Because Nice Matters

There are wall signs in stores expressing most any thing or quote. As we were opening our new building in one area, I saw and bought a pretty little sign that read: "Because Nice Matters". We were customer service oriented and this little comment seemed to mirror all we wanted to portray. Oh my, who knew it would become a huge bone of contention among a couple of the employees.

Apparently, these two employees felt the sign was pointing out they weren't so nice and needed to be told... Only a few felt this way but they raised a big stink. Although other employees said they didn't feel that way everyone just wanted the two to stop so I removed the sign. Isn't it funny how a few can change the way things are done even if the majority is not aligned with them? We see this with most of the changes in our country right now. I'll give you my take but it's a bit political sounding even to me.

Christians today, as a whole, are a passive group. As church attendance is slipping, as laws considering abortion, same sex marriage, sex education for little kids, and a whole host of topics ~ Christians are being passive. We may pray about an issue but we don't rise up and do something about the issue. I'm not telling you what to think nor who to vote for in the next election. I'm telling you to make a difference based upon your responsibility as a Christian.

If you have supervised for any length of time, you will have noticed a difference in the attitude of employees toward work and toward others in your workplace. The Christian behavior has almost gone underground in a effort to not confront or be different. We have raised a generation of workers encouraged to have a wide open view of morality, a broad range of ethics, and loyalty. It has affected our work force. I do not advocate going back to the work places of the early 1900's but at what point have we simply, and passively, let our Christian standards be compromised? It's not because there are so few of us. It is something like the school yard bully. No bully, in a group setting such as school, church, work, politics, court rooms, can continue if all the others stand together. No bully will stand down when faced with a group of passive uncoordinated on-lookers. Had all the other employees who thought it was just fine made a stand to keep that little "Because Nice Matters" sign, it would still be on the wall. If all the other employees at the conference in another city had stood together when one guy suggested going to a strip bar, no one would have gone. If all the other ladies in the office stood together, the one lady wouldn't have been sexually harassed. If all the parents and teachers at the school had stood together, they wouldn't be contemplating teaching sex education and anti-traditional family to little children in California. There will always be friends, family, co-workers, politicians, and etc. who disagree but you as a Christian need to stand for something besides passivity. Answer when questioned, write the company, call your senator or congressman, speak up at a meeting, research and vote, write your judges, talk to our law makers, get on the committee making decisions, show up at the company or school board meeting, get to know your local mayor and council persons. If not you, Christian, who? Are we all too busy enjoying the benefits of freedoms to see they are being eroded?

We are suffering from the lack of Christians giving input into matters that affect our work place, our schools, our laws, our government, and our country. We don't need to destroy, we need to speak. Our faith is the core of what developed this country to it's grand freedoms. As it has been slowly and steadily cut from our life, we are seeing the beginning of ramifications. Left unchecked by passivity in Christians, it will only increase. By the time we yell "uncle", it will be too late to protect some of those affected.

Ephesians 6:10-15 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

The Bible doesn't tell you to beat someone over the head. It does talk about, it advises and demands Christians should be the ones who uphold His truths, tell His story, do His work. You have been given the means more than any other generation ~ take up your pen, your typing fingers, your voice, your mind and body and make the difference.

Celebrate

My ancestors fled Germany through Switzerland into the United States. They did this because they were being persecuted for their religious beliefs. They did this in spite of the probability of never seeing their family or homeland again. They did this in spite of vast hardships during the trip and after arriving. Making a home in a land where they didn't speak the language (for two generations), traveling thousands of miles with little to eat, no ready medical treatments, no security, and no guarantees. They lost possessions, children, spouses, family, and health to live in a country that would allow them to worship our God through Jesus Christ.

I am careful to not forget and careful not to take for granted the freedoms they have provided for our family at a very high cost to themselves. I'm thankful they had the strong faith to take that horrible risk. I come from "strong blood", farmers mainly, who toiled to make this country a place where all can live in religious freedom. They built churches and lived a life dedicated to God, through Jesus Christ, and they made sure their children were educated to do the same.

My life was peppered with Biblical quotes and sayings. My public school taught Biblical lessons for living life. It wasn't a duty, it was a way of life that insured a new generation appreciated and lived thankfully those religious freedoms. I have been Blessed to have that belief system taught to me all my life. It frightens me that so many others do not appreciate the Blessings of living in this land of freedom and plenty. On this July 4, 2006, let me quote the first and last verses of Samuel Francis Smith's (1808-1895 - American Baptist pastor and poet) beautiful worship for America:

"My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountain-side,
Let freedom ring!

Our fathers' God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee I sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King!"

May you turn your thoughts to what you are thankful for this Independence Day. Not simple possessions but the true freedom of religion: Standing in public worshiping God. Not having your Bible confiscated and burned. Not having to hide your face, your Bible, your church or your worship. Not having your home bombed because you worship God. You can go on for days if you want to spend time in prayer of thanksgiving for the Blessings God has given you simply because you or your ancestors came to live in America. Let us not forget our Blessings; they can be temporary if we do not appreciate and protect them. John 15:7 "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

When It Flows Downhill

A friend was talking of a meeting with his boss, his boss's boss, and his boss's boss's boss. Whew, fun stuff. The purpose was to review the status of a complicated newly developing project assigned to my friend not long ago. My friend brought all the information but was surprised when he was told they didn't want to see or hear any of the information. They only wanted to know why it wasn't done ~ but didn't want to hear any reasons. Through the frustrating hour, the bottom line was the top guy had not put enough importance on the project until he was recently held accountable. Not wanting to be at blame, he then put pressure on the next and then the next and finally the project person was grilled as if it was all his fault. In reality, had the project been started when assigned to the top guy, it would have been where it needed to be at this point. Anyone out there "feel this person's pain"? I know I did.

