GOD AT Session 1 WORK CURSUS COURSE Living every day with purpose Work Matters

LEADER’S GUIDE 7

GOD AT WORK COURSE Living every day with purpose

This book is a manual for leaders of the God at Work course, which is based on the book God at Work by Ken Costa and the God at Work manual and has been adapted and supplemented by Eugène Poppe (Leadership Dynamics) and CBMC. This leader’s manual and the guest manual can be ordered though CBMC Nederland. Both manuals are also digitally available for CBMC members on the members’ section of the CBMC website (www.cbmc.nl). All course materials and Ken Costa’s book God at Work can be ordered via www.carrieremetGod.nl. This course manual is a publication of CBMC Nederland.

© 2011 CBMC Nederland Postbus 315 3880 AH Putten www.cbmc.nl First published in October 2008 Second edition published in May 2009 Third revised edition published in October 2010 English version published October 2011 Text: Translation: Editors: Design: Printer:

Ken Costa (God at Work course) Eugène Poppe (Leadership Dynamics) Wouter Droppers (CBMC) ? Annelies Luken Marjan Coppoolse Kirsten Roordink-Hagg Bizzprint Amersfoort

ISBN:

to be confirmed

Biblical quotations used in this course manual are from the New International Version © 2010. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission from the publishers.

CONTENTS Introduction and Course Overview Session 1 Work Matters Session 2 Ambition and Life Choices Session 3 Tough Decisions Session 4 Stress Session 5 Work–Life Balance



Session 6 Good Stewardship



Session 7 Failure, Disappointment and Hope

Session 1

Session 8 Spiritual Renewal



Session 9 Challenges of Spiritual Growth Session 10 Money and Giving Session 11 Success and Purpose

Work Matters

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INTRODUCTION & COURSE OVERVIEW

1. WHO IS THE COURSE FOR? The course is aimed at • entrepreneurs and business people • managers, profit and non-profit • professionals • young professionals • others who would like to learn more about the relationship between the Christian faith and the daily realities of the workplace.

2. WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE COURSE?

Weekend sessions

Session 7. Failure, Disappointment and Hope Session 8. Spiritual Renewal Session 9. Challenges of Spiritual Growth

Evening sessions

Session 10. Money and Giving Session 11. Success and Purpose

4. WHERE CAN THE COURSE BE USED? • •

As a general course to equip people As a follow-up course to the Business Alpha or Alpha at Work courses In churches as material for training, study groups or courses to equip members As material for CBMC teams or other business groups In impact networking groups In companies to equip staff In other Christian organisations that focus on faith and the workplace

Find meaning and purpose in the work that we do. Christians have the opportunity to find purpose in every aspect of their working lives. The God at Work course provides a Christian perspective on the challenges that we face at work, as well as teachings on how to approach these challenges and support family and friends in the challenges that they face.

•

•

Show the relevance of the Christian faith in all aspects of day-to-day life

5. COURSE FORMAT

•

Show that God has a special vision with regard to our work and our working lives, one in which God, people and society can all benefit.

•

3. COURSE CONTENT This course is based on the book God at Work by Ken Costa. All participants receive a copy of this book at the start of the course. Ken has been a banker in the City of London for over thirty years. He is also chair of Alpha International (www.alpha-cursus.nl). Ken knows well the day-to-day pressures of demanding work environments and the challenges of combining work and family life. Many Christians see their work as part of their Christian calling, but do not feel equipped to live out this calling. The present course aims to equip participants by looking at a number of key aspects. OVERVIEW OF COURSE TOPICS

Evening sessions

Session 1. Work Matters Session 2. Ambition and Life Choices Session 3. Tough Decisions Session 4. Stress Session 5. Work–Life Balance Session 6. Good Stewardship

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• • • •

Eight evenings and a short weekend (Friday evening to Saturday afternoon): • Welcome and introduction • Interactive introduction • Small group discussions • Short moment together to conclude • Action plans to be further developed at home and applied in practice at home and in the work place • Weekend You will need to plan about two hours for each evening meeting, or more if you are having a meal together. 5.1 INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION (ABOUT ONE HOUR) Format • Each chapter starts with a short introduction: a statement, the purpose of which is to briefly explore the topic and help in getting the discussion underway. • Next comes the first part of the introduction (25 minutes). • This is followed by an exercise, a number of questions or a film fragment. • Then comes the second part of the introduction (25 minutes). The speaker can prepare the session material by • Studying the suggested reading materials • Listening to Ken Costa and Nicky Gumbel’s podcast at http://godatwork.org.uk/podcast.

INTRODUCTION & COURSE OVERVIEW

5.2 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS (APPROX. ONE HOUR) The group discussions are important to the course and participants find the discussions particularly valuable. The participants share their experiences with regard to the session topic. After the introduction, the group is split up into smaller groups of 4 or 5. It is important that participants feel safe and at ease within these groups. For this reason, the small groups of 4 or 5 remain the same throughout the entire course. The group leader makes sure that the groups provide a safe environment in which all participants feel that they can participate and share openly. When putting together the small discussion groups, you should take into account the different target groups to ensure that people with a similar business background are put together where possible. This means entrepreneurs together with other entrepreneurs, people from non-profit organisations together with other participants from non-profit organisations, young professionals with other young professionals, etc. The group discussions are based on the questions from the guest manual. 5.3 SHORT CONCLUSION (MAX. FIVE MINUTES) • Wish everyone a safe trip home and give them the date for the next meeting. • Close together in prayer. • Participants who had signed up for a sample session can register now for the rest of the course. 5.4 ACTION PLANS Each chapter ends with questions/exercises or an action plan that is to be developed further at home. This gives participants the opportunity to put what they have heard and learned into practice. 5.5 WEEKEND A weekend session goes from Friday 6 pm until Saturday 3.30 pm. The weekend includes three course sessions, a film, sharing and prayer. For example

Friday evening:

6 pm Commencement 6.30 pm Dinner 8 pm Start with prayer, Chapter 7 ‘Failure, Disappointment and Hope’ 10 pm Time together to relax

Saturday:

8 am Breakfast 9 am Chapter 8 ‘Spiritual Renewal’ incl. film and discussion 10.45 am Tea and coffee and a short walk 11.30 am Chapter 9 ‘Challenges of Spiritual Growth’ 12.30 pm Lunch 1.30 pm Prayer time 3.30 pm Conclusion

Prayer during the weekend Prayer is a powerful tool. Pray in the name of Jesus and the completed work that he accomplished on the cross. Trust in him and in the strength of the Holy Spirit. Ask each member of the group for their prayer points. When you pray for someone, ask this person what his or her prayer points are. As a caring gesture, the group can form a circle around the person that they are praying for.

6. ALTERNATIVE COURSE FORMAT 6.1 1 TO 1.5 HOUR SESSIONS A course with this format will include 16 evening sessions and one weekend, and will cover half a year (or a year if you meet once a fortnight). There are no sessions during the holiday periods. Course format for 1 hour sessions: 5 min Welcome 20 min Introduction (while participants enjoy tea and coffee and a snack) 25 min Discussion about the topic 10 min Close with prayer The 1.5 hour sessions give more room for group discussion and prayer. If the eight chapters in the course manual (not including the three chapters dealt with during the weekend) are each divided over two sessions in this alternative course format, the course will cover 16 evening sessions. You can split the chapters in two after the first exercise, after the first part of the introduction. The programme for the weekend remains the same as in the normal course format. It is good to include this weekend in the course, because it gives participants the opportunity to learn more about a particular topic and about each other.

7. GENERAL 7.1 CONFIDENTIALITY Make sure there is a clear understanding beforehand that everything discussed during the course is confidential and should not be discussed with others outside the group. We wish to share together, but need to realise that certain information can be sensitive with regard to the function of the individual in his/her business, family or elsewhere. Confidentiality is an absolute must for openness and a sense of trust. This is also an important reason for having like-minded people together in the small discussion groups. 7

INTRODUCTION & COURSE OVERVIEW

8. COURSE LEADERS AND PARTICIPANTS It is good to get a team together and divide the tasks before the course begins. • Speakers (who share testimonies) • Group leader (often one of the participants) • Prayer team • Team that promotes and prepares the course You do not need different people for each task; some team members may have more than one task each. 8.1 SPEAKER The speaker should be active in the business world, or have been active in the past, and be able to speak from experience and share with the group from his or her own life and business experience. You may like to ask a number of different speakers to share and present the different introductions, depending on the topic and speakers’ experience in the field of business. The first chapter covers theological principles on how work should be viewed today. It may be a good idea to have someone with more in-depth knowledge to give the introduction for this first chapter, so that this person can answer any theological questions that participants might have. 8.2 GROUP LEADER You can appoint group leaders from the leadership team or from the group of participants beforehand if you already know them. It is important that the group leader can: • steer the discussion • ensure that all participants take part in the discussions • create a safe environment in which people feel they can be open. The objective of small discussion groups is to share experiences and discuss these experiences rather than share knowledge on the session topic. The theory is dealt with in the introduction. The questions from the manual can help guide and stimulate the small group discussions. 8.3 TESTIMONY SLOT If you decide to include testimonies in the course, it is good to start each session by giving someone the opportunity to share how he or she has applied the course material in practice or what this has meant to him or her. People are encouraged through these testimonies; it creates recognition and increases the openness in the small groups. When you ask people to share, make sure that you give them clear instructions, so that each person knows what to share, and that the testimonies take no longer than five minutes each. 8

8.4 PRAYER TEAM Besides the course leadership prayer team, you may like to ask CBMC, local church or other prayer teams to be involved in the course through prayer. Ask local prayer teams to support the course with prayer and inform these prayer teams by email after each session, giving a general overview of how it went without mentioning names or personal details. Thank the team at the end of the course and try to get some of the testimonies in writing as a way of encouraging and thanking the prayer team. 8.5 TEAM TO PROMOTE AND PREPARE THE COURSE This core team consists of three to four people that help organise and design the course. They... • ...initiate the course • ...approach participants • ...organise speakers and group leaders • ...arrange a meeting place, the setup and dates • ...organise the weekend • ...organise promotion • ...take care of other practical matters.

9. COURSE MATERIALS All the course materials are available or can be order at www.Godatwork.co.uk 9.1 MATERIALS FOR COURSE PARTICIPANTS • Participants are given Ken Costa’s book God at Work and the guest manual on the first evening • And at the end of each evening, they receive the introduction to the next chapter (or this text can be emailed to participants the next day). 9.2 AVAILABLE FOR THE SPEAKERS AND GROUP LEADERS • Devotional podcasts with Ken Costa and Nicky Gumbel (http://godatwork.org.uk/podcast) • PowerPoint presentations that provide supporting materials for the introduction • Introduction • Henri Nouwen DVD, for Chapter 8 9.3 PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS • Posters • Flyers • Personal invites by email • News releases • Overview of press addresses in the area

Session SESSION 1 1 Work Matters

Work Matters

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SESSION 1 | WORK MATTERS

PREPARATION • • •

Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 ‘Work Matters’ from the Ken Costa’s book God at Work Listen to Podcast episode 1, ‘Work Matters’ Study the ‘Work Matters’ PowerPoint presentation.

SESSION OBJECTIVE • • •

Explain the course aims and background Introductions Gain an understanding of the Bible’s view on work

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTIONS • Introduce yourself and the other team members and share briefly about your motivation for teaching this course.

Short personal story

Give everyone the opportunity to introduce themselves briefly: • Name • Family background • Workplace and job • Church background • Aims and expectations for the course INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE • The aim of the course • The topics dealt with during the course • The course programme • Confidentiality

More information can be found in the ‘Introduction and Course Overview’.

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PRAYER STATEMENT If the Christian faith is not relevant in the workplace, it is not relevant at all (Ken Costa). What are your thoughts on this statement?

Start a short discussion on this statement and ask two or three participants to briefly share their thoughts.

