Taking It to Work:
It is a common human desire to be better than others. From the earliest of years in school, we run hard to be the fastest on the playground, smartest in our class, or best at our sport. We compare muscles, height, hair, grades and, at least among the boys, we try to show ourselves stronger, quicker or funnier than the next guy.
Another natural human desire, along with wanting to be good at something, is to be accepted into a group of peers that are considered “good”. It is affirming to belong and to be liked by those you consider to be on your level, or a little higher.
Putting these two basic desires together, along with the fact we get along better with those with whom we have a common interest, left to ourselves we usually end up in a group of people sometimes viewed as a clique. The fastest track runners hang with the fastest track runners; the band people hang with other band people, old fishermen with old fishermen, and pro-golfers with other pro-golfers. Wherever you go, birds of a feather tend to flock together, and with us in the workplace, it is no different. Friendships form naturally among peers, and there is really nothing wrong with that, but here is what we are reminded of today in Proverbs and Romans: We can grow forgetful of those not in our group, and possibly even appear haughty or cliquish, to other groups.
Jesus Himself set a great example, although His place could have easily been among the kings of the earth, or the wisest of His time. He most often made himself available to those lowest in society. Look at his disciples: fishermen, tax collectors, common workers, but those who had the capacity to be trained, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, trained to change the world. His time was rarely spent with kings, or influential leaders. Our Lord thought His time better spent with the common folks, the sick, the needy, the overlooked. And because His influence over those those folks was great, His attention and love toward them really changed their lives.
As Christ followers in the marketplace, and many of us as managers and leaders, the same opportunity exists for us. There is an honoring, lifting and encouraging effect when we invite a subordinate to lunch, someone who likely looks up to us because of our experience, title or position. Another opportunity is to surprise a young entrepreneur with an invitation to an exclusive meeting of established and successful entrepreneurs.
In our own workplace, those with lower positions are often ignored or overlooked by those higher up. Executives can be oblivious to the new hires, and the foreman can forget the incredible, positive influence he could have with his operators and laborers, if he were to take the time.
Again, Jesus regularly reached out to all walks of people around Him, usually downward. You are called to do the same at work; it is one of the things that will set you apart, in His image, as His Word works to influence through you, today.
Rom 12:16 (ESV) – Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Prv 29:23 (ESV) – One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Rom 15:2 (ESV) – Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
1 Thess 5:11 (ESV) – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
No person is greater than the next, for all journey from where I have placed them, and many feel inferior to those above. You hold a place that many would desire, but do you flock with just your own? Reach down with kind respect to those below, and they will find encouragement in your humble care for them. Do you know their names? Ask of them their pleasure, the desire of their heart, and you will help to grow them by asking. Do not consider yourself greater than even the least around you. They grow as you grow. They aspire as you aspire, not for selfish gain, but to reach the potential I have placed within them, and within you, each to their ability. Reach down, and you will be lifted. Seek to raise, and encouragement will flow back to you.