If you are to blame for a problem and you push that blame downhill, as this top guy did, what is the outcome? Does the project move faster and with a more satisfactory outcome? The project may speed up but at what cost to you and the company in subtle ways? Here are some ramifications to letting it all roll downhill from you.

Because of your failure, as a supervisor, to make a good decision on a project you are now experiencing ramifications from your superiors. It takes a pretty strong person to admit their own mistake and take the lumps. It also takes a pretty strong person to take the lumps when an employee under your responsibility makes a mistake and you are held accountable.

Refusal to take responsibility for your actions/or/inactions has examples from the beginning of time. In Genesis 3:12, Adam is pointing his finger at Eve for eating the apple. In Exodis 12-21+, Aaron is blaming the people for the golden calf. In Matthew 27:24, Pilate is washing his hands of the circumstances leading to the death of Jesus. You will find NO example in the Bible of it being a good thing to not take responsibility for your own actions or to blame others.

The ramifications from your employees is this: They will never respect you again. They will not believe you have Christian values. They will not rally to your side on professional nor personal issues. They will never give you credit for anything. They will spend an enormous amount of time and energy discussing what you did. They will learn to sabatoge your projects in ways you can't prove. Voluntary overtime to help will grind to a halt. They will make jokes at your expense. They will eventually show your boss he should have reason to doubt your worth. In other words, letting the ramifications of your mistake flow down hill may eventually drown you.

The ramifications of your actions on your employees: They will not feel a part of a team working for the better of the company. They will find their job unsatisfacory and may slowly stop giving their best. They will feel betrayed and will withdraw their loyality to you (and possibly to the company). Quite probably, they will seek work in another department, for another individual, or another company. And all because you couldn't stand up like an adult and a Christian and accept responsibility. Little ol' you making such a big wave of ramifications.

Let me tell you I have never felt more integrity than when I did a tough thing, for the right reasons and at the right time. Protecting your employees from the river of ramifications from your error is the right reason for the right time. What are the ramifications of accepting responsibility of your own mistakes:

They could be huge if the mistake was huge or if your superiors use poor judgement. You could be fired, demoted, or disciplined. You could learn what you did wrong and use it to make yourself a better supervisor. You can relish being humble of spirit by knowing you made the mistake and admitted. Mistakes are not always sins. Failure to take responsibility once you know you have made a mistake is definately a sin. "Acts 17:30-31 "And the times of this ignorance God overlooked but now commandeth all men every where to repent; Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."

Had my friend's supervisors accepted the blame of their choices, my friend would have worked his fingers to the bone trying to help "save" them all. Now, he is discouraged and has actually slowed his effort because all he previously did and gave was not valued. He has the integrity to do a good job but the lost respect for those involved in this situation will throw a long ugly shadow on this operation.

Take It Or Leave It

I've talked about how to do your mission, assigned by God, in the workplace. I felt I needed to talk to those that were contemplating taking a stand for Christianity in their workplace. There can be a difference or it can be the same mission.

Always first: Do not take a stand for Christianity in your workplace that may get you disciplined without talking to God long and hard. And most importantly, without listening to Him until you know this is positively God's desire. This may happen over years or it may happen in an instant - but be sure God is behind, in front and beside you. There are some people who are put in situations to take a very visible stand for Christianity in the workplace. Taking a very visible stand, for some others, would destroy their mission to work behind the scenes.

Secondly: If you are contemplating taking a strong stand at work consider some of the following: Is it God's will for my life? Am I taking the stand to do God's work or am I taking the stand to show my Christianity? If my income is necessary to others, have I consulted them and are they ready to fight the same battle? Have I first tried other means of taking my stand that would mirror the humble spirit and it has failed? These are just a few of the questions you need to consider while you are praying to God for His guidance.

I would not want you standing on top of your desk, with your Bible in your hand, refusing to give on a Biblical issue in the workplace, and have God saying, "NOOOOOOOOOOOO.!" I also would not want you to endure years and years of Christian oppression when God was telling you, "Stand up and glorify my name!" You see, I don't have the answer for you. ONLY God does and only you can use your relationship with God for the end glory He wants.

Third: My example: God allowed me to stay in an oppressive workplace, not to scream but to whisper. Not to fight but to use it to show how He can sustain through His strength not man's. Not to get fired and leave but to minister to the other Christians. Both are hard and both will continue to get harder. I do not believe life will become any easier in the workplaces of the world for God's children.

Forth: That last sentence seems rather a downer; only if you want it to be a downer. Have you read your Bible at all concerning Christians in the early workplaces in Biblical times? According to what I hear and read relating current events to Biblical prophesy, we should be rejoicing in the assignments God has given us in our lives, including the workplace. We are the army of God's children marching through our own circumstances; circumstances assigned individually to each of us if we listen to our orders. Whether it be a very vocal demonstrative march or whether you are the donkey carrying the packet of our Lord's message - rejoice in your assigned duties and carry them out without fear or regret. It will allow you to rejoice when you have accomplish His mission and meet for His reward.

Proverbs 11:18 "The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward."

You're Fired!