SESSION 1 | WORK MATTERS

EXERCISE 1.0 Why do you work? Tick the answers that matter most to you: 0 To earn money, so that I can support myself and enjoy life 0 For personal satisfaction and success 0 To bring about some social good 0 To enjoy relationships and friendships with colleagues 0 To evangelise and share my faith 0 To reflect God’s glory through who I am and what I do 0 Other reasons: In small groups: Briefly ask for participants’ answers without further discussion or comment. In large groups: Ask participants to share their answers with one of their neighbours.

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 1 BIBLE REFERENCES TO WORK IS WORK IMPORTANT TO GOD? God works too Through his work, God reveals to us his plans, his nature and his character. In Psalm 104:24, we read a song of praise about God’s work: O Lord, how manifold are your works. In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures … Throughout the Bible, God is described as: • creator (e.g. Genesis 1–2) • artist (e.g. Psalm 139) • potter (e.g. Jeremiah 18) • shepherd (e.g. Ezekiel 34) • king (e.g. Micah 4) • winemaker (e.g. John 15) • urban designer (e.g. Revelations 21) In John 5:17 Jesus says: My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working. In other words, God works too. Our work is relevant to God, because it is through us that he wants to realise his plans on earth The Bible shows us how God’s plans are carried out through people with ordinary jobs. Think of Abraham, who was a cattle trader; Joseph a prime minister, who also dealt in wheat futures; Daniel adviser and governor,

Nehemiah head of the royal court; Luke a doctor; Dorcas was in the fashion world; and Simon in the tanning business – the Louis Vuitton of his times. We want to honour God and reflect him in our lives as well as our work GOD AT WORK Genesis 1, the first chapter in the Bible, starts with work. The first sentence reads: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God is a creating God, a creator, someone who invents, moulds and manufactures. You could say that God had a spurt of entrepreneurialism. Each day something new was created and at the end of each day we are told that: God saw that it was good. The work gave God joy and fulfilment. His work was successful and the results were as he had intended. God said: Let us make [humankind] in our image, in our likeness We are to become like God, a reflection of his image. This gives us both a goal and purpose. We have been called to reflect his image here on earth. When people meet us, they should be able to see God reflected through us. And when people see our work and our actions, they should be able to see God at work. GOD GAVE HUMANKIND AUTHORITY OVER CREATION We are God’s stewards on this earth. We read that people were created “…so that they may rule over the fish in the 11

SESSION 1 | WORK MATTERS

sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created [humankind] in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:26–28) The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15) The notion of dominion and authority to us today have a negative connotation; they are used to describe abuse of power that is used for self gain and usually at the cost of something or someone else, the environment, for example, which is currently under pressure. The biblical context of dominion and authority is quite different. Dominion and authority in the Bible is related to serving. Read, for instance, what Jesus says about this in Luke 22:24–27 and read about his actions during this same meal in John 13:1–15. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” (Luke 22:25–26) Dominion and authority as God intended it is discussed further in Genesis 2:15, where we come across the words ‘work’ and ‘take care’. The word used here for ‘work’, can be translated to mean ‘work, serve, honour or worship’. The words ‘take care’ also mean ‘to protect’. These are words that we come across often in the Old Testament when God’s work for his people is described. And just as God protects his people, humankind must protect God’s creation. We as witnesses are called to adopt a serving attitude in our work, so that God is honoured and his creation is treated as he intended it to be. Work was part of humankind’s original condition, even before the Fall. Work is not a punishment or a curse. But the work circumstances have changed. To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate the fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it.’” “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and 12

thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:17–19) The instructions after the Fall were still to work the earth. Only the circumstances had clearly changed. Work became harder and besides joy, work also meant frustration, arguments and errors. All people, and especially Christians, experience these consequences daily. On the one hand, we are fulfilled and blessed at work; but on the other, we often ask ourselves what on earth we are doing. We are slung between feeling that our work is ‘fruitful’ and feeling it is ‘futile’. The challenge is to learn how to deal with this. The refrain at the end of the day, ‘and God saw that it was good’, has grown silent. DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS HAS HEALING POWER AND GIVES OUR WORK PURPOSE Through the work of Jesus we have become God’s children and we receive the Holy Spirit. The work of his children is important to God, so much so that he wants to participate in our work through the Holy Spirit, his power and presence here in this world. God wants to work with us and through us to reflect his glory and his thoughts. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can again become witnesses for him and people created in his image. If we let God’s Spirit work through us, our work becomes meaningful to God and our work can be to his glory. The Spirit is there to guide us in choosing the right direction, to give us the right motivation and to give us the strength to perform our work. As a result, our work gains meaning and value to God and to others. For more on meaningful work read: •

Romans 8: our work gains value through the Holy Spirit.

•

Matthew 25:31–46, 1 Corinthians 3:9–15: our work is valued and fruitful. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

And then at the end of each day we can pray: Lord, now that night is falling, we raise our hands to you for what the day has brought us. You who made the heavens and the earth, we pray to you with joy for what has been good and in faith we lay in your hands the imperfections that we have left behind. (Evening prayer from a Benedictine monastery )

SESSION 1 | WORK MATTERS

THE FUTURE After the transformation of this world, our work will regain its original purpose. What we aim for in our work will then be achieved, as it was intended. See I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. (Isaiah 65:17) Never will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. They will not labour in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:20–24) JESUS’ LIFE AND WORK When Jesus came to earth, he came to perform an important task. His life was aimed at salvation and at the perfection of creation. When he returns, his work will be completed. Jesus devoted most of his time on earth to the trade of carpentry and spent most of his time at the bench in Joseph’s workshop (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). And we too can work. Through our work, we give shape to our human nature as God intended and as perfected in Jesus. We can, in our average jobs, be focused on perfection and redemption of creation, and through this become witnesses of God and Jesus. Jesus describes his disciples as workers who help with God’s harvest (cf. Matthew 9:37–38). He gives us the opportunities, the talents and his Spirit. We can use these in our work, where we are instructed to grasp the opportunities that we are given, to take risks and to prosper (Matthew 25:14–30).

THE APOSTLES Paul greatly valued work; He sets the example and urges us all to: • • •

provide for ourselves, see 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 be a witness to the world, see 1 Thessalonians 5:14 not to neglect our daily work, see 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12.

The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

THE PURPOSE OF OUR WORK Dr Ravi Zacharias, an international evangelist, once described humankind’s purpose in terms of a parent– child relationship (living in a relationship with God as the Father), worship (honouring and worshiping God through this relationship) and serving God (taking responsibility for the rest of creation). Our work can cover all three of these spheres. We are urged through our relationship with God to serve others in our work, and by doing this honouring and worshipping God. In relation to this we believe that God has a plan with our lives and our workplaces. There may be different reasons why you are in your current job, but try to see things from God’s perspective. Sometimes it is clearer to others than to you yourself. God’s plan for your work may be for you to: • • • • • • • •

spread God’s blessing through the person that you are or the job that you do be a good steward for God’s creation earn money to support your family earn money while carrying out your spiritual gift earn money, with which you can help both your family and others be a light bearer in places where little or nothing of God’s kingdom is visible worship God other…

The context in which this takes place is one of ‘love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control’ (Galatians 5:22–23). We believe that this approach is possible because the blessings and the fruits are not the result of our labour alone, but are perfected and made possible through God (Psalms 127:1–2).

Give a practical example of this from your own life

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SESSION 1 | WORK MATTERS

EXERCISE 1.1 Write down for yourself, and share later in your small discussion group: 1. Did you experience God’s guidance in finding your current job? 2. To what degree do you feel God’s presence and guidance at your workplace? 3. How can God use you in your current workplace?

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 2 It is important to realise that we are responsible for the work that we are paid to do. This requires dedication and it is only with this effort that we can honour God. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)

THE INHERENT VALUE OF WORK Work clearly has value in itself: • Economic - (wealth and welfare) • Financial - (caring for family and others) • Personal - (experiencing fulfilment and purpose) • Social and relational - (supporting others and developing relationships) These values are important and are highly valued in the Old Testament. Work and the fruits of work are considered and felt to be a blessing from God. Ecclesiastes puts these blessings (the inherent value of work) in the correct context. Work still only provides temporary joy, even though it is better that laziness and poverty. Without the added value of Jesus’ work, through which a link to God is made possible, it remains empty. HOLY JOBS? There is no work better than another to please God; to pour water, to wash dishes, to be a [cobbler], or an apostle, all is one; to wash dishes and to preach is all one, as touching the deed, to please God. (William Tyndale) The question here is this: Is there a distinction between work in the church, such as the work of a preacher, church worker or missionary and work in the ‘ordinary’ workplace? We would probably all say ‘no’, but deep down most of us do believe that there is a difference. It remains surprising that we bless and pray for the

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church elders, but that we do not pray for childcare workers, managers, teachers and people in nursing jobs, for example. The church volunteers work perhaps 4–6 hours in a Christian context. But there are also people who work 40–50 hour weeks with people who do not know Christ. In these places, where blessing and prayer are most needed, we seem to have to do without these essentials. Is it not odd that we do not equip and bless those people who work in areas where the Scripture could have the greatest impact? The Bible values all work equally: • 1 Corinthians 12: Here we see that everyone is given different gifts and tasks, but that no single one is more important than another. There is an interdependence, and the parts that seem weak and insignificant are actually of great value. • 1 Peter 2:4–5: Here we are called to be living stones and to participate. • Colossians 3:23: Here work is described as being important to God. Slaves are urged to do their work as if they were labouring for God, because their reward is God’s inheritance.

Give a practical example of this. We know how imperative cleaning and maintenance are for commercial, service, and retail companies that have customers visit their buildings. If a building is not clean or well maintained, this creates a poor image and consequently business decreases, despite what the quality of the management might be. Cleaning and maintenance jobs are among the lowest paid jobs that there are, while the results of this work have an enormous impact on business. WHAT DOES GOD’S KINGDOM HAVE TO DO WITH OUR ‘ORDINARY WORK’? I have never been able to see how this computer has anything to do with the kingdom of God. (Jim Banks, computer programmer) God’s kingdom is extended in places where God is given his rightful place. This can be anywhere: in companies, individual lives, individual work, joint collaborations. His kingdom is not restricted to time or place and is extended when we allow God the room to move.

SESSION 1 | WORK MATTERS

God’s kingdom extends to where his goodness, love and rules are respected. This leads to things that are good and pure because of God’s presence. In places where this becomes evident, we experience this presence – which will be fully consummated after the second coming of our Lord.

The eventual benefits and profits are higher in A, because we consider other factors such as happiness, wellbeing and fulfilment. The financial costs are not necessarily lower if we perform our work well and remain professional. God is given glory in situation A; a Christian in situation B would be double minded. The results of the work may be acceptable, but …

Give an example of this from your own life.

JESUS TELLS US THAT WE ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH (MATTHEW 5:13) Salt was used to preserve things and protect them from decay. This brings us back to the original purpose of creation in the New Testament (Genesis 2:15), where we are instructed to manage and protect creation.

1. As a contractor, I might feel called to serve people by providing them with housing. If I deliver wellbuilt housing, which gives me fulfilment as well, this is beneficial for the future residents and for me. And if I perform my work with goodness, this expands God’s kingdom. 2. I could also take a different attitude towards my work, one in which I pursue profit and greed. The context in which this house is built is different here: The subcontractors and employees may sense this and the choice of building materials may well be different. The whole production may cause much friction and tension and give little fulfilment.

Salt was also used to add flavour to things. In and through our work, we are able to add flavour and meaning to society and live by the example of Jesus Christ.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 1.2 • • •

Discuss the topic further. Share from your own life and what has touched you. Use the questions to guide you.

• • • • • •

Short additional introduction What kind of work do you do? How much influence do you have at work? What do you enjoy most? What dreams do you have for your future? Do you hear God’s voice in this? Do you have Christian friends that you can speak to and pray together with about this? If there is time, continue with action plan 1.3 and discuss this together.

