Balancing Work
I had good opportunities to chat up some Gospel today with a few co-workers. I took it, and one met with an awesome conversation, the other said, “That’s ok, I try to live a good life.” “You know, it’s more than that…” “I know, but that’s okay, i’m doing fine the way I am.”
Of course, I want to reach this guy, and I’m good friends with him, but there’s a problem… He’s a VERY hard worker. As he’s paid hourly (i’m not), he works early, late, hard, and often. He’s a dedicated hard worker.
The problem: I’m not the same way. Today was a perfect example. I could be at work this Saturday (unpaid, but not too important) to oversee some work going on. I’m not needed, but it is partially my project. So when I said I wouldn’t be there this Saturday to work, I saw disappointment all over his face.
What I’m wondering is, if I could work really hard, consistently and make my job as high a priority as he does, could I have a better chance of earning his respect and influence to assist the idea of the Gospel? I just think it’s worth it.
The problem is that it would take lots of times away from my family, and other bits of His work that I already try to do. Like I said, he’s worth it, but should I attempt to jeopardize the other parts of my day and sometimes weekends?
Anybody else struggle with this?
I know I was put at the museum for a purpose, and I try to spread as much Gospel in those 8 hours as it allows, but should I consistently pour in more? I mean, I do work overtime when it’s needed, but not really when it’s not….
I need some insight. Who’s got that for me?
great post stephen… here are my thoughts:
Paul says that he became all things to all men so that he might win some – but we are to seek the approval of God, not man (Gal 1:10).
I would say work hard and work well for the time that you are there. Demonstrate what it means to glorify God in your work by doing this.
But work is not your first priority and this is important for your co-worker to see. Demonstrate your love for the gospel by displaying your godly priorities – God first. Your wife second… and so on.
I do not think it is wise nor a good display of the gospel if we begin to neglect what is most important – your family comes before your job.
It sounds like this guy sees good works (and specifically working hard) as a way of being justified – tell him, and show him, what grace is.
And at the end of the day, remind yourself that God is sovereign, the Spirit is the One who works to change a person’s heart – all you can do is be faithful to preach the gospel and pray.
I agree completely with the above comment. Don’t change the gospel in order to make it relevant. Instead, hold fast to your convictions that are gospel-centered and perhaps he will see the work of God in your life and in your priorities.
It does seem very possible that you co-worker justifies himself through his hard work and ambition. Because he thinks he’s right (of course or else he would think differently) he is going to think you are wrong and that your view in inferior.
The truth is that your priorities are not your view, they were given to you by God as He revealed in His Word.
Give to Cesar what is Cesar’s. Work hard and be known for working hard while you are at work, but when it’s time for God or your wife and family, that time belongs to them.
However, I might encourage this as well. Act as you feel led by God in your “free” time no matter who is the recipient of that time, even if it is your boss or co-workers. Sometimes I think I just add to the confusion… welcome to the inside of my head.