If you supervise, you may have to fire someone during your career. Believe me, it is nothing like the made for TV drama. As well it shouldn't be, considering this is not entertainment but dealing with real lives. I once had someone tell me (when I was feeling bad about firing someone): "If you ever get to where it isn't hard, then you need to get into another line of work".

People are diverse (no news flash here). The circumstances involving someone's termination of employment will be just as diverse. There are some very specific things you need to do in order to be fair to the company, the employee, comply with employment laws, union contracts and company procedures. Finally, you must make sure that when it's all done, you will know you have done all you can to prevent the event and know you have done the right thing as far as your own integrity and as a Christian.

A starting point is the moment any employee is hired. To make sure you never fire an employee irresponsibly, you must keep timely and accurate documentation of their performance the entire term of their employment. In most cases, those employees go on to be what we all want in our teams: good to excellent the majority of their career. I referred to Performance Reviews in an earlier note. They are necessary but so is the timely documentation showing behavior and work. (I might explain at this point, "timely" is not moment by moment but simply not missing good points and bad points as they happen). It's the pattern of behavior and accomplishments that is so necessary (with the exception of single acts so against policy or law that it warrants immediate termination) when you are dealing with performance issues that may lead to termination of employment. If you have documented the good as-well-as poor performance on a real time basis, you will have the necessary documentation needed to make this decision, to explain it to the employee, your supervisor, human relations, at grievance hearings, unemployment hearings and during lawsuits.

How do you, as a Christian, proceed? I mentioned integrity and that is really at the core of your decision. What the employee does to bring him or herself to this point is not under your control. If, in good conscious, you have given this employee the necessary tools and instruction to enable them to succeed and they have chosen to fail, you now have to move on to allowing them to go elsewhere.

Christians sometimes think they can not (according to God) fire someone. It will deprive the employee's family of steady income for a period of time, it casts a shadow upon their reputation, it seems to show a lack of forgiveness, and you may feel it reflects negatively upon your Christianity. Consider this: Jesus never failed to perform tough jobs, in a strong and firm way, when He had proof it needed to be done, when He had talked with God, and when it was just. Aren't we to model Jesus? You MUST always be well documented and MUST always weight all circumstances. If these show this employee should no longer work for the Company or for you, move with confidence you are doing the right thing - although tough.

Becoming a supervisor is much like growing up. At some point, you are no longer the buddy, the friend, the good-time guy. You have to make tough decisions that affect the lives of your employee and most often his/her family. It is hard and it can make you feel very lonely. It is the line that pushes you out of the group and into the role of adult supervision. It is performing and accepting the difficult with the pay of a supervisor.

Remember when you are in this position the only true friend, advisor, support and confidant will be our Lord. You may be disliked by the employee, her family, friends, co-workers, and possibly the public. You may receive minimal support from your company; because ultimately it was your employee, your decision and your documentation. At this point, some supervisors just throw up their hands and refuse to fire anyone no matter what the deserving circumstances. This is not what the Bible tells us to do. Remember you are not put in a supervisory role to be liked. Being liked is good for your feelings, but if it conflicts with your Christian and company duties, sorry - being liked looses. I never found "will be liked" in the supervisory job description.

Again, may I say NEVER fire a person unless you have truthful accurate documentation and the employee has given reason. Talk to God, talk to your supervisor, your company's human resource department (if they have one) and become clear on your position and your actions. Then proceed as a strong adult knowing you have done all you can to prevent the termination and now you are proceeding as a strong adult to allow this employee to face the consequences of her actions.

II Timothy 4-16-18 "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Nothwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. A'-men."

I'm BORED...

During most everyone's working life, we are promoted to a position that is simply the most boring place we have ever had to place our nameplate. Although an advancement or lateral move, it holds no thrill, nothing new, allows no chance to try something new....or does it?

I've had several stints in low motivation and boring jobs. They were on the track I needed to take but OH, SO BORING. I decided early in this stage that I would make the job worthwhile to me in some way(s). It wasn't all just a generous thought on my part because a busy interesting job makes your day go faster and leave you feeling better. Here are my thoughts:

Every single job allows you to learn something. A new skill, although you may consider it beneath you or menial, it is a new skill. Down the road, you may be extremely surprised how much that learned skill will enhance your work or enhance your resume'. If the actual job doesn't have a new skill, is there a possibility you can learn a new skill on this job. An example: Do you know how to type and do you have daily access to a computer? Learning to actually type (as in the right way to type), can speed your supervisory duties and make your computer enjoyment magnify. Investigate with your company if you can incorporate taking an on-line college course that would improve your work skills and knowledge. Develop training for your employees that will enhance their knowledge and work skills. It is endless.

If the supervisory job is boring enough that you act bored, the people who work for you will notice and it will affect how they do their jobs. Acting bored actually minimizes their value to you and the company. Make a plan to enhance their daily work life. It doesn't have to be a company policy or initiative. It doesn't have to cost. It just takes your using your mind to come up with ideas and put them into effect.

If this position has "always" been a bore, why? Use your talents to figure out ways to make this area of the company more valuable ~ improve customer service, cut steps to cut time wasted, improve employee moral, improve your analytical skills, start a new competition and on and on. It is only limited by your unwillingness to use your mind for something besides being bored.

Aside from these suggestions on making the job less boring, let me suggest some things you don't want to do if you find the job boring:

Do not act or look bored. Playing games on your computer, endlessly surfing the internet, listening to your iPod, standing around talking, getting sloppy with even this responsibility tells the employer you are not really promotable material. If you can't even handle or be content with your present position, who is going to take a chance advancing you to big things. Your being in this position may be a test of your initiative. Your being in this position may just be they needed someone in this position. In either case, it will make you noticed - either because you became a slug or because you blossomed.

