Maturity at work - a sign

One of the signs of a truly mature individual is how he handles correction or reproof.

Note that it is how he handles -- which means how he responds to.... or REACTS to or in, a situation.

Prov. 10:17 He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others.

When we heed or pay attention to correction and reproof, we help not only ourselves but others also. We usually see this when it comes to teamwork. When working together, if the leader corrects a team member, when recieved and taken to heart, it helps the team work better.

The vision of the team as a whole is more important when working together than that of the individual. So at this point if a mistake is made on an individual level and is corrected, it must be remembered that the idea is to improve the individual and move forward as a whole.

When we are so secure that correction doesn't lower our self-esteem and affect our sense of worth, we will be able to look at ourselves in a whole different light.

When we rebel against reproof, we cause ruin for ourselves and others. Again, looking at the team example, the team would not be able to move forward and progress toward its goal.

We need to be strong enough to take correction and move forward after examining our motive.

Not only will we move forward , we will help others along the way.

And we will walk on a path toward our destination instead of ruin and destruction.

For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Prov. 3:12

Peace...revelation.

I came across this today and was so excited I had to share it with you.

It's in James Chapter 3, ( do read it slowly so it makes sense)

"And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]."

Ok, so let me try and explain what I understand which is so amazing. The harvest of righteousness which is "conformity to God's will in thought and deed" ---- interpreted we are conformed to God's will as a result of sowing something.

We are in God's will when we sow PEACE. Wow! Isn't it so simple.

And we need to WORK to sow peace. Which is what makes it difficult for us humankind.

If you read real carefully, what follows is so important it can change your attitute, life and peace in your workplace.

We work to make peace ....where?

First, in "themselves".....are we at peace within ourselves? Are we reconciled to the things of this world? Am I able to befriend someone whose values and beliefs totally oppose mine...without a feeling of condemnation and judgement over that person....in short am I able to love someone who has opposing beliefs??

Do I feel threatened if I move with someone who is inferior to me ( according to me).....or am I reconciled to the fact that it doesn't affect me and I can love and move with anyone and it will not affect me? This is so important for us Christians in our work atmosphere. He smokes so he is really to be avoided. Then how are we going to witness to him the love of Jesus ? When we cannot love him ourselves and we say Jesus is in us?

Jesus made Himself of no "reputation.."

It continues to say., " in others" -- being at peace with others is crucial to us being in the will of God.

And what does this peace mean....?

"....that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts."

When my co-worker doesn't agree with me, how agitated do I get?...Am I at peace...do I allow others the freedom to be who they were created to be....even though in my eyes it may look different ?

An undisturbedness. Free from fears. Which means full of faith and trust in God Almighty.
Free from agitating passions and moral conflicts. Know your God. Know yourself in relation to Him.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

It is an ongoing process ...to work toward peace in ourselves and others....so that we reap that harvest of walking in conformity to the will of God in thought , word and deed.

How wonderful the world would be. How peaceful the workplace would be.

The reason...

What are we addicted to that hampers our efficiency at work?

Is my mind constantly watching out for pings..?

Am I totally focussed on what I am required to do ?....and then have time for my social or e-social life?

The reason I put that quiz up here is for us to examine our hearts...and see where our priorities lie ...along with our responsibilities.

Am I fulfilling my role...as a key-player in the work of God's kingdom?

Wherever I am placed...am I doing my best.

"For whatsoever you do , do it heartily , as unto the Lord and not unto men.."

This is one of the principles of BestChristianJobs...to work...as unto the Lord.

Let me remind you today, that you are unique....fulfill YOUR purpose.

How addicted are you? Socializing at work ?

21%

This quiz was provided by - Search & Social - Media Experts

Set apart - fit for any good work.

21So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
Taken from the book of II Timothy, the Bible.

When I began writing this post, I automatically went and italicised the words that represented the result and the words that were positive. Then I realised that this is how we sometimes read the Scriptures.

We want a good result and make the "honorable and noble" "consecrated and profitable" and "fit for any good work" stand out and take it to heart that that is how we are.

We tend to miss out what it takes to bring about the result. Even at work. We magnify the result and minimise the actual work or the path it took to bring about the result.

Here it says, whoever cleanses himself, separates himself from things that are ignoble, unclean, corrupting and contaminating influences.....will result in a vessel set apart for use by the Master, our Creator.

Phew! How hard it is ...I find myself doing things that I do not wish to do. I am unable to do things that I know I need to do.

Gossiping, slander, looking down on and shunning co-workers and bosses is not what we are called to do. We are to stay away from gossip, from murmuring against our superiors and from expressing contamination.

We are not to complain if we have to stay late to meet a deadline.
We are to help someone who is in need.
We are to love our neighbor.
We are set apart.
And the Master will use us for HIS GOOD WORK.
Wherever we are.

What a privilege to be chosen by the Creator of this universe.
Moreover He honors us. He loved us first.

For all those who work to spread His love and His Gospel, you are noble and set apart.

That means all of us. From a pastor, manager, director, business owner, carpenter, father, wife, son, teacher, doctor, nurse, shopkeeper, cook, trainee, customer executive, lawyer, politician, actor, musician, or just a no-one in your eyes........you are chosen. You are set apart. And you are a vessel of honor. Make yourself available for use by our Master.

After all the One who created us will know what we do best.

1IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.

2The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.

3And God said, Let there be light; and there was light.

4And God saw that the light was good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness.

5And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

God prepared, formed and fashioned the earth. He worked. And He rested.

Work. work. work. work. work. work. REST.

He worked six days and then rested. To work well, you need to rest well.

And God saw that it was good.

Position of Authority - peaceful

For those who hold positions of authority, there is an increased sphere of influence.

More people look up to you. Or maybe look up AT you. So we tend to lead two kinds of lives -- an outward ( where the sphere of influence can see) and inward ( where only those dear to your heart or just yourself can see).

Ultimately, the outward life is the life of witness. Where people look, learn and either follow or discard. The following Scripture gives us a new look on how a life of a leader should be.

In I Timothy Chapter 2, it says

2For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.

Beautiful isn't it? Yet so far from the ideal.

There is so much pressure, so much to do, so many deadlines, people under us are so irresponsible ( we think) or I just want to get this over with so I can relax. Which mostly never happens.

So how do we live a life "undisturbed" ? and quiet ...................outwardly ?

The previous verse says,
"I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men..."

And the one after goes on to say,

3For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior,
4Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.

People who hold positions of high responsibility are required to PRAY.

Prayer makes you lead a life that is undisturbed as you have now handed over all your cares to the Highest Authority there is and you know He will take care. Once you know that you live a quiet life. Free of anxiety, clutter, pressure, attention-seeking behaviour, jealousy, anger and greed.

And inwardly?

In all godliness and reverence and seriousness. -- This is how we pray. We enter into a godly, revered, serious conversation with Him.

I said conversation. That means to also listen to what He has to say.

Because His words give you life, give you a peace and an understanding that no one can give you.
He leads and guides you. And you end up living in total and complete peace. There is nothing that can disturb you. If something goes wrong, HE turns it right and you just keep going.

And you can live a life worthy of your high calling. And your position doesn't really matter. Since you are in constant conversation with the Highest Authority anyway. That is a life that is really cool.