By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

One of the most common topics emerging from readers’ e-mails, are challenges in the workplace. How does one stay positive, shining God's light in times of unfair retrenchment, a disciplinary hearing against you or when you are struggling to find work, even though you’ve sent out a large number of CV's? Also, how can we prevent a work environment, filled with gossip stories, difficult colleagues or where you are the only believer and sometimes experience scorn for it, to get the better of us?

Here are three tips from God's Word:

1) ASK GOD FOR WISDOM AND GUIDANCE

Every day we are confronted with a large number of decisions in the workplace. How much easier would it be if we had God’s wisdom when making decisions? 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.” In Proverbs 3:5-6, it is written: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” And in Isaiah 30:21, we find the promise: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Not only does God want to protect us from taking wrong decisions, He wants to guide us in making right ones.

2) ACT WITH INTEGRITY
In Hebrews 4:13 we read: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” In Deuteronomy 25: 15-16 we read: “For the Lord your God detests anyone who . . . deals dishonestly.” When we start living with an awareness that God knows every thought and action in our lives, it becomes easier to try and act with integrity at all times, knowing that He will be glorified when we do it.
 
3) REMEMBER WHO YOU WORK FOR
God is our true Employer. We will therefore have to give account before Him for everything we have done. In Ephesians 6: 6 we read: “Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.”And in Colossians 3:23 it is written, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Let us remember that our actions speak louder than our words. The majority of our colleagues will know that we are Christians even if we never speak about it. Our actions however will either inspire or put an unbelieving or lukewarm colleague off from wanting to know God better, or totally refrain from it. Let us ask God to lead us by His Holy Spirit throughout the day to shed light, bring hope and inspire others to get to know Him more intimately. God bless.

Father God, thank you that I can have a job. Lead me to consistently act with wisdom and integrity whilst reminding myself that I work for You and not people. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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