Do not bad mouth the position. Everyone has pits jobs during their career and you are not so special you are immune. Sooner or later your complaining will get back to your boss - not good. AND, not only are you in a boring position but you become the office "downer" to everyone that has to listen or watch you.

One last thing: You can also use this time to make sure you are considered for other openings in your company. If it looks like this is truly dead end; another company. Just remember, no one inside your company or a future employer wants someone who drifts from one place to another waiting for someone else to challenge them.

OK, really the last thing: Keep in mind, you are being paid to do this job. Boring or not, you are obligated to do a good and complete job if you take the pay. You, as a Christian, should model a work ethic that reflects upon your God; even at jobs that are less than perfect. Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."

I'll Pray For You

In times of turmoil, we often hear or say, "I'll pray for you." It's said so much, by so many, I wonder if we've lost the point. It's like saying, "God Bless You" when someone sneezes. Do we really make a concentrated effort, take the time, and get down on our knees and pray for this person, asking God to Bless them or asking God to intervene in their lives for this problem?

I'd say if we don't, it's just so much bla bla bla. It's alright to offer up quick prayer in the middle of something, in immediate need, or as we are involved doing other things. BUT, offering condolences and blessings in word and not in deed is not the Christian's marching orders. If we are just mouthing the words and not setting our mind and heart in conversation with God, what are we really trying to accomplish? Do you think God is sitting up there just marking our "effort" as a job accomplished?

Do you have employees who always volunteer to help, say they are doing such and such, but you never see the results? It's frustrating and does nothing for the bottom line. Empty prayer offers are the same. You, as a supervisor, lead by example. We could substitute any number of words in place of supervisor: father, deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, independent business person, board member, owner, consumer, and most anything that fits you personally. You, as a Christian, lead by example.

When I know a follow-through Christian is actually going to pray for me ~ it builds my store house of strength. It consoles me. I have a Christian friend who actually has a legal pad and writes every single "I'll pray for you" down and prays every night before she goes to bed. She does this every single day until that issue is resolved. God Bless my friend, she knows the heart of God is touched by our sincere prayers. I know when I entrust myself to her in prayer, she'll keep her word.

If you say "I'll pray for you" or I'll keep you in my prayers", either do it or don't say you will. The prayer is for the other person but it is also for your own relationship with God. He wants a person working for Him that is good to his/her word. He wants the requested prayer topic to be a conversation with Him; not idle empty thoughts or promises. He wants you to come to Him KNOWING He cares.

Psalm 66: 17-20 "I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: but verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."

You were given the Blessing of prayer by a Father who listens and cares ~ use it wisely.

Jealously - the Beast

We are all jealous at times; sometimes because we are provoked and sometimes just because. Let me say one thing specifically: jealously is not about the other person - it's about YOU. When you are jealous because of a spouse, another's good fortune, a neighbor's possessions, it's not what they did or have that fuels the jealously, it's what's inside of you. The what that is inside of you, when you are jealous, is Satan working his talk. God's commandment on emulations (jealousies) is specific and equally included with other sins: Galatians 5:16-21 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the ones to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

Jealously ranks right up there with other big sins. It doesn't say it's ok in any instance. No matter if your spouse cheats and flirts, no matter if another gets the promotion, no matter if the next person makes more money, no matter if your friend is healthier, no matter if "they got it made", no matter anything. No matter if they made deacon, no matter if they are chairman, no matter if their kids are better behaved, no matter if they are younger, no matter if they are better educated, get the picture????

If jealously, ALL jealously, is a sin why do we let the dark clouds of jealously cloud our thoughts? We each have had things happen in our lives (or will have them) that were sad, tragic, unfair, and that's a fact. Especially, if we had no control over the event or the person, it may be hard to put those memories into a perspective that doesn't include jealousy. Even if just "wishing" things had been different, aren't we jealous of the outcome we didn't receive? A human heart is wired for jealousy. How do you deal with it when it involves yours or another's sin? Read Galatians again. It constantly talks of walking with the Spirit; the Spirit of our God.

Since it is Satan that helps our jealousy along, isn't your best solution to turn to the Spirit to sweep it away? I've often noticed people who have a low burning anger have jealously as their motivation. Turn the anger inside of us (and the reason we are angry) over to God - I mean put it in your hand and give it once and for all to God. If you need visuals, put that issue firmly in your hand and wrap your fingers around it tightly. Raise your clenched fist to God and open those fingers allowing God to reach down and capture it forever. HE can deal with it, HE wants to deal with it, HE demands to deal with it, and HE will hold tight to it forever IF you let Him. Do not let Satan pull it back into your heart on those down days or when something triggers a memory. Raise that hand again and again back to God the moment you feel Satan working his ugly tricks. I go so far (OK, I'm a visual person) as to then ask God to take His hand and sweep it out of my head. Holding off that sinful thought by completely sweeping it from my thinking.

AND, if it comes back? Satan doesn't give up easily and we all have weak moments. We all become down and for some we become down because we are provoked. Doesn't make it any more right or any less sinful. It damages our spiritual life and our communion with God. Stop what you are doing and thinking and ask God to help you. He sent the Holy Spirit specifically to help we humans - good grief! why don't we grab hold of this gift of His love and use it every moment?

