Presented by Lauren Stibgen
Often as we reflect on our faith at work, we think of how our belief helps guide us through some pretty challenging situations. But how much are we thinking about how our faith is reflected to others and creating reactions to our colleagues, bosses, and subordinates?
I want you to answer this question: are you creating anxiety or peace at work?
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27).
In John 14, Jesus tells us he is leaving peace­—his peace. The world cannot give peace like Jesus. Our difficult task each day is to reflect more of Jesus and less of this world. Let’s face it, this world is full of anxiety-causing matters, and work can only compound them. People experience anxiety from issues ranging from financial matters to health challenges to relationships. This anxiety can be compounded by things like overconsuming caffeine, lacking sleep, and even skipping meals. Anxieties create real physical issues for us, and a seemingly vicious cycle of things that just create more anxiety.
Is your work environment creating more financial stress for people? Perhaps an impending layoff or a freeze on raises is looming. Maybe your company is changing health plans. This could create anxieties about coverage for someone facing significant health issues. How is your office culture? Is it causing people more anxiety?
Considering how much time we spend at work, each of us has an opportunity to create more peace for the people around us. As we think about our peace in Christ, take time to consider some of the ways we can be better peacemakers than anxiety creators.