Throughout my years in the workplace, I have not met many who are happy with the work that they are doing. God created each and every human being with a purpose. Purpose unfulfilled, results in a void as well as negligence. The void extends far beyond the success and accomplishments of an individual, because others don't reap the intended benefits of your contributions that would have come if your purpose was fulfilled.

Another reason people often find themselves dissatisfied with their jobs is that they expected more than what the job could give. One thing for certain, a job was never designed to make anyone rich and often times, especially in today's economy, a job does not provide financial security. In spite of these known facts, there are many that believe they are above others just because of their titles. I don't advocate disrespecting authority because it is the will of God that we submit to those in authority over us because authority is the system that maintains order. Without order, there is chaos. However, in the workplace there is usually a small margin between the income levels of employers and managers, which is especially true for first time mangers. However, there are some in authority who simply don't know how to handle it. Sometimes, the misconception is that a title translates into a higher level of education, social and economic status in society. The workplace is a game, and this game has some unwritten rules. One of those is, "Thou shall not have a lifestyle or status above that of thy manager." Managers adhering to this rule often end up manifesting intimidation and jealousy, ultimately resulting in mistreatment and/or black-balling employees. I'm not suggesting that one should go around concealing their good fortune, but it is especially advantages to use discretion when dealing with those in authority over you who may be struggling with your blessings, because they are in a position to affect you.

No one can control how others may treat you, however, the wisdom teaches you how to carry yourself around people who dislike you and are envious. As the saying goes, "Stay two steps ahead of your enemy." This is applicable when your enemy is in authority over you. I would not recommend anyone living in a state of paranoia, because that would make you the prisoner. However, as believers, Paul reminds us to "put on the whole armor of Christ" (Eph 6:11-17). The breastplate of righteous protects our heart, therefore, we don't allow just anything to penetrate our hearts, and we practice righteous living according to the Word of God. Our lives are to be guided by truth; making us people of integrity, incorruptible and not willing to compromise. Our feet should be shod with the gospel of peace; therefore, we ought to promote peace and not strife. We are to put on the helmet of salvation; therefore, our thought patterns and behavior ought to emulate those of Jesus. We use the shield of faith to protect ourselves from attacks that are usually verbal, but also come through the actions of others. Last, but not least, we use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Therefore, we counter attacks by believing and confessing the Word of God with our mouths, which activates our agreement with God and simultaneously disarms satan's weapons he uses against us.

As we walk in obedience to God's will, we make room for Him to deal with those who misuse their power. If we retaliate, we have stepped outside of the will of God, (Rom 12:19), and we're acting out of self-righteousness, putting ourselves in the place of God. However, human authority never trumps God's authority over our lives. If a manager asks you to do something unethical or outside of the will of God; then you are to obey God, even if there are consequences. There are benefits to be gained when we obey God. You should be encouraged knowing that there is a time coming when God will reward your obedience.

When you truly make a committed to stand for Christ, you begin to notice unexpected attention and usually from those who never noticed you before. This is especially true in the workplace, and this is exactly what God has in mind. As believers, our lives should emit the fragrance of Christ that captivates the spirit of others, or at least causes them to be intrigued. People always take notice when they cross paths with someone that dares to be different.

I realized that God was watching my back in the midst of waiting for my breakthrough. When my managers were giving me a hard time, the word would eventually get back that my manager's were having a hard time as well. Everyone has personal problems to deal with, but I believe the majority of stress for managers is directly attributed to the workplace. The stress level increases if they are unfair to their staff. My supervisor experienced situations that were unprecedented. It occurred so frequently that even I was astonished. I can't remember the last year everyone in our section was in the office all at once. The staff shortages always created challenges for her when it came down to the distribution of the workload, this, coupled by the incompetence and/or idleness of some. I began to feel sorry for her after a while. Also, these incidents reminded me that it's better to deal with a heavy workload if you are blessed to be healthy and competent.

On a lighter note, God will make you laugh along your journey. Nancy once told me that she has a friend with my exact name, and when her number appears on caller ID, Nancy's initial thought goes to me. God does have a sense of humor.

Obedience brings us power, but there are numerous passages of scripture in the Bible that let us know that disobedience to God's will gives our enemies power over us believers. This is particularly true when it comes to those in authority over us. God has the utmost regard for authority. As long as those in authority over us are not asking us to do things outside of the will of God, then it is our job to obey. This includes having an unfair share of the work. God deals with wicked leadership, not us. There are moments when we must speak up for ourselves; however, too often subordinates pick the wrong fights with their managers, such as breaks or favors given the other co-workers. If a manager chooses to be unfair or show partiality, it is to his or her own demise. Your job is to do what you were hired to do, which is ultimately your obedience to God, (Eph 6:5). We should not be overly concerned with what others are getting away with. I have discovered that when I was given an unfair share of responsibility, God was using these opportunities to stretch and develop me for my future.

˜ Return to Your First Love, pages 400 - 402