Why am I writing this today? I woke up in a jealous kind of funky mood. As I lay in bed, my mind started working through the many injustices I've buried in my memory and pretty soon I was in one rainy day downer. I could have just let it fuel itself through running the whole tape, but what a waste of my day, my mood, my ability to concentrate and my spirit of joy. I turned to God and he said write this out kido and reflect on Me. And you thought I wrote this little BLOG for others...

God saved me that I might live forever in Heaven. What others have done to me, the slights, the hurts, the wrongs are not my sins. It will be between them and their God. God simply wants me to rely on Him and get myself right. My sin would be to let jealousy invade my deal with God. Not something I care to have happen, this morning, or ever.

Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Grab it, it's a gift from God.

We're In The Money

As you are promoted, you will receive additional reimbursement for your work. If you have income and if you are a Christian, you will be considering everything surrounding tithing. The Bible talks about giving and most church denominations talk about tithing - so what's the big deal? You give your ten percent (or whatever) and spend, save, invest, and etc. the rest. Right? Well, the subject is a little more complex than that if you really want to follow God's word for tithing.

I'm not going to wade into the pool of rules, regulations, and interpretations. I am not that schooled nor do I want to find in that pool the can of worms silently waiting for my words. What I'm going to relate is how tithing worked in my life and hopefully there may be something that strikes a note with you.

I had never been taught the particulars of tithing so I gave what was in my purse that was extra. Twenty-five cents as a youngster in Sunday school, five dollars as a young woman, and then twenty dollars for years. I don't know where I got the $20 thing but I somehow thought I was really doing something right. It was more about the $20 than it was about the why and the reason.

As I was promoted, I earned more money and I began to realize my $20 was not close to the ten-percent I had always heard was the tithing standard of giving to the church. I decided to investigate how to figure this out. There is a wealth of information on it everywhere, from our best resource (The Bible), to our own church, the dictionary, each denomination, every evangelist, and the IRS. Much of it conflicts and some of it is a downright sham. Some brought into the senerio civic-minded giving and allowed that to be deducted out of your ten-percent. Others allowed anything that was for "good" to be used. Amazingly, I finally decided I needed to set an amount that I had prayed about and where I felt God wanted me to go as far as my motive. When I contemplated the Bible's wisdom on helping others and listened as a result of my prayers, my giving (or tithing) became more about why than about the amount. Don't get me wrong - the amount matters but you must get the motive right first.

I found as I actually tithed to the point of God's desire for me, I was giving far more than I had originally imagined. I also found the more I gave (with my heart on God's desire), the more I was reimbursed through my work. Whew, that was weird. It was direct action - reaction. Again, let me say I'm only telling MY story. How God convicts you is YOUR story.

Then I began to take a real joy in what my tithing could do for others. Not only my own church but others in need. As I was benefited with a surprise, I decided to tithe this to some organizations who do God's work but are not affiliated to a specific church. As the most prosperous nation in the world, our charitable organizations (locally and especially many Christian based) still don't know how they will meet their weekly payrolls or continue their work. I did not feel led to give to some organizations, who do many good works, as a part of my tithing. I felt I could give to those but it had to be in addition to my tithing. That is one reason you need to have a conversation with God and listen to His desire. A good place is to read scripture and be led to His wisdom. I differentiated between tithing (which promotes God's work) and donations to charity (who do socially needed good works). The first requires my tithing; the second above and beyond tithing.

I have been truly blessed through God's gifts to me. First, the gift for my ability to have a financial income. Second, the gift of understanding what He values me to do with that income. Third, the joy (yes, real joy) that comes from knowing you have helped another according to God's will.

Psalm 41:1 - "Blessed is he that considerth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble."

Tithing should not be your duty. Tithing should be your privilege and joy. Tithing is your responsibility toward God's children and getting your responsibility right with God. As you learn to tithe responsibly and learn to be joyous in tithing, you will be blessed abundantly. Isn't it amazing we live in a world that uses the word "abundantly" almost exclusively in conjunction with possessions. When you change abundantly to describe the act of tithing, it will be forever linked with abundant Blessings!

A Way Of Looking At Things

Yesterday, I talked of evil in the work place. During the time I was "trying" to accomplish my task, I lost what I was typing three times. The entire service went down - twice. When I was younger in the business world, it would have torked me to no end. I would have fretted and fussed and made myself (and probably others) miserable.

Yesterday, I laughed. I could do nothing about the lost data except try to reconstruct it again - and again - and again - and again. You would have thought this article would have been refined to perfection? I have noticed things go wrong when I'm writing about evil. I don't say I know when Satan is especially attacking my writing but failing to take the hook of impatience and anger sure takes Satan out of the conclusion. I wondered if there was just someone who might be dealing with the evil I was talking about and Satan was so wanting me not to succeed. I'm not saying I'm important in the whole scheme of things, but it does make you wonder why some things go so wrong and why it's important to not give up.

I could have stopped and just thought, "I'll do something else tomorrow." Or, "Oh well, this topic wasn't that good anyway." Or, "I can't remember exactly what I said and it just won't be as good." Amazingly, we can talk ourselves out of doing what is right so easily. Our sinful nature is always laying there ready to surface when and if we give it a chance. So, let me do a little computer comparison:

God designed the ultimate intelligent computer - NEVER to be topped. He designed you. You even came with guarantees, instruction book, and a promise to never be dumped at the junk yard. If you follow the instructions, written by the Maker, you will be the richest person in the world. You can look into subjects, hearts, and situations with the ultimate search engine. You always have, at your fingertips, the help line. Computer geeks are under the impression, THEY invented the whole electronics information highway - their inventions are superior and innovative. OK, I'm not saying they aren't good and helpful. I am saying it's nothing new. God has been working this plan since the beginning of time. His plan does not crash, loose power, become obsolete, have glitches, get stolen, loose memory, burn up in a house fire, or have fine print that nullifies your expectations.

