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January 2008: Volume One, Number One Integration and Integrity What happens when matters of our Christian faith become the guiding principles upon which we build our businesses? That’s the issue that was facing me as I notified my long-time employer that I was striking out on my own. Well on my way to success, the career I had been pursuing was exciting, but the environment was in direct conflict with my personal goals. My duties as an Art Director for a major garment manufacturer called for excessively long hours, frequent travel while working, at times, in an unwholesome atmosphere. I sensed a definite call on my life to use my talents and abilities to further the Kingdom of God and chose to live accordingly. That was over thirty years ago, and today I can look back and say with confidence that the degree to which I applied those guiding Scriptural principles to my day-to-day business activities has become the yardstick by which I measure my success. Successfully fulfilling the creative needs of the many clients I have worked with throughout my career has been both stimulating and satisfying, but of far greater value is the development of long-standing relationships with those I have been privileged to serve. Realistically, these don’t always develop easily. As Christians, some of our greatest challenges are found in the workplace where we perform our duties every day: the employee who betrays our trust, the client who refuses to pay, the vendor who falls short of our expectations as well as the many unrealistic demands of co-workers and business associates. Truly, it can be a difficult and tenuous environment in which to manifest Christ. Throughout my career I have witnessed and shared the struggles of fellow Christian men and women who seek Spiritual fulfillment in what often seems to be a god-less environment. I have, however, recently observed a new trend among many Christians in the workplace. Albeit challenging, the commitment to “live my faith” through my business endeavors has reaped fruit and brought a personal fulfillment that is humbling, yet exciting and incredibly empowering. Time after time, I’ve been afforded the privilege of personally demonstrating the love of Christ and ushering an associate into the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In my business, quite often I utilize illustration to visually support the advertising campaigns I develop. While working with one of my regular free-lance illustrators, our conversation drifted from business to his personal circumstances. He shared that he was currently separated from his wife and on a collision course with divorce. Sharing my faith was a bit awkward and somewhat uncomfortable, but I knew that God had brought this associate and me together for more than “just business.” One evening I received a telephone call from a complete stranger. This person shared with me that she was the illustrator’s wife, and had recently given her life to Christ. She called to let me know that she and several of her girlfriends had been praying that Jesus would bring a man into her husband’s life to share his faith with him, and I was an answer to their prayers. Eventually her husband prayed to invite Jesus into his life. Their marriage was beautifully restored and together they’ve served the Lord for over three decades. What a privilege to have shared this miracle with them. We remain close friends to this day. I’ve learned the importance of being sensitive to the opportunities set before me. I sometimes cringe when I hear the expression, “it’s not personal; it’s just business” used as justification for treating others badly, utilizing the mentality of the end justifying the means. What a lie. That thinking is the very antithesis of what God’s Word tells me. My actions ARE personal and DO impact others. I have a choice to conduct my professional life in a matter compatible with the call on my life. In 2003 I was asked to lead a men’s conference in the DC area. The verse I chose to focus on was Jeremiah 17:7-8, which says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream. And will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit.” My career continues to challenge me and test my resolve to trust God when the heat gets turned up, but I know that I’ve been called and equipped for business – I have learned that we have each been placed in our particular business environments for a reason. Sometimes we Christians assume that it’s only the preachers behind a pulpit who are “chosen” or called to minister. The truth is that the work of the Lord needs to be accomplished by ALL believers. Notably, over fifty percent of the parables Jesus taught were related to and situated in the marketplace. Jesus taught that His followers were to take dominion of the earth, to faithfully use their talents, and not to hide their light under a basket. (Matthew 5:15) The Great Commission presented in the Gospel of Matthew is spoken to everyone, and the workplace has become the greatest mission field of our day. What is a Workplace Believer? Being a workplace believer does not mean that we simply hand out Gospel tracts, conduct Bible studies during our lunch hour and witness to everyone we encounter. Don’t get me wrong; these have great value and worth when used in a sensitive way, developing naturally. Expressing our faith as a workplace believer can take many forms. Showing those around us that we care. Loving others supernaturally. Accepting them. Being genuine. Taking an interest in others. Being joyful and optimistic. Being observant and bringing peace as you pray for the felt needs of your co-workers. Making time to listen. Living in Truth. Asking God to direct your path. He will initiate the specific action you can take. Then, be sure to act. Through work we serve God as we serve those He places in our lives. Our personal STYLE of sharing may be very different, but Jesus gave each of us a style or personality and He most definitely gives us opportunities to be “salt and light.” (Matthew 5:14) In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he wrote, “You live in an age that is twisted out of its true pattern, and among such people YOU shine out, beacons to the world, upholding the message of light.” Christ cares about what we do just as much as He cares about who we are. Who we are determines what we do. What we do in life is an external expression of who we are inside. Relationships are important. In my career I have developed business relationships with a variety of clients, suppliers, and co-workers. I’m sure you have as well, because the marketplace today is becoming more and more relationally driven. How we treat people, manage our finances, develop corporate policies and relate to our co-workers should all flow out of our commitment to Jesus Christ. Joining Christ at Work Perhaps you’re at a place in life where you feel stale and ineffective. Are you hungry to accomplish something? Are you so committed to a vision that you will do anything to see that vision come to fruition? I’ve certainly been there and understand that passion. It’s stirring to realize God wants to use the talents and abilities He has given us for His glory. I encourage you to make plans and take action. Our situations may be as different and as individual as we are, but we all have something important to share with others because Jesus gave us each a salvation experience and a new life in Him. We can be assured that there is no higher calling than serving where God has placed us, whether it’s as an executive of a Fortune 500 company or a clerk in a local department store. Ask Jesus to open your eyes to the opportunities around you, and renew your vision for sharing His love with others in your areas of influence. God’s Spirit wants to release you into ministry and impact your environment right where you are… Believers in America® Believers in America® is committed to offering exciting and uplifting real life testimonials from various individuals who have successfully incorporated their faith into their workplace environments and is an answer to a calling that has filled my heart as a Christian entrepreneur. This WebMag endeavors to provide tips, encouragement and support for those experiencing a similar desire to "live their faith" at work. If you would like to continue receiving our FREE monthly WebMag or would like more information regarding Believers in America®, please visit our website to submit your input or request. If this information has blessed or encouraged you, please consider forwarding our website address to a friend or business associate. In so doing, you are helping others to understand and live out the high calling in today’s workplace. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Bill Weaver, President Established in 1976, Weaver Associates is a graphic design and creative development studio based in the metro Atlanta area. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions for clients relying on technology to grow their businesses. Our clean approach to our clients’ design challenges has been integral to their success throughout the years. Mr. Weaver also serves as President and Founder of Believers in America®. |
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