CONCLUSION First a short evaluation: How did the participants find the first evening? End with prayer • Pray for a safe journey home • Ask for a blessing on work places and families

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SESSION 1 | WORK MATTERS

ACTION PLAN 1.3 Over the coming weeks, work through this exercise in prayer and contemplation and try to answer the questions below. • • • •

God has placed me in my current job to… God has worked through me in my current job to… God can work through me in my current job to… God could achieve more through me in my current job if I…

Thank God for your workplace; you are allowed to expect great things from him. If you have come to the conclusion that God has a different workplace in mind for you, ask him for guidance and wisdom.

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NOTES

Session 1 STUDIE 1 Een bijbelse visie op werk

Work Matters

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NOTES

Session 1 STUDIE 1 Een bijbelse visie op werk

Work Matters

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Session SESSION 2 1 Ambition and Life Choices

Work Matters

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SESSION 2 | AMBITION AND LIFE CHOICES

PREPARATION • • •

Read Chapter 3 ‘Ambition and Life Choices’ in God at Work Listen to Podcast episode 2, ‘Ambition and Life Choices’ Study the ‘Ambition and Life Choices’ PowerPoint presentation.

OBJECTIVE • • • •

Gain insight on how the Bible views the word ‘ambition’ Learn how to achieve God-given objectives through Christian ambition Discover the opportunities within setbacks and how to overcome setbacks Learn to recognise destructive ambitions

Please note: life and career choices are dealt with in other chapters.

WELCOME

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PRAYER STATEMENT Jesus gave his life to save the world. Why do we settle for less? What are your thoughts on this statement?

Start a short discussion on this statement and ask two or three participants to briefly share their thoughts. There are two important points here in this statement: 1. There is nothing wrong with ambition and you cannot easily be too ambitious. Jesus too had true ambition. 2. Jesus’ ambition saved the world. Why do we so easily settle for less? We mess around with money, sex and power and worry about clothes, appearances, housing and luxuries.

SESSION 2 | AMBITION AND LIFE CHOICES

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION - PART 1 WHY THIS TOPIC? In the business world, we are confronted with quite a lot of unhealthy and selfish ambition. This turned out to be one of the major causes of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 financial crises. Bonuses, self gain, importance of shareholder value and personal achievements. Unhealthy loans and mortgages taken out so that people might consume more. The reselling of bad mortgages to third parties. All are to blame for this big economic crisis. HOW DO WE DEFINE HEALTHY AMBITION? Ambition is not a bad thing, as long as it stems from the right motivation and is in line with God’s plan and calling for our lives. What is ambition? A strong desire for success, achievement, power or wealth (Cambridge Dictionary) If you take the time to consider this definition, you may come to the conclusion that ambition is a good thing, but ask yourself the following: What is your motivation? Why do you strive for more success in your career? To prove yourself, to profit, to surpass the achievements of others? Or do you have other motivations? As Christians, we could give the following definition for ambition:

Let us take a closer look at this definition. PASSIONATE Passion is the motor behind many of the things that we do with total conviction. For us as Christians, this passion should come directly from God. We should be passionate about the things that he is passionate about. And if we are driven by the Spirit, we can be enthusiastic and passionate. God’s passion and motivation is essentially different than our natural human desires. Love and the willingness to serve, for instance, are fundamental in the provision of customer service. But in many businesses, the focus has shifted from service to profit and shareholder value. Money has become more important than the service that we are paid to provide. The economy revolves around service and the provision of services; this is the economy’s original and essential role. There is confusion about the purpose of the economy and our companies today. The result (profit) has become the objective and the original purpose (the client’s needs) has become a means to earn money – and lots of it. This has led to excesses in the business world, and in 2008 led to a financial crisis.

The passionate and contented pursuit of challenging yet attainable God-given objectives.

FIGURE 2.1 oorspronkelijk: CLIENT’S NEEDS ARE THE OBJECTIVE

SERVICE THE MEANS TO SERVE THE CLIENT

PROFIT THE RESULT OF OUR EFFORTS (ALSO DESCRIBED AS BLESSINGS)

nu vaak: CLIENT’S NEEDS A MEANS TO MAKE PROFIT

SERVICE IS NO LONGER IMPORTANT

PROFIT HAS BECOME THE OBJECTIVE

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SESSION 2 | AMBITION AND LIFE CHOICES

A financial economy that is an end unto itself is destined to contradict its goals, since it is no longer in touch with its roots and has lost sight of its constitutive purpose. In other words, it has abandoned its original and essential role of serving the real economy and, ultimately, of contributing to the development of people and the human community. (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church 369, 2004) The Spirit wants to convert this passion for money into passion for one other (love) and passion for our profession so that we might be of service to others (service and love), and we and society, in turn, can function as he intended. The Spirit wants to transform the motives of our hearts and fill us with God’s passions (we discuss this further in Chapter 8 ‘Spiritual Renewal’). CONTENTMENT Contentment arises from the knowledge that we are labouring for God and that we are doing the work that he has called us to do. God gives us objectives that match our talents, or he gives us the talents that we need. The better we know ourselves, the more we can imagine what kind of work that God might be calling us to. We find most contentment when working in an environment where we can use our talents and gifts. This enables us to work towards our God-given objectives. Contentment and happiness are possible when there is a close link between calling and gifting.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement. (Romans 12:3)

FIGURE 2.3 CALLING

BURN-OUT

GIFT

Other people have had a great deal of education, have many competencies and opportunities, but experience no sense of calling whatsoever. They have little or no ambition and feel inconvenienced when called to help. These people live solely for themselves, a lifestyle that in the end can lead to loneliness, bitterness, a sense of emptiness and meaninglessness. A missionary without money is not as bad as a rich business person without a mission. (A Christian missionary)

FIGURE 2.4

Know yourself (Oracle of Delphi) There may be an imbalance between what we do (our calling) and what we can do (our talents).

GIFT

If you experience a strong calling, but feel that you lack the necessary abilities, this can cause stress and even lead to a burnout.

SELF FULFILMENT OR EMPTINESS

Some people do not dare to or cannot say ‘no’. Others experience a call for help as a personal appeal from God.

CALLING

It is important to discover God’s intended purpose for your life, and also the talents that he has given you to achieve this purpose. Knowing your purpose and talents can help you focus and clearly define your tasks and, as a result, show you what God has called you to do. Acknowledge your limitations.

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SESSION 2 | AMBITION AND LIFE CHOICES

CHALLENGING Do not settle for black and white if God has given you a vision in colour. (Rev John Collins) This vision in colour is present in creation, where there is such a variety of colours, forms and sorts of life. Sir Terry Leahy, the head of Tesco, has defined this challenge of leadership as follows: Find the truth of the situation, paint a picture of where you want to get to, make a plan and go and do it […] Always believe that there is a better place and then persuade people to get there with you. You will need to step outside of your comfort zone, the supposed safety of the familiar. But the knowledge that God is always near, even when we stray, can help us make the daunting and exciting choices that we face. ATTAINABLE Our ambitions should stretch us, but they should also be attainable, because we otherwise risk losing faith in our goals. Stating that ‘one day, when I’m a billionaire, I’ll be able to feed millions of people’ is a worthy statement, but probably not what is meant by Christian ambition. It is challenging, but is it attainable? We need to note here that there is an area of tension between what is attainable to us and what is attainable to God. God may well take our ambitions to another level, beyond where we would probably go. It is up to him to develop these ambitions in our lives. The story of Solomon is a nice example of how God deals with our ambitions. That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered God, “You have … made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:7–10) We have been called to perform a task, and God asks us what we want. We can ask God for the tools that we need to achieve this task. In answer, we may receive much more than we ask or need. God is a God of abundance. God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honour, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made

you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honour, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” (2 Chronicles 1:11–12) GOD-GIVEN The athlete Eric Liddle eventually became a missionary to China, but in Chariots of Fire, the film about the 1924 Olympics where Liddle won gold, he says these profound words: ‘God made me for a purpose. He made me for China, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure’. We need to know that our ambitions are initiated, sustained and, where necessary, corrected by God as we step out in faith to do His will. [C]ontinue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12–13) EXTRA NOTE Ambition is often defined in terms of professions: ‘I would like to be a pastor, director, sales person ….’ It is important to realise that ambition can be a lifestyle. Francis of Assisi’s lifestyle, for example, was one of poverty. Committing your life to love can be an ambition. Many entrepreneurs and business people have difficulty accepting and giving love, and struggle to incorporate love into their lives and businesses. But there are ways to do this. For example: Genuine passion for clients and your profession contribute to the quality and value of your service: It makes the profession a better and more fulfilling one. Good service to clients and buyers is explicitly linked to our inner attitude. Dennis Bake formulates this as follows: “It is love that allows us to treat each person in our organisation with respect and dignity. Love sends people around the world to serve others. Love inspires people to work with greater purpose… love makes it possible for me to forgive those who derided my views and caused me so much pain. Because love is directed towards others, it allows for the possibility that my critics were right and I was wrong. And if I was wrong, I would hope that love would enable my detractors to forgive the forceful ways I have pushed my philosophy. I continue to believe that love is the final crucial ingredient in a joy-filled workplace… love is perfectly consistent with even the most aggressive economic goals. 23

SESSION 2 | AMBITION AND LIFE CHOICES

EXERCISE 2.1 1. List your personal ambitions. 2. How do you know that these are from God and are not based on your own desires? Share your answers in your small discussion group after this introduction.

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 2 HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THESE GOD-GIVEN OBJECTIVES? When you know what your God-given ambitions are, the next question is: How do I achieve these ambitions? Do you just start and wait to see where the road takes you or do you let God lead? The following suggestions can help you achieve your God-given ambitions. START WITH THE END IN MIND God says, I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come (Isaiah 46:10) Kierkegaard wrote ‘Life can only be understood backward; but it must be lived forwards.’ Stephen Covey urges us in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to start with the end in mind. He writes, If the ladder is not leaning against the wall, every step we take gets us to the wrong place faster. Questions that may be useful here: • What do I want to be able to leave behind? • What do I want people to say about me at my funeral? • Is this in line with God’s ambitions? BREAK YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS INTO SHORTER-TERM OBJECTIVES It can help to break goals that appear impossible into smaller pieces. Each small goal that you achieve builds morale and your faith in the long-term goals. Steady progress builds the confidence to deal with the inevitable setbacks.

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In Deuteronomy 7:22–23 Moses speaks about the Promised Land: The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed. This verse tells us that if Joshua conquers too much too quickly, this will create a void, one which will be filled by others (by wild animals). The text warns us not to rush. USE SETBACKS AS SPRINGBOARDS FOR ACHIEVEMENT And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) Setbacks are part of all projects, but you can use them as a springboard for new achievements or for exciting new steps. Do not be discouraged by setbacks, but rather see them as opportunities to take a different approach to completing your project. It will not be the first time that setbacks have forced people to use a different approach, an alternative route, but with better and faster results. THINK OUT OF THE BOX Obstacles may sometimes look like brick walls, but maybe actually be made out of papier mache. Sometimes a paradigm shift in thinking is needed to step through these walls.

Share an example from your own life. MAKE YOUR AMBITIONS KNOWN TO GOD Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)

SESSION 2 | AMBITION AND LIFE CHOICES

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him. (Psalms 37:4–5) God wants to share in our lives and to bless our ambitions and give us His peace.

DESTRUCTION AND DECEPTION – HOW TO AVOID THE DANGERS Lives can be destroyed by ambition that gets out of control. When our ambition becomes divorced from the context of extending God’s kingdom, we risk becoming selfish, and in turn being destroyed by this selfishness. We need to remember the following:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9) A sad example is the story of King Saul. After having forfeited his kingship, he went from being a chosen one to someone being driven by power, and through the wrong motives and ambitions tried to destroy the work that God did in and through David. His son Jonathan, who found himself in a similar situation, was motivated by ambition, and through these he was able to see God at work through the life that David led.

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SESSION 2 | AMBITION AND LIFE CHOICES

HOW DO WE RECOGNISE THE DANGERS? Complete exercise 2.2 and then add up your score. This exercise can help us recognise if our ambitions are destructive.