So in a world that heaps praise on the developments and inventions of man, put a little time into considering God's work. When we see, read or hear daily how an electronics developer has become the darling of the industry, consider the insignificance of man's work compared with the never failing work of our God. And another big thing about the development of man's electronics, it can be used by Satan. God has the perfect and complete spam package, virus control, porn eliminator, crash prevention IF you only buy the package.

This is a one-price package that can be delivered instantaneously. No delivery delays and no lost parcels. The price has already been paid when Jesus died on the cross, was resurrected and returned to Heaven to await His return. St. John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." The cost to you is turning your heart over to God, through Jesus Christ. By praying this very moment, "Lord, please forgive my sins and come into my heart. I believe that you were sent to save me and you are the son of God. Please work in my life to allow me to become what you desire. Amen" John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

When you find the world is selling itself as the best, most, and ever great, realize it's as a pinpoint of sand in God's accomplishments. And it is nothing compared to the guarantee God offers: Acts 2:17-21 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: and it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Run Forest Run

What does a Christian do when they find they are working in an oppressive organization? Do you stay or do you leave? The answer lies in talking with God and asking His purpose for your being at this business. It lies in prayer and scripture. As you do this, you may want to consider:

Does God have a plan that involves you at this business? Could you be the one light that God has shining for His sake? Will you be the only mirror and support for other Christians in this workplace? Are you there, by your example, to help lead others to Christ? I once pleaded, "God, please, please, please get me out of here!". God simply let me know that He had a plan for me and to stop complaining and get on with it. You see, the Bible is full of examples of bad working conditions and bad places for Christians to be. You can go to almost any Biblical book and find examples of Christians working and God leading. I hate to go to Job because he is the tops (or bottom) in persecution but His devotion, without wavering, was and is a perfect example. Job 2: 7-10 "So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speaker as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips." You want an example of someone who didn't know what "pity party" meant - Job is your guy.

It refers to evil in Job. Let me tell you Christian, there is evil in some work places. These oppressive, mean spirited and dangerous things in the business world sometimes have the real smell of evil. I use the word smell because you can feel evil in some places. Do you run? Running is my first reaction but it isn't always God's direction. If God has put you in this place and you find He wants you to stay there, then look around and find out why. God apparently thinks there is work to be done in others, as an example to others, or on yourself and YOU are the person chosen. God will decide how and when you leave and He will make it available when He thinks it is best. James 5:11 "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

God will not give you more than you can endure. Those things that He gave me when I pleaded to leave made me stronger in my faith, in my reliance on Him, and when He made leaving perfect, I saw His plan and rejoiced. He had allowed me to do work on His behalf. I am so sure He does not plop down strength and wisdom while we sit at our desk and doodle. We can only gain in our Christian walk when God uses situations - often hard, sometimes painful, l-o-n-g, and contrary to our wishes. Stop fighting and listen to God. Stop complaining and rejoice in His mission for you. ALL workplaces are missions. Stop wasting time and get on with your job - both for the company and for God.

If leaving is your opportunity, run towards something new God has planned. But don't run away without consulting your chief supervisor, the big boss, the mission of all mission statements, THE plan! How foolish it would be to heap more distress upon yourself in a bad situation. Staying may be hard but flailing around without God's design is hopeless. James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

Don't Bring Me Down...

We all know folks that always look at the glass as half empty. Maybe you are that someone. When talking about most anything, they see the negative and manage to tell everyone this slant. They may be people who have real problems and they may be people who just enjoy not enjoying. I'm not sure you can influence others to not be negative. But you sure can work on yourself. Life is not lived without pain and suffering. God gives us some pretty specific direction on how we are to view are life of pain and suffering: Paul talks of this in II Corinthians 12: 9-10 "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

Do you get it? God says we should take heart and joy in what life brings our way as a means to showing the world we still take joy in God who will reward us as His chosen children in Heaven. As a Christian, to do otherwise is to miss our chance to witness to the world that we rely on God as our strength and as our end result. To complain and see this world through negative eyes and mind is to show we are not really devoted to the mission God has laid before us.

In the work place, we often are met with many negative things and people. How we react is a measure of our faith that God will take care of us in time of need. It is not just putting on a good show but internally wondering, "Why Me?". You WILL be persecuted, have distresses, infirmities, and reproaches. You may even suffer physical problems or persecutions. You have a choice; we all do. Take the road to glorifying God or take the road to self pity. Christian, take up your armor of God's love and wrap it around you with joy. A joy that everyone can notice and emulate. God directs you to do no less.

Don't Ever Let Them See You Sweat

From my own experience, I've found it just doesn't work to share, deeply share, your own personal problems with the people who work for you. Although I would encourage you to not think of (and certainly not treat) employees as children, there are instances when the relationship has it's similarities. This is one.

Employees who work for you (whether they like you or not), elevate you in their minds to a higher level. They expect more from you and they also assume you do not have the same problems. They think you are rich, happy and have it made. AND, they want to keep it that way. They become very uncomfortable when you share your personal life with them. This is true even if you have known them for years or if you have been a peer in your former work life.

