood-oordenkings uit Psalms. Visit website: www.benescke.co.za for more information.