EXERCISE 2.2 Strongly agree

I am suspicious of other people at work

I feel a sense of satisfaction when others fail I enjoy talking or gossiping about others

I find it difficult to accept advice given by others I am convinced that I know best when it comes to my ambitions I am discontented in my current job

Score: • Strongly agree • Agree • Neither agree nor disagree • Disagree • Strongly disagree

5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point

• Score 21 to 30: driven by selfish ambition • Score 16 to 20: healthy ambition • Score 6 to 15: no selfish ambition.

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Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

SESSION 2 | AMBITION AND LIFE CHOICES

COMMITMENT AND STICKABILITY Commitment and ‘stickability’ seem in short supply these days. We need discipline and perseverance in pursuit of our God-given ambitions. Jesus was ambitious to complete the work that God had sent him to do. “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34)

The apostle Paul worked hard to achieve the ambition that God had given him. At the end of his life he was able to say that he had ‘fought the good fight’ and had ‘finished the race’ (2 Timothy 4:7).

• • •

Hand out the prayer cards and explain how these cards can be used. During this meeting I was touched by … I would like to pray for …

Fill in the front of one of the participant’s cards, and give others the opportunity to copy this onto their own cards and to pray for this person. The following week, a different participant shares from his or her life and each person fills a card in for this person and prays for him or her.

His last words on the cross were: It is finished. (John 19:30)

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 2.3 • • •

Discuss the topic Share from your own experience and discuss what has touched you Use the questions to help you

1. Discuss your answers from exercise 2.1 2. If God were to ask you the same question that he asked Solomon – ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you’ – what would your answer be? 3. How do I know that I have the right motives in trying to reach my ambition? 4. What were your results in exercise 2.2? 5. How dedicated am I to my God-given objectives? 6. If there is time, start together on action plan 2.4. • Fill in the prayer card and pray through these prayer points over the coming period

CONCLUSION Close together by praying: • Not all people will have specific objectives or know what God’s purpose is for their lives. Pray for peace and assurance. Each person has their own path to follow, and this is good. • Others may be weary and worn out. Pray for strength, perseverance and healing. • Some have dreams and ambitions, but struggle to realise these objectives. Pray for God’s assistance and for these people to be able to hear his voice. Thank everyone and wish everyone a safe journey home.

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SESSION 2 | AMBITION AND LIFE CHOICES

ACTION PLAN 2.4 1. Take a moment to write down the desires of your heart (see exercise 2.3b) and commit these to God. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust him and he will do this. (Psalm 37:4–5) 2. Plan a date in two years time and look back to the ambitions that you had in mind tonight. 3. Describe your objectives and ambitions for this life. 4. Describe you own long-term objectives. Think in terms of about five years. 5. Break this long-term objective into three to five short-term one-year goals. 6. How have setbacks helped you to achieve your objective? 7. Make time for prayer and contemplation. If you struggle to make time, discuss this with good friends and wait until you have reached Chapter 3 ‘Tough Decisions’ to hear and understand Gods’ voice.

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NOTES

Session 1 STUDIE 1 Een bijbelse visie op werk

Work Matters

7

NOTES

Session 1 STUDIE 1 Een bijbelse visie op werk

Work Matters

7

Session 1 SESSION 3 Tough Decisions

Work Matters

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SESSION 3 | TOUGH DECISIONS

PREPARATION • • •

Read Chapter 3 ‘Tough Decisions’ from the God at Work book Listen to Podcast episode 3 ‘Tough decisions’ Study the ‘Tough Decisions’ PowerPoint presentation

SESSION OBJECTIVE Learn about different methods that can be used to reach wise choices when making tough decisions.

If you have not yet discussed the weekend, do so now and arrange location, times, who will drive and who will cook, etc.

WELKOM

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PRAYER STATEMENT We have more access to knowledge today than ever before. But this does not make decisions any easier. What are your thoughts on this statement?

Start a short discussion on this statement and ask two or three participants to briefly share their thoughts. And then share the following quote from Ken Costa: We are long on knowledge, but short on wisdom.

SESSION 3 | TOUGH DECISIONS

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 1 HOW TO MAKE CHOICES IN MY CAREER? On the path towards our goals we are frequently faced with decisions. These may be small decisions that can quite easily be made based on the information at hand, or crucial decisions, with far-reaching consequences for ourselves and others. What is the best way, as a Christian, to deal with these decisions? The following aspects play a role in the changes and choices that we face. IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS • What are the consequences of my decisions for: - God - those around me, family, friends, colleagues, suppliers and others - society and creation An example: Imagine being able to achieve great financial progress by pursuing a career abroad. You sell this idea to your family by telling them that there will be more opportunities and that the work will be more fulfilling. And you solemnly promise to be home more often. This should be possible, because you will after all be the manager of all overseas activities within this company and will be able to set your own schedule. In your heart, you know that this may not actually be possible. A new job always takes up a lot of time. Your schedule is not determined by your family, but by your own ambition. You hope that your partner and children will adjust quickly (and feel at home), but you know that a sense of security and stability are important conditions for your family to actually be able to feel at home. God does not play a role in this decision, because you can serve him anywhere, right? You feel the pressure that these choices present. Is this where you want your family and ideals to be in ten year’s time?

•

We need time to distil and consider new insights. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly (Isaiah 60:22)

You cannot squeeze a fruit ripe. God’s timing is crucial. If you are no longer fulfilled by, or feel called to your current job, remember that we are not just called out of situations but we are also called into new openings and challenges. Paul tells us: Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. (1 Corinthians 7:20–21) The process of guidance is as important as the guidance itself. This is how we truly learn to trust and listen. Do circumstances give rise to a change of course? Think, for instance, of cultural changes, changes in competitive relationships or changes in our personal situations.

Try to illustrate this with an example from your own life. IMPORTANCE OF VALUES • Our decisions and values need to be consistent if we aim to act with integrity. Our actions should be based on our values. • It is important to realise that there should be no distinction between our personal values and the values that are employed at the workplace. If our personal values are not in line with the values employed at our workplace, this creates inner conflict.

Share with the group another example from your own life.

DECIDING WITH GOD Each decision requires wisdom, reasoning and insight into God’s Spirit to make the right choice. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7)

Share a far-reaching choice that you have had to make in the past.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6)

IMPORTANCE OF TIMING • It is not desirable or necessary for everything to happen immediately. Things need time to be understood and processed. There is a reason why we are told in Ecclesiastes 3 that everything has its own time.

Our main reference point when making decisions should be our relationship with God, developed by: • praying regularly • reading the Bible regularly • implementing God’s words

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SESSION 3 | TOUGH DECISIONS

The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. (Psalm 25:14) Asking God for guidance when making decisions is not a sign of weakness, but an interactive process between us and God, a process that deepens our faith.

INVOLVING GOD IN OUR DECISIONS There are two ways in which we can involve God in our choices: • Passively • Actively Note: You cannot replace either one of these ways with the other. They often complement each other and depend a lot on a person’s character. There are people who prefer a passive approach when making decisions, and who do not often take an active approach. And there are people who first apply an active method, but who test their decisions using a passive approach. Everyone has their own way, based on their personal convictions and background. The nature of the decision also plays a role here. Neither one of the two methods is better than the other. PASSIVE DECISIONS WITH GOD When we make decisions it is good to test these choices. We have six beacons to guide us here. To steer a boat into the harbour, it is important that the captain and the pilot keep a careful eye on the beacons at the harbour entrance. When these are aligned, the boat is set on the right course and there is no danger of getting stranded on a sandbank. As Christians we have six beacons, which need to be aligned as it were, so that we might discover God’s will. These six beacons are the following: 1. the Bible 2. prayer

3. peace with God in our conscience 4. our faculties of reasoning 5. counsellors 6. circumstances We can gain more confidence regarding God’s will by applying these six different, but corresponding, aspects. It is only through God’s influence that these six aspects can provide one and the same signal. This approach is comparable to that of a ship being led by beacons. When all beacon lights are aligned we know that the ship is on course. 1. The Bible The Bible provides the greatest test of them all. Nothing should be in conflict with what is laid down in God’s Word. His Word provides a test that is objective and pure. This does not refer to any text or verse in particular, but to the principles that run through the Bible. We realise that each Bible text can be used separately (see for instance 2 Timothy 3:16–17). But because the Bible does not always give ready-made answers to dilemmas of everyday life, it is important that the following five beacons are aligned with the Bible. 2. Prayer When we seek out God’s help in making the right decision, it is important that we enter into prayer. Praying does not mean only asking God for help, but also means listening to God. What thoughts do we receive while we are praying? Some people even receive dreams, words and images. When entering into prayer it is important not to focus on the problem or the difficult issue that we face, but to first focus on God: • start by praising and thanking God • ask God to give you insight into your own heart, your own requests and desires • ask for forgiveness, confess your sins, and acknowledge God’s sovereign power • be contented with the simple and the good • do not fear the silences and take the time to listen It is easier to hear God’s voice within our own thoughts if we adopt this attitude than if we are full of our own desires, ambitions and worries. 3. Peace with God in our conscience Do we feel at peace with the thoughts and signs that we receive, or is there confusion or doubt? Be wary of attributing your own desires to God. Test your conscience. The church father Augustine once called this ‘a kind of silent clamour of truth ringing inside’. 4. Our faculties of reasoning God gave us our faculties of reasoning so that we would have a sense of responsibility.

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SESSION 3 | TOUGH DECISIONS

5. Counsellors, wise people who understand God and who have proven themselves through the lives that they live These are spiritual counsellors who have wisdom and insight. Think of the role that men such as Jethro played for Moses, Paul for Timothy, Daniel for various kings and Samuel for Saul. And do not forget the prophets. These people are at times annoying and say critical things; they hold a mirror to our lives, sometimes seem to be able to look straight into our hearts and point out our ‘false’ business motives. It is good to surround yourself with these kinds of people, mature Christians, who are wise and have proven their walk with God. Make sure that you have a number of these people in your council, on your board, in your circle of friends and also among your work colleagues. Do not forget your partner, if you have one. Your partner knows you well and often accounts for 50% of God’s wisdom in your life. 6. Circumstances and events Do circumstances and events confirm our choices? We read that Joseph and Moses arrived at Pharaoh’s court through a series of different events and were given the opportunity there to learn much and be a blessing to those around them. We also read that certain doors were closed to Paul and others were opened. ACTIVE CHOICES WITH GOD Not all choices can be made by taking a passive approach. Sometimes nothing happens. And as a result, we are easily paralysed. This paralysis comes from the thought that we cannot make the right choice without God’s guidance, from an expectation that God will make our decisions for us. Experience teaches us that God sometimes wishes to know the desires of our own hearts. See for example the many stories in the Bible about the people of Israel.

There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test (Exodus 15:25) God gave his creation freedom and equipped us with reason and intellect. We are given the freedom to use our faculties of reasoning to make the right choice, choices that are in line with the principles in the Bible. A ship cannot sail until it leaves the harbour and catches the wind. A rudder does not start functioning until there is movement. Once we have made a step of faith, God will often confirm this step. It is as though we sense God’s voice behind us saying: This is the way; walk in it (Isaiah 30:21) Sometimes God makes it clear to us in some way or another that the path we have taken is not really the right path. These instances are characterised by a sense of inner turmoil. But know that God is always there for us if we have made our choices with ‘honour and a clear conscience’. We can then return to the signs that we use to test our passive choices. In Judges 6:36–40, Gideon laid a fleece before the Lord to test whether he had made a right decision. It is important to note that the fleece was laid after a decision had been made – it was not a way of shirking responsibility. Requests for signs should be confirmatory rather than predictive.

Share from some of your own experiences and from choices that you have made in your own life. Did you make these choices with or without God’s guidance?

EXERCISE 3.1 1. Think of one or two difficult decisions that you have had to make at work recently. Note these down. 2. What approach did you use for these decisions? 3. What steps did you take before making these decisions? Share your answers in your small discussion group after this introduction.