I'm not sure I can accurately analyze the whys of this but it appears to me to be the classic child/parent relationship thought process. Remember when you thought your parent could do no wrong and knew everything. Often our employees have that mental relationship with their boss(s).

BUT (there is always a "but" in these stories it seems), it does not breach the relationship to show you are sorry, admit if you have made a mistake, or to show you care about the employee. In other words, showing a measure of your emotions TOWARDS the employee's situation is welcome. You should beware of showing that measure of your emotions to your employees concerning your own issues. To show your feelings towards an employee's concerns shows you are a caring employer. To show your feelings about your own concerns is perceived as being weak. I'm not saying all this is how it should be; I'm saying it is typical.

Occasionally, a person who works for you will not be hindered by this relationship issue. They may be more perceptive of your life as just another human; although a Christian human. They can be a true blessing in our work place but other than a very heart felt "thank you", I still caution you to be private with your own emotions. A show of concern towards you, a very thankful reply but don't pour out your heart or unload. It heaps a burdeon on this kind person.

Remember the old song, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"? When you find you need to unload, pick your best friend, Jesus, and pour it all out to Him. Gather, call, or write your Christian friends and family. Even if your knees are buckled by a problem, use it to fall on them and open your heart in prayer.

You do not need to worry about the relationship taboos with your Friend, Jesus. John 15: 14-15 "Ye are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants, for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." And He Blesses!

There Ya' Go

Have you noticed the trend for cashiers to hand you your change and say "There ya' go" instead of "thank you"? In the service industry, when is telling your customer thanks for their business not needed? Alas, we all have our "customer service" irritations and how we react to them can take several different routes. I'll offer up several suggestions on how to handle poor customer service to you but more importantly, how do you react when it's directed at your organization or your employee.

First off, we're all in the customer service industry. We all have a customer, whether it's on the outside or the person standing next to you.

I've found a gentle reminder to the sales person does more to heap ridicule and rudeness on me than help anyone become more grateful for the business I bring that establishment (which allows this person to be employed).

If it appears to be an individual person's lack of customer service skills, I call the manager of the store with specifics. If it's store-wide, I don't give specific names of clerks or cashiers because there is no sense punishing one person for following higher level managers. If that doesn't seem to help, I write the officers or owners of the company. If that doesn't help, I quit doing business with the company and I make sure that they know this and why. Sometimes they care and sometimes they don't. But withholding my money is making a statement. I never show them anger and I never stray from the facts.

What happens when you have an employee reported for poor customer service? How do you react? I first check out the facts and make sure I know exactly what (and even if) went wrong. Sadly, there are customers who's emotions lead them to take out their problems on employees for no reason. I always reply to the customer with "Let me investigate and get back to you." I thank them for caring enough to tell me and I do get back to them within a week. Even if you don't have it all done, making sure you get back to them when you say you will is important. Make sure nothing you do compounds the image of poor customer service at your company.

If your employee has actually given poor customer service, make sure the customer is apologized to personally by you and if you are allowed, offer them some consolation. You must handle the employee by your procedures. But I ask that you put some time into thinking this through. Has this employee been properly trained on the expectations of good customer service? Many front line employees are the lowest paid and the least trained and the least experienced. It is no favor to throw them into customer service without firm expectations. Do they understand they represent the entire company and their job is dependent upon repeat customers? Many new-to-the-workforce employees have not been trained on simple manners or had ramifications when they didn't use them. They simply don't know. Your training not only helps your business but it will help this employee as an individual in the real world the rest of their life.

If an experienced employee demonstrates poor customer service choices, is it time for retraining? Are they experiencing some personal issue that has bled over into their reactions? In either case, you actually proceed the same way.

With some employees, it may help them to have to apologize to the customer face-to-face. If you think this may compound the problem, don't.

Although I suggest you follow your company's policies on poor performance, remember: you are all dependent upon the person you are serving for your job. Is an employee's value to the company so great you will risk loosing that customer's business by repeated offenses? You, as a supervisor, have responsibility for everyone who works for you and their treatment of their customers. Even if the whole company is sloppy, you can and should make a difference for the company's sake, for your personal integrity, for the employee's future opportunities, for customer satisfaction and repeat business AND because you (as a Christian) are instructed to serve others well.

Romans 5:3-4 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:"

Comfort

Because of the death of my cousin last week, I got to thinking about grief. We all face it sooner or later. It can just knock our socks off or it can lay there brewing. It affects how we act and relate to others. Sometimes, it simply just stops us cold and we become pretty immobilized for a time. Our employees deal with those things, too.

Some supervisors are so concerned with doing the job or are afraid of all the ramifications of becoming too personal, they fail to acknowledge when an employee is dealing with problems. They may realize there is something wrong but never go farther.

II Corinthians 7:6-7 "Nevertheless God, that comforeth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more."

We are directed to comfort those in need. It doesn't necessarily have to be by hugging or actually weeping with them. It can be a simple acknowledgement of their grief or their loss. It should be done in private and with your own personal care for them as fellow humans. To simply acknowledge and express your care and concern, you are showing your employee you care about them in a bigger way. You care about them personally and not just a body to do the job.

I caution you not to theorize or tell your own story or offer solutions. It's not really your job to step over that line. If you have never experienced that kind of deep grief (loosing a loved one, a child in serious trouble, major health issues, etc.) you may find it difficult to express yourself. It isn't the million words that are spoken, it is the sincere care and acknowledgement of their grief.

