Called to Lead: In Our Workplace

Ryan Miller

Called: Men's Retreat • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

Colossians 3:22–4:1

Work

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Called to Lead: In Our Workplace

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Recovering Vocation

In a day and age when everything is all about me (or you), the thought of others-focused work is a bit foreign. I mean don’t get me wrong, most every job out there serves someone else. If you make a product, someone else consumes it. If you provide a service, someone else needs (or wants) it. But for the super-majority of the population, if you did not benefit from your job, whether it be pay or recognition, you would not do the job. This is a distorted way of serving our customers and coworkers and one that must be rethought.

“To make a real difference…[there would have to be] a reappropriation of the idea of vocation or calling, a return in a new way to the idea of work as a contribution to the good of all and not merely as a means to one’s own advancement.”

Robert Bellah, in his book Habits of the Heart says “To make a real difference…[there would have to be] a reappropriation of the idea of vocation or calling, a return in a new way to the idea of work as a contribution to the good of all and not merely as a means to one’s own advancement.”

How do you view your business or your job? How would you view that same job if nobody knew it was you doing it or worse yet, if you didn’t get paid? Additionally, if we view our vocation as nothing more than a means to an end, it will end up destroying us as we continually seek more fulfillment. This destruction is realized through stress, anxiety, and an awful work/life balance.

Faithful Work

I believe that we have been called by God to the very job we do. That can be a Fortune 500 CEO, a delivery driver, or a line cook at the local breakfast joint. By seeing our job as a calling from God, we can “elevate the purpose of work from making a living to loving our neighbor and at the same time removes us from the crushing burden of working primarily to prove ourselves.”

I find it so sad to see so many people trying to “prove” themselves to themselves.

“Everyone imagines accomplishing things, and everyone finds him - or herself largely incapable of producing them.” Tim Keller

Have you found yourself trying to prove yourself to yourself? If you are working hard, and doing everything you can to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself, then that’s all you can do. One of my favorite quotes is from C.S. Lewis and he says:

“It is not your business to succeed but to do what is right; when you have done so, the rest lies with God.”

God has called me to the work I am doing so I know that the fruits of my labor will be enjoyed for all of eternity as part of God’s master plan!

Defining “Work”

We were initially created to a perfect work (; )

The Fall () - Sin comes in and distorts our view of work

Idolize our position

identify with our status

Identify with our status

Worship our money/stuff

Lie, cheat, and steal to gain

Become lazy and seek get-rich-quick schemes or people to support us

A new type of work () but it doesn't stay that way ()

Your work is a very sacred matter. God delights in it, and through it he wants to bestow his blessings on you. This praise of work should be inscribed on all tools, on the forehead and faces that sweat from toiling. Martin Luther

“Your work is a very sacred matter. God delights in it, and through it he wants to bestow his blessings on you. This praise of work should be inscribed on all tools, on the forehead and faces that sweat from toiling.” Martin Luther

Wages are good and due to us -

“In a country that cuts down “tall poppies” (those who rise above), it is safer to embrace mediocrity than pursue an audacious vision—and so leaders hold back, lowering expectations and fleeing the sacrificial paths that have marked Christianity since its inception.” - Pastor Guy Mason

In a country that cuts down “tall poppies” (those who rise above), it is safer to embrace mediocrity than pursue an audacious vision—and so leaders hold back, lowering expectations and fleeing the sacrificial paths that have marked Christianity since its inception. - Pastor Guy Mason

Why should we work?

To glorify God

We have been given gifts from God ()

To further God's kingdom

Be a reflection of Christ ()

If we do not work those ways, we build our own Tower of Babel.

Provisionally for our family ()

Provisionally for our family

Treasure

Talent

Time

Vocation and ministry, the same or different ()

The Bible says God is a:

Artist and craftsman ()

Caretaker ()

Gardner ()

Our vocation is equally important to a church position

How should we work?

Be an agent of change

Be an agent of change - Tim Keller says: "When Christians work in the world, they will either assimilate into their culture and support the status quo or they will be agents of change. This is especially true in the area of work. Every culture works on the basis of a “map” of what is considered most important. If God and his grace are not at the center of a culture, then other things will be substituted as ultimate values. So every vocational field is distorted by idolatry."

Tim Keller says: "When Christians work in the world, they will either assimilate into their culture and support the status quo or they will be agents of change. This is especially true in the area of work. Every culture works on the basis of a “map” of what is considered most important. If God and his grace are not at the center of a culture, then other things will be substituted as ultimate values. So every vocational field is distorted by idolatry."

Be a 360 leader (John Maxwell), influencing people in every direction.

Work unto the Lord () and ()

Work honestly ()

Don't seek shortcuts ()

Work hard ()

Work hard (Ecl 9:10)

Respect authority ()

Give glory to God ()

Manager others well ()

Application

Serve Jesus and be a light to your workplace

Don't make your primary focus position or pay

Seek the recognition of Jesus for a job well done

Don't seek praise from your boss or colleagues

See that Jesus has you there for a reason

Don't always be looking for a greener patch of grass

Pray for your boss and co-workers and rejoice in their success

Don't compare yourself with others who have a better position or pay

Stick it out regardless of the circumstances until Jesus calls you out

Don't be discouraged when things get hard or don't go your way

The Conviction to Lead - Mohler

1. The conviction that your purpose in the organization is to become a great leader (because we serve a great leader).

2. The ability to draw others into the direction you desire for your team/organization.

3. The passion to believe what you are doing is right and the ability to convince others of the same.

4. The continued desire to model learning and growth amongst your team and organization.

5. The qualities of a great leader including character, credibility, communication, and stewardship.

6. The building of a legacy for your team, your organization, and the clients you serve.