1 Thessalonians 2:17-18
17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.
Interesting how Paul reverses the images here…..now he and his team are the temporarily orphaned children who have been physically separated from the others. ‘intense longing’ - Paul uses strong language to describe his mental and emotional commitment to serving those he was responsible for. His heart and mind are perpetually toward them. His efforts, intentions and plans constantly included them; such was the view he had of his responsibility toward those under his care.
If God’s calling on our lives overarches all that we do, then wherever, however or whomever we serve – whether in our so-called secular role at work, or as a spouse or parent, or as a member of a community – the heart of God in us is the same. As Christians called by God, His heart and our hearts should always be ‘toward’ those we are called to lead, manage and serve. It is an awesome, scary, wonderful and holy thing He has placed upon us.
And even though we don’t see outright onslaughts, attacks or blockages by Satan, if we have placed a sign around our own heart-necks that reads, ‘Under (His) New Management’, then we can rest assured the enemy is not happy if we honor God in ANY way that we reach out, care for, lead and manage others – especially if the result is that people are helped to come to know Him better because of it.
PRAYER ACTION
Lord, I know I can make more effort to connect with others in ways that builds them up and helps them feel valued, involved and appreciated in the organization. Help me to do this with sincerity, transparency and realism. I pray for those I know who report to me, or who I work with, that are feeling disengaged, frustrated and unappreciated for their good and hard work. Now, get my boss to do the same for me!!)))
"I believe the real difference between success and failure in a corporation can be very often traced to the question of how well the organization brings out the great energies and talents of its people." (Thomas J. Watson, Jr. - A Business and Its Beliefs)
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