Some simple words: "I'm sorry about your ________." "I know you're going through a difficult time right now, I just wanted you to know there are those of us who care." If it's something messy or they are probably embarrassed, don't mention the issue. If in doubt, don't be specific about their problem. Just be sincere. I would also caution you to refrain from preaching or quoting the Bible. If they ask you for such, offer them referral options.

Showing an employee you care, done for comfort and not for show, can build a better relationship between you. You may find the employee will want to tell you all about the circumstance. Letting them vent can be good for them. If they are angry, volatile, come to you repeatedly, or in deep depression, you may want to suggest they talk with a professional who is better qualified to help them through the situation. I caution you to never take on the role of counselor or therapist (unless you actually are) . Listening, with sincere sympathy is enough.

Notice I mention the word "sincere" several times. If you just can't face someone and be sincere, send a note to their home with a few words. Do not e-mail condolences - it is an affront to all your are trying to achieve. As with many of the supervisory duties, this one has it's line to not cross. But done well, being a caring supervisor in times of employee distress is a blessing much like Titus - sent from God to comfort.

It's All About ME!

When confronted with problems with the folks you supervise, does it sometimes feel everyone is only thinking of themselves? The "All About Me" syndrome is alive and well. It takes a bigger and better person not to focus on themselves when everything around them is going wrong. As Christians, we like to think we are above that kind of thinking. It is easy to get pulled into it when it feels like you spend all your time solving everyone else's problems; problems they have helped create.

How can you tell if you are being pulled into "All About Me" thinking? If confronted with an issue, do you automatically think of what it means in the way of time you will have to use to solve? Do you grumble when assigned a new task that requires additional effort on top of what you currently do? When there is a conflict between employees, do you count the steps it will take to solve or "walk those babies through another issue"? Instead of focusing on what the situation does to you, focus your energy on how you can influence the outcome by mirroring Jesus. Even Jesus grumbled when he had to teach the disciples over and over but in the end, He always worked toward an outcome that made better people. He never lost site of what He was sent to accomplish. He had supreme compassion for others and knew His duty on earth was to teach others about God and how to have everlasting life with Him.

St. Luke 8:15 - "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."

Not only was Jesus sent to earth to accomplish God's plan. You were sent here for His purpose, also. If you keep in mind having an honest and good heart towards others, based upon reading the Word, keeping those commandments, you will bring forth the fruit of why you are in existence. With patience!

Discouraged by the Past

Are there days when you can't seem to forget you were once a sinner? It will affect how you do your job and how you live your life. We have all sinned and some of us sinned in a huge way. If we spend time thinking about our past sin (before we were saved through Jesus Christ), we can begin to think our actions on behalf of God, in the work place, are not worthy. Looking back is Satan working in your thoughts and heart.

Paul talks to Timothy in II Timothy 4:6-8 - "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Paul did some of the worst sins against Christ. He did it with gusto and a vengeance because he thought he was doing what was right. After his conversion, he always faced forward. With his past, he could have spent his lifetime bemoaning all the wrong he had committed against his fellow man and against God. But, at the time where he was looking at the end of his life on earth, he looked forward. Plain and simple, he kept his sight upon the righteousness of his actions today and in the future. He kept his sight on the reward. Not easy for a man who went from "king of the hill" to persecuted and humbled even through death.

When you start thinking of your past sin and wallowing in that ugly pit, remember Paul. Once you have laid those sins away through God's forgiveness, use your energy building a life that mirrors one forgiven. No matter what happens at your work place, stay the course of faithful devotion to the Lord.

When Satan reminds you of past sin, look forward to your future with the Lord. Hold your head up Christian, you are to mirror Christ. Do not be detoured from His mission for you in the work place. His reward is great.

Sleep - I need it NOW

When I was involved in building a career, I remember thinking, "Please, let me get some sleep." Balancing worship, family, AND all the demands of a job can leave little time for sleep. Continual lack of sleep doesn't usually overtly show on us but the toll is heavy on us mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I used to work emergency situations where employees would stay awake for days. For a couple of days adrenaline would keep them going. Stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and anti sleep aids would be used. Eventually, they would be running on empty but the strange thing is they didn't know it showed. The more they were deprived of rest, the more they were sure they were just fine. I have experienced this and it's true. Finally, we had to set "rules" about taking rest because no one was capable of making the judgment past a certain point.

Continual sleep deprivation (although more subtle) is the same. You don't see or realize you are not performing as well, that your reactions are not as evenly tempered, that your thought process isn't as sharp. Even though some periods of kickin', thought provokin', adrenaline high creativity can be useful, on a regular basis your body and mind (young or old) will be affected.

As Christians, we sometimes forget God expects us to take care of ourselves. He gives us this complicated machine with the instruction manual. Yet, many workers think they can run this engine with no maintenance, no rest, and no thought until one day it starts to run ragged. The performance slips, there are certain physical and mental irregularities, and for some, it breaks down.

Why not set "rules" for your sleep? Because we know you will not always be rational when sleep deprived, set up rules ahead of time and ask a friend (or family member) to remind you when they see the warning signs your tank is running on empty.

Believe me: YOU WILL NOT PERFORM TO YOUR HIGHEST POTENTIAL when you are constantly sleep deprived. The point is not who can work the longest and hardest hours but who can do the best job over the long haul. Case in point: Psalm 127:2 "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep."