power at work

[Allan Gerh]

Power at Work
What characterizes your work environment? Is it a toxic environment full of
stress, politics, power games, sexism, conflicts, difficult bosses, pressure to
conform including just the boring routine of work? Yet this is the place we
spend most of our productive time and life. Have you ever felt powerless and
afraid to confront these realities at work? In the midst of these frustrating
realities, what’s a Christian to do? How can we get outside help to overcome all
these negative forces?
The story of Daniel, a marketplace minister has a lot to tell us.
Read Daniel 2:14-28, 46-49
We note that:
1. Work is a calling. God placed Daniel there to be His representative, to
bring in the kingdom of light in a place of darkness. You are where you are for
a higher call, to bring praise to God. Ed Silvoso says, “Labor is the premier
expression of worship on earth, and every believer is a minister.” You are a
marketplace minister. As God’s servant at work, walk in godly principles such as
excellence, integrity and creativity.
2. You’ve got the Power – You need to invite God to work (where possible join
up with partners). You need both wisdom and power to deal with the forces of
evil at work. Daniel needed wisdom, power to thrive against politics, favor for
promotion and strength to overcome the spiritual and secular forces. He prayed 3
times a day (saw prayer as a lifestyle) and outperformed the rest.
3. Your vision is transformation – Your goal is to see the lives of your
coworkers changed and the place become a stronghold for the kingdom of God.
Daniel turned the whole land towards God. He established God’s kingdom there.
The one message from Daniel is this: Change the Marketplace; Change the World!
The church is the barracks – we are prepared to go and establish outposts for
the King. The market place is the main battlefield. If we are going to win the
war for the transformation of Kenya, we must bring power to work. Instead of
just complaining about the evils at work, stand up and make the difference.
Where do you start? ABCs of Changing the market place:
1. Always start where you are – Check your attitude. See your self on a
mission? See your assignment to make a difference and engage? Start by taking 5
or 10 mins daily to pray for work or business or studies. Or call your Christian
colleagues to meet once a week for prayer.
2. Be absolutely honest with yourself – Are you living the lifestyle that will
bring God’s kingdom in your work place? Am I part of the problem at
work? Acknowledge the issues at work and understand them. What needs to happen?
3. Continue with the conversation – Keep praying and working until
transformation happens and you fulfill your assignment. Daniel acknowledged at
the appropriate time that his secret was God. Point people to Christ and do that
with all humility and wisdom, but do it with courage as well. Live in such a way
that you attract questions. Then use your faith to answer them. Recommend
Mizizi. Invite people to church. Share your faith
Change the Marketplace; Change the World!
…
Part 1
Part 2