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SESSION 3 | TOUGH DECISIONS

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 2 A FEW WISE AND PRACTICAL EXAMPLES Give examples from your own life for each of these following aspects. TAKE A STEP BACK (TWO DAYS OUT) When facing a major decision with a deadline it is best to take a step back. Take two days out, for instance. We presume here that you already have all the necessary information and that you have considered the possible consequences, etc. • Take the first day to relax. Consistently churning an important decision around in our mind can be draining. • Note your thoughts down on a piece of paper and put this piece of paper away. • Take enough time to sleep and relax. • Talk to your partner or a friend and have a cup of tea or go for a walk together. • Take time for God, as a routine habit in your day. Praise, pray, thank, but do not constantly talk about your decision. On the second day, take time again to relax and then make your decision. • Make time for God and follow his wisdom. • Consult the wisdom of your spiritual counsellors. • Take time to relax again. • Make your decision with ‘honour and a clear conscience’ and know that God will always stay with you whatever the result and choice. MAKE THE COMPLEX SIMPLE We often complicate decisions by collecting mountains of facts and giving these too much weight. Always look for the simplest form. Two questions here: • What is it really about? • What interests does my choice serve? Try to write the issue down and search for a description that requires a minimum number of words. For example, ‘If I make this choice, I lose X in the short-term and win Y in the long-term’. We need to realise that besides the technicalities, decisions also have underlying moral components. In the words of General Omar Bradley: We have become a nation of technological giants and moral pygmies.

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LISTEN TO THE QUESTION • What is the real question? • What lies behind the question and what interests are being served? • Know that you do not need to answer every question that you are asked or every choice that is placed before you. THREE EXAMPLES FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS 1. Not every questions needs to be answered In Luke 20:2 we read that Jesus is questioned about his authority. “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” Jesus answers this question with another question and asks the Pharisees with whose authority John the Baptist conducted his baptisms. The Pharisees avoided the question by saying: ‘We don’t know’. Jesus therefore declined to answer their question. Jesus teaches us here that not every question has to be answered. 2. We do not have to restrict our answers to the options offered to us Later on in the same chapter, Luke 20:21–22, Jesus is asked whether it is right to pay taxes to Caesar. His reply in verse 25 shows that even if we are presented with a polarity of the questioner’s choice, we do not have to restrict our answers to the options given; we can choose from other options. 3. We can give clear and honest answers At the end of this chapter, the Sadducees ask a complicated but honest question about a woman with seven husbands. Jesus gives them a plain and clear answer. We can learn from this that when the real objective of a question is to elicit a straight answer, then we should give a clear and honest answer. CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES The possibilities of wise decisions can be blocked if we focus on the short-term implications of these decisions. The short-term effects often leave those involved with a good feeling, a sense of there being decisive action that will have a positive effect. This triumphalism does not always turn out to be a good thing in the long-run. Try to identify the implications of the choice in terms of five and ten years. What do you see? Jesus encourages us to consider the long-term. For example, in Luke 14:28, he says: Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?

SESSION 3 | TOUGH DECISIONS

It is important to manage the down-side risks. Those who stand to profit will always point out the profits and the benefits, and often too much attention is given to these. But the potential costs if things go wrong should be carefully considered. Always have an alternative plan. Just in case things do not go as you expect. Not all plans succeed. It is important to know how, when we do not succeed, to choose another path with minimum costs and consequences. However, never let this escape route be a way to torpedo good plans and know that it is good and necessary to take risks; but do also give these risks the consideration they require. In his book How the Mighty Fall, Jim Collins gives us three questions to assess important decisions. • What is the upside, if events turn out well? • What is the downside, if events go badly? • Can you live with the downside? It is remarkable how few takeovers in the automotive industry have been successful. Driven by expansion, synergy and cost reduction, takeovers have driven numerous industrialists to the brink of ruin. Think of BMW’s purchase of the English car industry. And of GM and Fiat, where the roles were reversed within 10 years and Fiat bought out GM. And Porsche who wanted to take over Volkswagen, but was itself bought out by Volkswagen. THE ‘WHY’ OF THE CHOICE Ego today is sometimes more important than reason. We hire advisers to rationalise our desires so that we can pursue our own selfish objectives. Wise are those who gather around them as shields sensible counsellors and advisers.

IMPLEMENT THE STRATEGY [B]e as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16) Daniel 1:3–16 provides a good example: Daniel had a clear set of values As a Jew, he did not want to eat the food that the Bible had prohibited. Daniel was prepared to put his neck on the line He was determined not to eat the King’s food, even if this cost him his life. Daniel requested; he did not demand Instead of demanding, Daniel asked the chief official if he could be excused from eating the food from the King’s table. Daniel understood the concerns of his direct manager Daniel realised that this issue affected not only him. His direct manager would be held accountable if Daniel ended up looking unhealthy. Daniel suggested an alternative and pragmatic course of action He suggested a 10 day trial period. Daniel trusted that God would bless his decision During this whole process, Daniel steadfastly believed that God would bless his choice – and God did.

Ask God for a pure heart and for protection. Be honest in your choices and willingness to follow God. If you allow yourself to be double-minded (God and your own pride), then you miss out on God’s wisdom. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:5–8) Before making a choice it is good to ask yourself ‘Why do I want/have to make this choice?’ Is it because others expect it of me? Or is it because things will otherwise come to a standstill? Am I doing it to prove to others that I am steadfast? Is it even really me who should be making this choice, or is it actually someone else’s responsibility? 37

SESSION 3 | TOUGH DECISIONS

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 3.2 • • •

Discuss the topic together Share an example from your own life and how your own life has been touched Use the questions to guide you

1. Discuss your answers from exercise 3.1. 2. Write down four values that you believe should be consistent both at home and in the workplace. 3. Is there any friction between your personal values and the values that exist in your workplace? 4. Share with one another how the six beacons help in making the right choices. 5. Give examples from your own life of when your timing and God’s timing did not run parallel. 6. You can also continue with action plan 3.3 and discuss the questions together. •

Fill in the prayer card and pray through these prayer points over the coming period.

CONCLUSION Close with prayer. Consider the following: • There are people who have not always made the right choices in their lives and some are still bearing the consequences. • That there are people who are now facing difficult decisions. • That some have no experience in making decisions and as a result find it difficult to: - spend time in silent contemplation - approach God - understand God’s voice - And they may not have wise people around to guide them. Thank everyone and wish everyone a safe journey home.

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SESSION 3 | TOUGH DECISIONS

ACTION PLAN 3.3 Think of a difficult choice that you are now facing at work. 1. Describe briefly, in just a few words, the dilemma that you are facing. 2. Read through this session again and apply the principles and suggestions discussed here to your personal dilemma. 3. Imagine that today is the deadline for your decision: What do you think your decision would be?

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Session 1 STUDIE 1 Een bijbelse visie op werk

Work Matters

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Session 1 SESSION 4 Stress

Work Matters

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SESSION 4 | STRESS

PREPARATION Read Chapter 5 ‘Stress’ in God at Work Listen to Podcast episode 5 ‘Stress’ Study the ‘Stress’ PowerPoint presentation.

SESSION OBJECTIVE • Lean to recognise stress • Learn to recognise the effects of stress • Learn to deal with stress • Learn how a different way of thinking and living can help prevent stress

WELCOME

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PRAYER STATEMENT In this hurried society, there should be more time to waste. We need time to lie fallow like we did in childhood, so we can recuperate and develop our creativity. What are your thoughts on this statement? Do you recognise this in your own life?

Start a short discussion on this statement and ask two or three participants to briefly share their thoughts.

SESSION 4 | STRESS

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 1 WHAT IS STRESS? Share examples from your own life. STRESS IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES Stress affects everyone. The mother who works weekend, night or day shifts knows what stress is. There are also relationships that cause stress, as a result of which some people bury themselves in their work. Many people are weighed down by stress. Stress has been called public enemy number one. More than one million people in our country suffer from symptoms of stress and their consequences. Before having a closer look at the effects of stress, it is good to remember that stress comes in all shapes and sizes. There are certain types of stress that in themselves are good and that we need at certain times to be able to perform well. •

This type of stress is a positive form of pressure, needed at times to deliver and perform.

Deadlines can, for example. There are also certain professions that involve a lot of stress. Think of the work on the stock exchange or the organising of big events. Or the work of a manufacturer who keeps in touch daily with China to ensure that the clothes that are manufactured in China reach the UK on time. This type of stress, or pressure, cannot be avoided in this type of work, and if you want to survive, you will need to find a way to deal with it. However, stress can also be caused by imbalances in our lives. These imbalances arise when we try to do too much or when we are overwhelmed by work and worries. You try to combine your new role as a father with a busy job, the renovation of an old house, the grief of losing a loved one and the tasks involved in being a church group leader. And at the same time you might be feeling disappointed about a washed out holiday in France that you have just had. •

This types of stress are a negative form of pressure, generally caused by our lives being out of balance for long periods of time.

Stress is ‘The negative response to excessive pressure’ (Health & Safety Executive)

FIGURE THE PERFORMANCE / PRESSURE CURVE performance

optimal performance

chill out

STRESS VERSUS PRESSURE Stress is not necessarily the same as pressure. Many of us thrive under pressure but wilt under persistent stress. Pressure comes from without, a challenge in the form of a project or a situation. It stimulates and makes the adrenaline flow so that we can accomplish more than

exhausted and inhibited mistakes and errors confused and rushed

strain

first seems possible. Stress comes from within; it is the pressure that we put on ourselves to meet unrealistic deadlines. This leads to frustration or even a sense of hopelessness at the enormity of the task. While pressure motivates, stress drains and chokes us. 43

SESSION 4 | STRESS

When we are faced with this type of stress, we will need to try to lessen the pressure by reducing the external work pressure or by dealing differently with it internally. In both cases, our faith can help. We will return to this point later. First, we look at the effects and symptoms of stress. THE EFFECTS OF STRESS Physical In the UK , many are unable to work as a result of stress and too much tension. More than any other physical complaint, psychological problems have caused an increase in the number of people who now receive Incapacity Benefit and Income Support. Research has shown that stress at work puts the same strain on the heart as being 40 pounds overweight, and that prolonged bouts of tension have the same affect on blood pressure as ageing 30 years. Those who suffer from stress have trouble sleeping and often have sleepless nights worrying about their work. Psychological Stress produces a range of psychological side effects; most common is a lack of concentration over a sustained period of time. Others are beset by irrational fears or become aggressive towards their colleagues. When we are stressed, we often feel overwhelmed by our work, and feel guilty when we spend time doing things other than work. Spiritual Stress also affects our spiritual life. It destroys perspective, makes us self-absorbed and prevents us from seeing the wider perspective – spiritual shortsightedness. It strangles our relationships both with others and with God. In the ‘Parable of the Sower’, some seed grows fast, only to be choked by the thorns and weeds. Stress can feel like choking, especially within our relationships. It is interesting to see that a similar picture is described when the earth is cursed in Genesis 3 and humankind is forced to henceforth ‘toil’ the land. This spiritual aspect of stress affects us in the workplace, as well as in our private and family lives. Economic Stress causes economic damage beyond the costs of sick employees that cause premium increases. Employees who are stressed often perform poorly and below expectation. This leads to financial damage that is less measurable than healthcare costs and the like. The social costs (absenteeism, prolonged sick leave, medical consumerism) of psychological problems at work are extremely high in the UK .

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POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

Share with the group any symptoms of stress that you have experienced. Physical symptoms • Headaches • Stomach aches, stomach complaints, heartburn • Shortness of breath or hyperventilation • Sweaty and shaky hands • Back complaints, neck and shoulder complaints • Chronic fatigue, trouble getting up in the morning • Heart palpitations Changes in behaviour • Increase of alcohol use • Use of drugs • Smoking more than usual • Nail biting • Excessive eating • Poor appetite • Lack or increase of sexual desire Emotional changes • More irritable • Restlessness, lack of concentration • Dreading work tasks, shifting and postponing appointments • Less sociable, less communicative • Angry, taking frustrations out on others • Low-spirited, depressed

DENIAL OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT When we are exposed to stress for too long this can lead to a burnout, from which most people only ever partly recover. And for this reason, it is important that we learn to deal with stress and prevent stress from leading to burnout. We can do this by: • acknowledging the dangers in our own lives; • not viewing stress as a sign of dedication and hard work.

Share examples of stressful situations that you have had to face in your own life.

SESSION 4 | STRESS

EXERCISE 4.1 1. Do you recognise any of these stress signs? 2. Do you have any idea what is causing this stress? Your private life, work, family, relationships or something else? Share together in the small discussion groups after this introduction.

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION - PART 2

Share from your own life regarding one or more of these points. •

THREE WAYS TO DEAL WITH STRESS

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)

1. Learn to deal with stress in everyday situations 2. Adopt a different way of thinking 3. Adopt a different lifestyle (will be discussed in the next session, in ‘Life–Work Balance’).

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

1. LEARN TO DEAL WITH STRESS IN EVERYDAY SITUATIONS

Share from your own life regarding each of these examples. Practical tips from the Bible Jesus was no stranger to stress. People had high expectations of him and everyone tried to claim him for themselves. It is surprising to read how much stress Jesus experienced during his life and how he dealt with this. Think, for example, of the stressful encounter in his home town (Luke 4) where the people attempted to kill him. Pick any day out of his life, say for example in Luke 8:22–56, and look at what happens: A storm on the lake, people possessed by evil spirits, people turning him away, people waiting anxiously for him with high expectations, then on the road again to raise a child from the dead. What a schedule! And what about the stress that he faced shortly before his death. There is a moment when mortal terror overcomes him and it takes a visit from an angel to restore his strength (Luke 22:43–44). These examples can give us strength: They show us that we are not alone, and that there is someone arguing our case, and that this someone has faced the same trials that we face. Because of this, Jesus is able to sympathise with us in these moments (Hebrews 2:17–18; 9:24).

Keep reading and praying (Psalms 1 and 119; Philippians 4:6–7; 2 Timothy 3:15–17)

This seems so logical, but it is the most important of all strategies. Worship should be our weapon of first resort, because it lifts us up to that higher, eternal perspective. When we are in the middle of a situation, we can easily lose perspective. Once we emerge above our circumstances we can suddenly see the full perspective of the situation that we find ourselves in. Paul urges us to pray at all times (Philippians 4:6) and mentions the importance of knowing the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The original Greek word for ‘petition’ in Philippians 4:6–7 is related to ‘making desires known’. It is as if Paul is saying here ‘translate you worries into desires and bring these to God’. Desires give room and possibilities, but worries cripple us. •

Take an emotional break (John 6:15; Luke 4:30) Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. (John 6:15)

Use your breaks well, by sending a non-work related email, encouraging people that you meet or deciding not to discuss work with your partner or friends, for

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SESSION 4 | STRESS

example. Worshiping God together can be a wonderful way to take an emotional break during hectic periods. During his time here, Jesus often withdrew for a mini break. •

Take control of your thoughts (Philippians 4:8–9; Romans 12:2) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8–9)

When we find ourselves in stressful situations, it is important that we focus on what is good, noble, true, pure, etc. This helps to draw our thoughts away from the negative spiral into which we so easily fall when we are stressed. As Christians we are called to transform ourselves through our thinking. •

Search for joy (Philippians 4:4–7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16) Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

More concretely this means taking time during a busy day to notice the birds, a mother or father hugging their child or a happy couple sitting across from you in the train. This determines our values, values that endure beyond the day-to-day stress. Taking fun and joy seriously helps us rise above our situation. A healthy degree of humour also often helps to put things into perspective. •

Deal with stress in the opposite spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:15–24; Galatians 5:13–25; 1 Corinthians 4:11–13) To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. (1 Corinthians 4:11–13)

This is the spiritual equivalent of counting to 10. When colleagues trash our work, we should not snap back but instead commend them on their work. We read in 1 Corinthians 4:12–13 that Paul successfully ministered time and again in the opposite spirit.

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•

Fight fear (Psalm 34:5; Psalm 112:6–8; John 14:27; 1 John 4:17–19) Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. (Psalm 112:6–8)

In times of stress, it is easy to lose control of our lives. Fear will rise, as we read in Job 21:6: When I think about this, I am terrified; trembling seizes my body. But in Psalm 34:5 we read: Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Whenever fear threatens to cripple us, we can take this fear to God, and he will give us peace through his Holy Spirit. • Walk away from the stress We need not always be crippled by the pressures at work. We can also confront this pressure, not by working harder, but by taking time out, so that we can break the hold that the pressure has on us. For example, take a break during a meeting when tension and stress start to rise; ask for a timeout. Take breaks during days when deadlines are due. Remember that if you use your breaks well, you will be much more efficient and the pressure will subside. When Jesus preached in Galilee, he was praised by those around him. But when he went to Nazareth, the place where he grew up, and read from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, the crowd turned against him and tried to kill him (Luke 4). There was enormous pressure and stress. But, we are told that he walked through the midst of the crowd and went on his way. We can do what Jesus did: We can learn not to always give in to the demands at our workplace, but at times to also make our own choices. • Stay healthy Get enough exercise, eat and rest well. Make sure that you have someone who motivates you or exercise together with a colleague or friend, especially at times when stress is high. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit – and so need to be looked after.

SESSION 4 | STRESS

2. THINKING DIFFERENTLY: FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE

often without asking for it and gives a certainty that knowing God gives life substance – even if we may not always experience it in this way.

Share from your own life regarding one or more of these examples • Live in God’s peace Remember that you are a child of God, unique and loved, and that our Father in heaven was willing to sacrifice everything for you, even his son. Live with that thought and that love in mind. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32) • Keep your focus on God’s perspective Learn to think and to view things as God sees them. He has very different priorities than we human beings. Know that God is the Lord and that he does not lose control. Relax and know that God needs nothing, but rather it is he who is the creator of everything and who has given us all that we have. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. (Acts 17:25) • Rely on the promises that God has given us Through their faith in God, the heroes of faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice and gained what was promised them (Hebrews 11:33–40). They can serve as examples to us. •

Be contended with the task that you have been given Live with gratitude in your heart and put your Godgiven skills to use. If you reach for more than what you have been given, you will always be longing for the unattainable and this creates stress. Do not think that you have been put here to save the whole world, but rather focus on the task that you have been given. You can discover this task by discovering your gifts, character and competencies. Your calling will always be in line with these, but will also have its limits. I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement. (Romans 12:3) • Develop a mentality of gratitude and abundance Develop a mentality of gratitude and abundance, rather than one of lack, which is an attitude that says there is never enough, that God is not enough or not interested in our problems. An attitude of gratitude and abundance, on the other hand, determines what we get each day,

[A]nd your heavenly Father knows [what you need]. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:32–33) •

Look for space where you can develop this mentality Pray, read the Bible and meet together with other Christians. Some people struggle to find the time to spend with God. For some this means reading from the Bible in the morning and chewing on this piece of text during the day, and they pray when they get a moment while walking, driving or taking a break. For many, their car is their quiet chapel. Admiral Nelson studied and recorded the weather twice a day, all his life. Because of this, he knew three days before the battle of Trafalgar that a storm was about to break. And the storm came, and he won the battle, despite being vastly outnumbered. Reading the Bible daily may seem boring, but when stress creeps up on us unexpectedly, we can draw from what we gain from a daily routine of Bible reading. • Lay the future in God’s hands Many people testify to of God’s powerful deeds in their lives in the past, but think that they are on their own when it comes to the future, and this grips them with fear. Why do we bear witness to God’s presence and deeds in our lives from the past, but do not count on his presence in our futures? “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) • If you are lonely, open your heart Share your experiences and dilemmas with wise people around you. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. (Proverbs 13:14) We see openness about our vulnerability as something to be ashamed about, but there is only one who benefits from your silence, your fear and your loneliness – and that is Satan. Open your heart to a group of wise people who can help you.

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SESSION 4 | STRESS

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 4.2 • • •

Discuss the theme together Share an example from your own life and how your own life has been touched Use the questions to guide you

1. Share your answers from exercise 4.1. 2. Which of the above suggestions and tips help you to deal with stress? 3. In which areas of your life are you vulnerable when it comes to stress? 4. What could you do to reduce this stress? 5. You can also continue with action plan 4.3 and discuss the questions together. •

Fill in the prayer card and pray through these prayer points over the coming period.

CONCLUSION Close with prayer. Thank everyone and wish everyone a safe journey home.

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SESSION 4 | STRESS

ACTION PLAN 4.3 1. Assess the different areas in your life. Does negative stress play a role in these areas of your life? Think, for example, of work, colleagues, family, neighbourhood, church, hobbies, etc. 2. To what degree do you yourself play a part in causing the stress? 3. Have you given up and simply accepted stress as a part of life? 4. Think of three things that you could do over the coming week to break the negative stress spiral.

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Session 1 STUDIE 1 Een bijbelse visie op werk

Work Matters

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Session SESSION 5 1 Work–Life Balance

Work Matters

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SESSION 5 | WORK–LIFE BALANCE

PREPARATION • • •

Read Chapter 5 ‘Work–Life Balance’ in God at Work Listen to Podcast episode 5 ‘Work–Life Balance’ Study the ‘Work–Life Balance’ PowerPoint presentation.

SESSION OBJECTIVE • • • •

Gain awareness of our changing society Learn to see that focusing on your calling helps to prioritise Find ways to live a healthy lifestyle, one where there is room for others and for you Find ways to lead a lifestyle with less stress.

WELCOME

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PRAYER STATEMENT The objective of time management is not to do more, but to improve the quality of life. What are your thoughts on this statement? Do you recognise this in your own life?

Start a short discussion on this statement and ask two or three participants to briefly share their thoughts.

SESSION 5 | WORK–LIFE BALANCE

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION - PART 1 Many people feel that they cannot do everything that they believe they need to do. They struggle with time and with balancing this time between work, family, church, leisure and other things. How can we learn to deal with this and make changes? HOW SHOULD I ORGANISE MY LIFE? (The sections below up until ‘Balance’ are inspired by Paul Donders’s book Creative Life Planning. Different outlooks: •

Life as a production process.

You see yourself as a production means that needs to produce enough to please God and those around you. This seems to give little fulfilment and has no resemblance with God’s vision for humanity.

•

This means gaining a gradual understanding of life from the expertise and opportunities that you have. You grow in steps: Student > Assistant > Master > Artist As a student, you learn a trade; watch how others perform the trade. You learn basic skills, and if you are committed to learning these skills, you grow and reach the next step and develop as an assistant and become a professional in your trade and in life. You can develop further and become a master in your profession, and serve others through your way of life. And you can still grow more and become an artist. An artist goes far beyond talent and enthusiasm. An artist creates things that do not yet exist, things that are new, and devotes energy to his or her art. As a precious and unique child of God the Father, you can design your own life. You can create your life in a unique new way; as a witness for God, you can be a creator in your own right. No artwork is more meaningful than the life of a Christian. (Paul Donders)

And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. (Acts 17:25) •

Working and living as though we must climb high and be greatly successful, today also referred to as ‘status anxiety’ (Alain de Botton)

Status anxiety is a fear of not being able to climb up high enough on the social ladder, or of loosing social status. This fear results from high expectations held by both others and ourselves. Everyone is believed to have equal opportunities, and as a consequence is held responsible for their own personal success. Success is the objective, and the fear of not achieving this is what we call status anxiety, an anxiety that can take control of your life. The Bible has a different outlook: • This life is about love, relationships, equality, justice, goodness and loyalty • Puts the happiness that we gain from social success into perspective • Everyone is equal, though different (1 Corinthians 12) • Life is not something that we as human beings can create and control • The blessings, happiness and the ability to enjoy our lives are gifts from God. (For more on this topic see the Old Testament book Ecclesiastes) That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

Life as an artist, a life based on quality and passion

The Christian’s life is to be a thing of truth and also a thing of beauty in the midst of a lost and despairing world. (Francis Schaeffer) If you take this realisation and these two quotes as reference points in your life, your life will develop in a completely different way and you will start experiencing life in a different way too. CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE AND NEW CHALLENGES ARISE Most of us have grown up with the mentality that stability is the generally accepted norm. But now we need to adapt to circumstances that seem to be everything but stable: • • • • • • •

There is an enormous increase of knowledge, which leads to changes in our profession and to how we should approach our old knowledge. There is an enormous technological development in the areas of communication. The world is becoming a small village and we need to adapt to new and different cultures, customs and beliefs. The form and quantity of our networks and social relationships are changing. There are new rules and regulations. Trends, media-hypes, etc are constantly changing. There are transitions to new generations and changes. In the past, the marketing business would speak of 40 years as being the average length of one generation; now we talk of five to seven years.

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SESSION 5 | WORK–LIFE BALANCE

Today, ‘change’ is the norm. We need to learn to deal with the varying speed of these changes. We sometimes try desperately to hold on to the illusion of stability. To survive in a world where much of what we know is in motion, we need to take full responsibility, both physically and spiritually. We have to look after ourselves, because no-one else will do that in a climate where everybody is learning to deal with change. (John Whitmore in Coaching for Performance) Bill Gates, founder and former director of Microsoft, was asked in 1996 in an interview what his biggest fear was. His answer was this: I am only scared of one thing and that is that my enterprise becomes too slow. We cannot allow ourselves to stand still for half a year, to develop too slowly, because that can determine whether or not we survive. THE CHANGING STRUCTURE OF THE LABOUR MARKET AND OUR SOCIETY We are also seeing a change in the structure of our society. According to Richard N. Bolles, in his book The Three Boxes of Life, we tend to split our lives into three boxes: learning, work and leisure. In the first life phase, until the ages of 20 to 30, we get an education. In the second life phase, until the ages of 57 to 62, we work. In the third and last phase, we enjoy life and our leisure time. Today, this works differently. And there will likely be even more pressure on this system in the future. People are called to take more responsibility for their work, life and income. This means enormous changes in our lives and in these three boxes (see Figure 5.1): • •

•

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Because of the government’s campaign to make the labour market more flexible, we need to keep learning to keep our knowledge up-to-date. We will have to keep working longer because of the ageing population and the funding of our retirement. And so it is important that we find fulfilment during our working phase of life. Because ‘learning and working’ will cover a lifetime, we can no longer wait until we retire to enjoy life. And if we want to live healthy and happy lives, we need to enjoy our leisure time, and make this time an integral part of our lives.

FIGURE 5.1 TIMELINE Education

Work

Leisure

Lifelong learning > Lifelong working > Lifelong leisure >

These are exciting and challenging times in which we need to find a healthy way to balance our work, study and leisure time. It is good to make plans on how to organise these three aspects of our lives. And luckily the Bible has some good principles and values that we can use to guide us.

The quotes and information above are from Paul Donders’s book Creative Life Planning.

BALANCE Share examples of struggles that you have faced in balancing your life. SET THE RIGHT PRIORITIES The most important priorities in your life are your personal relationships, with God, your family and others and with yourself. These core relationships are important and the one cannot replace the other.. These three core relationships (God, friends/neighbours/ others and yourself) are a prerequisite to being able to function well at work and in the church. This set of priorities is based on the great commandment given in Matthew 22:37–39. Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.” This view is completely different from the general view, where God comes first, then your family, the church, work, your neighbours, and yourself – whom you often put last.

SESSION 5 | WORK–LIFE BALANCE

FIGURE 5.2 God Family Work Church Neighbour Yourself

Appointed festivals See Exodus 23:16 and Leviticus 23 – Festivals should be celebrated out of thankfulness and as a time of rest. Take sabbaticals or get away for a while now and then (holidays) See Leviticus 25 where it talks about a year of rest. Moments for reflection or evaluation of the past year See Leviticus 25 where it speaks of the 49th year when there is rest and recuperation. Everything has a place and a time; dare to take this time. See Ecclesiastes 3.

This view is also completely different from the general practice, where we place performance factors such as work and church above our relationships. Work and the church are there to serve us and not the other way around. It is important to be aware of who or what decides the priorities in your life. Do you decide or do circumstances and those around you decide for you? THE CHALLENGE IS TO FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE Remember that this balance is different for everyone, and so can be determined by everyone individually in their own way. •

A good personal relationship with yourself includes a healthy amount of self-esteem, relaxation and rest, love, contentment and joy.

•

In Isaiah 28:11–13 we find the story in which God blames the leaders for having set the wrong priorities. God invites them to find peace and repose with him, but they decide to do something different. They expect to find their peace and rest elsewhere, with the consequence that they stumble and are injured by life itself. [T]his people to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose”—but they would not listen. So then, the word of the Lord to them will become: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there—so that as they go they will fall backward; they will be injured and snared and captured.

•

It is important to respect and uphold the rhythm and rest periods given to us by God:

Day and night Genesis 1:14 – Respect and keep your night’s rest Week and day of rest Genesis 2:3 – Six days and then one day of rest. 55

SESSION 5 | WORK–LIFE BALANCE

OPDRACHT 5.1 1. Use the graph below to make an estimation of the amount of time you have spent on work, family and other relationships, God, church, relaxation and study over the past year. 2. Is there a balance in your life? 3. What do you do to make sure that it stays balanced? Share your answers in your small discussion group after this introduction. % of your time: 50 % 40 % 30 %

20 % 10 % 0% - 1 year ago

Example

- 9 months ago

- 6 months ago

- 3 months ago

- today

% of your time:

% of your time: Work

Family/Relationships God Church Relaxation Study - 1 year ago

- 9 months ago

- 6 months ago

EXTRA NOTE In practice it is not possible to lead a perfectly balanced life all the time. There are periods in our lives when work requires more of our time than usual (e.g. when nearing a deadline or trying to win an important project). And at other times, the family will require more attention (think of the birth of a baby or when someone close to us is ill or someone has passed away). But what is important is not the oscillation but the trend. Is it well balanced, even if momentarily out of line? 56

- 3 months ago

today

And remember that: • Work is a God-given task and we give honour to God by performing our work well. • Work contributes to your family’s happiness. You are after all earning an income, building up your savings and finding fulfilment, which in turn helps you to function better within your family. • God does not want you to read the Bible or sit in silent contemplation the whole day. • The amount of time you spend does not necessarily say anything about priority.

SESSION 5 | WORK–LIFE BALANCE

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION - PART 2 MANAGING YOUR TIME AND PRIORITIES (CALLING) Share from your own life and how you have dealt with these issues. MANAGING YOUR CALLING Because time is a fact that we cannot alter, we need to learn to manage our priorities so that we spend our time well. We easily lose ourselves and waste time doing a multitude of different things. The world has become very small and there are many distractions. This shows that it is important to hold on to the focus in your life. • • •

Focus on those things that you are good at and do not spend your time doing other things. Your calling will be in line with your capacities. God has not called you to do something that you are not suited to. Make choices and know your own limits.

We find it difficult to stay focused, because we feel guilty if we do not answer to the appeals that society makes on our lives. These appeals are not necessarily actively made by others, but can be something we feel in our interaction with others or in response to distressing situations. How do we deal with this? •

•

The Bible uses the body as a metaphor to describe the community of people. Each part of the body has its own role. A kidney is made to function as a kidney, and not as a lung. So if we feel an appeal is being made on us that is not in line with our calling, we should not try to solve the issue ourselves, but should take the issue to someone who can help, someone who was called and made by God to work in this particular field. By leaving a task to someone else, we allow the community to be involved with and take responsibility for one another, without having to take the burdens of the whole world onto our own shoulders. When we rightly feel guilty, we need to realise that we are humans with limitations and shortcomings. Know then that Jesus also died for this guilt. If the forgiveness of sins was the only redemption, this would still not be sufficient, because this does not change or solve the situation. The cross (forgiveness) without the resurrection is only half the gospel. The restoration given through the resurrection can also take shape in the daily

practice of our lives. God wants an active part in our lives through the Holy Spirit. His strength is aimed at healing and complementing our shortcomings. Sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly through the community. And after his return, this healing will be perfected and complete. TIME IS OUR SERVANT Time in itself is constant; we cannot influence it. We shall never have more time. We live in the here and now and have always had all the time there is. We need to learn to accept God’s authority in how we organise our time as well. It is important here to recognise the forces that distract us from fulfilling God’s purpose within the available timeframe. Remember that when it comes to timing, God knows the greater picture. In John 11:1–16 Jesus waits until two days after he hears of Lazarus’s illness before he visits him, even though this means that Lazarus dies. Jesus knew that raising Lazarus from the dead would be to God’s glory. So it is important that we ask ourselves which of our activities are to the glory of God. Knowing that the blessings and fruits that we receive in our work do not come from our own efforts alone helps us to stop and to reflect on our efforts. Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:1–2) When we run out of time, we should ask which idol is responsible for this. What is it that is slurping up so much of our time? Is it: • Our lack of discipline • Our work used as an excuse to stay away from our homes • Our work as a means of escaping … • Because our bosses speak so highly of us when we work too much and too hard • Because of other idols: work as status, work as security, esteem, etc.

PRACTICAL TIPS TO USE OUR TIME EFFICIENTLY AND ENSURE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE URGENT OR IMPORTANT? Not everything that makes an appeal on our time is important: Some issues may be urgent because we have put them off for too long, or because other people consider them important. 57

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FIGURE 5.3 URGENT

NOT URGENT

IMPORTANT NOT IMPORTANT

Priorities Traps

The above outline shows how we should deal with the traps of urgency. MORE ON THE ABOVE OUTLINE We are often trapped into doing things that are urgent, without asking ourselves whether they are actually important, when we should be working on other important issues that are not urgent – yet. This way we avoid things becoming urgent and, in turn, spending our time constantly catching up and working on urgent jobs, constantly ‘fighting fires’.

REFLECTION ON LIFE It is good to take the time once a year to evaluate the past 12 months and to determine whether the proportion of time you spend on your work, family, relationships, and leisure is balanced enough. Ask your partner or a good friend to help you. He or she will often have a better idea of how you are really doing in life. The outcome of this evaluation will most probably be that your life is not in balance, and you will need to adjust your direction.

•

Some people will go on a retreat to a monastery, for example, to listen in silence to God’s voice and to discover what God wants with their lives. Retreat twice a year to a quiet setting. Fast and pray while you contemplate these big questions. Take a few days out on your own.

LIVE A HOLY RHYTHM (Partly inspired by Wil Derkse’s book Levensregel voor beginners [Life rules for beginners])

Celebrate, reflect, look back on the turning points in your life (e.g. marriage, birth of your child, your 30th or 40th birthday, death of a partner, a parent’s illness, change of career or job, etc). These reflections have no set time. Question to reflect on: • How did I get here? • Why is this happening to me? • What does this mean for the future? • How do I give this a place in my life? YOUR SCHEDULE Plan time for reflection and for looking ahead into your schedule for the coming year, and include a reevaluation of your chosen lifestyle and priorities. Make sure that your schedule is flexible; reserve time for unexpected events. To make sure that your resolutions become more than just good intentions, it is good to have a set time each year, between Christmas and the New Year, or during your holiday period, for instance.

• • • •

• •

•

•

• • • •

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Is your diary a means of organising your life or does it rule your life? Look back over your schedule: Does your schedule reflect your life’s priorities? Keep room in your schedule for the unexpected and for changes in your pace of life. Plan free time for your family, leisure and God. Make sure that your partner does not take priority over everything else in your schedule, but do remain driven by love and commitment.

