The Three Most Important Things at Work?

My favorite verse in the Bible—and my philosophy of life—is Romans 14:17: “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking [i.e., religious laws about ritually clean and unclean foods] but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ this way is well-pleasing to God and approved by the people.”  The “three things” are righteousness (same definition as “justice”), peace, and joy.  They are important because (a) they are the kingdom of God, i.e, if God is king of our life this is how we live, (b) this is how we authentically “serve Christ,” (c) they please God, and (d) people like it when we do these three things.

This is an incredibly simple “formula” helping our workplace discipleship: first, let’s be people who not only do the right thing in our own work but who stand up for it when it counts. We speak up if something dishonest or unethical is going on or if someone is treated unfairly or disrespectfully.  That is what righteousness and justice are about.

Second, we are peace-makers. We don’t paper over conflict or wrong-doing (that wouldn’t be just and righteous!). But we pursue and create as much peace and harmony as possible—overcoming evil with good (not just dealing out criticism and punishment), helping people understand, value, and accept each other.  Being team-builders, community-builders.

Third, we are people who bring some joy into our workplace.  We don’t stop with a grumpy justice and a grudging peace. Fake smiles don’t help, but cheerful, friendly greetings, encouragement to look for the positive (in our work and our colleagues), and a bit of a sense of humor—bring some joy!

This is a simple formula. The priority order is important; we don’t bypass justice and seek a fake peace-at-any-price or a shallow joy.  Do the right thing, be a peacemaker, and stay upbeat. God likes it, others will too.

—David W. Gill www.davidwgill.org