ATLANTA (BP)–Nothing is more startling in the workplace than one who has indeed “died to the world and the world to him” (Galatians 6:14). No one can make a transformational difference more than just such a person! That person is also more aware of such power to change lives and situations, for it is “no longer [him] but Christ” who lives out his life in and through that person, making all things different!
Into his/her workplace Christ has come, and his presence is real and personal and thorough. His love is experienced by everyone, and it is expressed to others; this love, as stated in the Scriptures, involves “suffering long and [it] is kind; [it] does not envy; does not parade itself, or is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own [advantage]; is not provoked, thinks no evil [of anyone]; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” And this love “never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).
The one whose own life has been so deeply and thoroughly changed by the love of God has now become the means by which God’s love is seen, felt, encountered and received by others in the workplace.
This is what God intended! A life changed by his love would be a “change agent” — salt and light — wherever he placed it. And Scripture reveals this would be preeminently in the workplace. God’s love would also show itself and be experienced in marriages and homes as a witness to how real and radically life-transforming God’s love really is. This is still his plan and purpose for life in our nation and world today! His love, lived out with transparent honesty, has not lost this life-changing power. And right now God’s love is so desperately needed and desired in the marketplaces of our nation.
May it be said to every true believer in the workplace, “I never knew such love existed until now! Thank you for bringing such love to me through your life!”
We who have been “crucified with Christ” are alive in Christ and he in us. No matter where we live or work, nothing is greater, or has greater power to change lives and situations, than this kind of God’s love.
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Blackaby serves as president of Henry Blackaby Ministries, on the Web at www.henryblackaby.com. His column appears monthly.
