The Christian in the Workplace, 5/28/00, Pastor Thompson

"A Passion for Excellence," part 2

II.  A Passion for a Biblical Work Ethic  Luke 16:9
We all are called to be conformed to Christ in every aspect of life, including the workplace.

A.  A Biblical work ethic is Christocentric (Christ is in the middle of it)
We must spend time gazing at our Lord's perfection.  Christ had established Himself as a craftsman rather than as a rabbi.  He worked as a carpenter for 30 years before He took up His preaching ministry.

1. Our Lord's example.  He worked.  His carpentry was a part of His mission to save His people from their sins.  John 17
• One's career should be viewed as a divine calling
• Our career brings us into contact with the world
• Our career must leave us unpolluted by the world.  We are to have separated involvement.  It comes from understanding "degree of association"
• We must be in the world but not of the world 1 Cor. 10:14-21.  We're told not to be unequally bound together with unbelievers.  A closeness and intimacy with them is forbidden.  This speaks to marriage, friendship, and how you do things.  Seek counsel not of your peers but of someone older and experienced.  A Christ-like work ethic will bring opposition.
• Investment of our money.  Make friends and help others with your money, but do it with your accountability in mind.  "Be on your guard against every form of greed."  Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:13; Matt. 25:14  The discharge of our stewardship, regardlses of its scope, reveals our character.
• Rules for Guys [i.e. potential husbands]
• A relatively mature Christian proven in a church
• A leader
• A gentleman
• Proven faithfulness in a vocation or raining for a vocation.  Beware of a divided heart, trying to serve both God and Mammon.  Matt. 5:13
• Christian witness in the workplace:  Living the life, then speaking for Christ
• Sexual purity:  you must keep both your eyes and your heart and body pure.  Christ died for your body as well as your soul.  1 Cor. 6:15-20
• Kingdom priorities:  we have few needs but many wants.  Matt. 6:19
2. Our Lord's teaching.  All of our Lord's teaching has relevance to the workplace, but some are particularly helpful.  Stewardship/accountability. 1 Cor. 4:1-6; Luke 16:1-13 Surely you sense in your soul the reality that you are a steward.  Are you prepared to give an account now?  Our Lord calls us to a practical wisdom in the discharge of our stewardship.  Much of wise stewardship comes from experience and maturity.  Be inquisitive and observant.  

B.  A Biblical work ethic is essentially spiritual
It is wrought by the Holy Spirit.  In and of yourself, you are doomed to failure.  You need power to live for Christ in a dark, hostile environment.  You need truth.  You need love.  It is first and foremost.  The starting point of love is God's first love for us.  John 14:16-17