Begin on time Appeal and response. Start the moment an appeal is made to you or when you have planned to start a certain job. Too much time is wasted on things that have nothing to do with the tasks at hand. We often fiddle around a bit before we actually start things. Do the right things at the right time. Look at your daily rhythm and try to do the most important things when you are most fit. In the morning, you are probably fitter than after lunch, for example. Stop on time; have breaks. Make sure that you have regular relaxation and work times. Do not keep working just to finish something, but dare to stop on time and return to what you are working on after you have rested. This way you will be refreshed and much more efficient. Focus on the work itself, and not on just getting it done. This gives more peace and increases the quality, and is often more efficient. Be open and friendly. This benefits your spirit and those around you. Bless your thoughts, your words and your work. Be positive and encouraging; this approach gives you energy and blessings. Take the different seasons of life into account. Age,

SESSION 5 | WORK–LIFE BALANCE



periods of hardship, etc. As an employer, it is also important to bear in mind these different seasons of life. This is becoming more and more important, because we are probably going to have to work longer and the human body has its limitations. And so it is important: - to map out the different tasks and jobs with an indication of the physical and mental strain each involves. - come up with a flexible reward system that is based on this overview. - discuss the consequences of this with your employees and create room and a sense of responsibility so that income and expenses can be attuned by means of saving plans and pensions.

NEW WAYS OF WORKING Another way of lightening your work load is by looking for a new job, one that brings you less stress. There are an increasing number of people who work from home, who have flexi-hours, share jobs or who do portfolio work (where one person takes on several different jobs or roles). These changes in themselves do not guarantee a more balanced life. Only Christ can bring this about by working in you and through you, by changing you on the inside.

OTHER TIPS • Reserve time in the day for your work and avoid distractions (limit the time you spend on emails and phone calls). • Agree on a code with your partner/children and then be available. • Identify the idols that keep you from your purpose. • Text or call your children/partner once a day. • Have a group of friends who care and pray for you.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 5.2 • • •

Discuss the topic further. Share from your own life and what has touched you. Use the questions to guide you.

1. Share your answers to exercise 5.1. 2. How do you deal with changes in your life and changes in society? 3. Taking responsibility for your own life: Do you see this as threat or an opportunity? 4. Are you aware of your calling? Does this help you to stay focused? 5. Which practical tips help you to balance your life? Which tips do not help or do you struggle with? 6. You can also continue with action plan 5.3 and discuss b and c together •

Fill in the prayer card and pray through these prayer points over the coming period.

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CONCLUSION Thank everyone and wish everyone a safe journey home.

ACTION PLAN 5.3 1. Plan a day or two in your schedule to review and evaluate the past year. Decide where to do this. A quite place without a mobile can be helpful. Silence and monastery weekend retreats are ideal. - What do you need to reflect and evaluate? - Do you know what you spend your time on? - It may help to use a system to keep track of the time you spend on your different tasks. - It may also help to make a list of things that are important to you. You are often unconsciously aware of these issues, but they do often become clearer once you put them down in writing. 2. If you have a partner: How are you going to involve your partner in this process? Do you take this time to evaluate and reflect together, or should you each do this separately and then discuss it together afterwards? If you do not have a partner: Should you involve a good friend with whom you would like to share this process? How should you involve him or her? 3. How do you make sure that this time of reflection results in more than just good resolutions?

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Session SESSION 6 1 Good Stewardship

Work Matters

7

SESSION 6 | GOOD STEWARDSHIP

PREPARATION • • •

Read Chapter 8 ‘Money and Giving’ in God at Work Listen to Podcast episode 7 ‘Money and Giving’ Study the ‘Good Stewardship’ PowerPoint presentation.

SESSION OBJECTIVE • • • •

Gain insight on the ownership of ‘our’ possessions Gain insight on our stewardship Learn how to interpret and apply the concept of stewardship Gain insight on the biblical view of money

WELCOME

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PRAYER STATEMENT If you find it hard to give with a joyful heart, the chance is big that it is not you who owns the money, but the money that owns you. What are your thoughts on this statement?

Start a short discussion on this statement and ask two or three participants to briefly share their thoughts.

SESSION 6 | GOOD STEWARDSHIP

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 1 STEWARDSHIP We as Christians are called in the Bible to be good stewards of what we own. The reason for this is that we do not actually own our possessions, but rather have these things in loan. [W]ho am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (1 Chronicles 29:14) In this Bible chapter, 1 Chronicles 29, David gives Solomon the collected riches, his personal possessions and the collected gifts of the people to build a temple. These gifts and riches have made a great impression on David and he praises God and is able to view his possessions and gifts in the right perspective. What we give already belongs to God and was given to us by him.

Worship, serve and honour God In Session 1 we discussed the tasks given to us by God in relation to his creation. Dominion was shown to mean to serve, to manage and protect. Honouring and serving God with what we have been given is part of our stewardship. Also, we need to take care of what we have been given, to manage and protect these things well. Be generous You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11) Invest in and befriend people The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. (Luke 16:8–9)

There will come a day when we will have to justify what we have done with our possessions. The parables of the pounds and the talents point clearly to this (Matthew 25:14–30 and Luke 19:11–27). These two parables show a number of principles for the necessity of good stewardship. These are:

We can do business with non-Christians and develop friendships with them to reach them with the gospel. The money that we receive is from God, and so we should be generous with it, because our generosity can win people for God. Invest this money wisely.

•

Enjoy and do good

• • • •

There is a Lord who entrusts his possessions to his servants He entrusts each with that which he or she can manage. He expects these servants to put these possessions to use, by trading them and increasing the profit There will come a day of judgement The good steward will be rewarded; the bad steward will be punished.

WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE POSSESSIONS AND TALENTS THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED Add to these different sections by sharing from your own experience. Serve others In 1 Peter 4:10 we read the following: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. The Greek word used here is ‘oikonomia’, from which our word ‘economy’ is derived. A steward was someone who was responsible for looking after someone else’s property or belongings.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:17–18)

GOOD STEWARDSHIP TRUST AS A REQUIREMENT Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one 65

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and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Luke 16:10–13) From the perspective that we as stewards have been called to advance God’s kingdom, we should also deal differently with our possessions and money than those who do not know God.

Share experiences that you have had with honest and dishonest dealings. How was God’s name honoured or dishonoured in these dealings? WHAT ARE WE STEWARDS OF? This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. (1 Corinthians 4:1) The Bible calls us to be stewards of the following: Creation In Genesis 1:28 we read about stewardship of creation, which is discussed further throughout the Old Testament. The tribe of Israel, for example, was commanded not to exhaust the land, but to let it lay fallow every seventh year. We too are given the task of caring for creation and the natural environment.

Our bodies See 1 Corinthians 3:16. This was why Israel was given very clear instructions on what they could and could not eat. Possessions and the money we make We will return to this later. Our time The people of Israel organised yearly celebrations so that they could devote extra time to God and contemplation. One of these was the Sabbath. We have already seen that when we do not rest on the Sabbath, we run the risk of becoming stressed. We were made to work six days a week, not seven. The secrets of God In 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 Paul says that he – and thus us too – have been entrusted with God’s secrets. He – and we – are stewards of these secrets and must take care of them: manage and protect them well. What secrets have we been entrusted with: • The secrets of the kingdom of heaven (Mathew 13:11) • The secrets of the tribe of Israel (Romans 11:25) • The secrets of the gospel (Romans 16:25) • The secrets of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51) • The secrets of the future (Revelations 10:7) Let us have a look at the differences between good and bad stewardship, some of which are often difficult to discern, as the line between the two is often quite fine.

People The Bible mentions rules and regulations that were supposed to ensure that people could not be exploited. Masters were to take good care of their servants, especially if they were believers. (Colossians 4:1). The Bible also gives guidelines on how men and women and parents and children should treat one other (Colossians 3:18–25).

FIGUUR 6.1

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BAD STEWARDSHIP Exclusive Thinks of self at exclusion of others

GOOD STEWARDSHIP Inclusive Thinking of self does not exclude thinking of others

Excessive Tendency to always want more

Sufficient Desire not necessarily excessive

Restrictive Finds it difficult to give

Releasing Giving may come easily

Stifling Finds it hard when others prosper

Empowering May help other to prosper

SESSION 6 | GOOD STEWARDSHIP

EXERCISE 6.1 1.

Can you mention four specific talents/gifts that God has given you to be steward of?

2.

To what degree does the notion of ‘multiply’, as we encounter it in the parables, play a role in this stewardship?

Share your answers in your small discussion group after this introduction.

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION - PART 2 MONEY: BLESSING OR CURSE? For many of us, one of the results of our work is the pay check that we receive at the end of each month. Of course money is not the only reward for our efforts, but it is very visible and reasonably important. There are different ways in which we can deal with money, positively or negatively, but we cannot prevent it from influencing us, whether we are rich or in debt. THE POSITIVE SIDE OF MONEY Money in itself is good and we can do many good things with this money: •

God made gold and silver as natural resources for various purposes.

•

Money enables us to trade our services and products and to attach value to certain services and products. Money is a good way of keeping the economy running and functioning well. A good economy produces wealth, and if we put this wealth to good use, creates welfare for the people. In this sense, money is a blessing.

•

We can give money away and through this giving be a blessing to others as well as serve God’s kingdom. The community in Corinth helped the poor in Jerusalem in this way too (2 Corinthians 9–10).

•

Money offers an opportunity to praise and thank God; an offer to God.

•

We can use our money to be witnesses for God. God is a God of abundance and longs to give abundantly to people and to serve people. We bear witness to God when we invest our money wisely in a godly manner.

•

We can gain friends by investing in people (Luke 16:9).

THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF MONEY However, as with many things in this life, good things can be used badly, be misused and even be assigned the wrong value. Money is a funny thing. It gives you opportunity to do good, but it also gives you power and influence that, in turn, can make you independent of God. It is remarkable that there is no other sin in the Bible that we are warned against more than the abuse of money. The first sin that the church in the New Testament encountered was related to money (Acts 5:1–11). Matthew 6:19–24 speaks about having the right priorities We may save, become rich, but what kind of treasury are we building?

•

A good income allows us to provide for ourselves and our families.

•

We can save money for unexpected events and for our old age. Think of Joseph, for example, and how he served his family and country, or Jacob who had saved and was able to buy grain in Egypt (Genesis 41–43).

Note how the eye is mentioned here. How do we view others? Do we see a potential customer in each new person that we meet; do we network only if people can bring us immediate profit? How do we approach people? Do we really see the other person, or do we always have two agendas?

•

Money can be a learning experience to us and can be character-building too. Do we deal responsibly with money, do we put it to good use and do we allow our money to be of service to others? Those who can be trusted with little will also be trusted with much (Luke 16:10–13).

We cannot serve two masters. We will always love one more than the other, and this makes life difficult. We would like to dedicate ourselves to both: to Jesus and to accumulating money.

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In his conversation with the rich young man, Jesus is very radical (Matthew 19:16–27): He tells the man the hard truth: [I]t is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:24) Luckily Jesus is not only full of the truth, but also full of mercy. [T]his is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:27) Jesus wants to save us from the bonds of Mammon; he died to set us free. And remember that if we are doubleminded our souls will be bound to two masters, two worlds, and as a consequence we cannot expect much from the desires that we express in our prayers. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:6–8) In Luke 16:10–13 we are asked how reliable, pure and honest we are when financial interests are involved We meet many Christians who, when the pressure increases or when financial aspects come into play, suddenly have a second set of principles: it becomes alright to evade taxes, or to pay our handyman off the books, to pass our losses on to our suppliers and claim on guarantees or liability, etc. In 1 Timothy 6:6–19 Paul warns us against misusing money He gives us some suggestions on how to do things better: • Once you have provided for your basic needs, be contented. Or in other words: be contented with what you have. • If you want more, want to be rich, this indicates that you are being led by the wrong motives. Because… the root of all evil is love of money. By turning your focus to money, the chances are high that your faith will suffer. • If you are well off, do not be arrogant. • Do not look for security in money, but look to God. • Enjoy what you have, rather than focusing on what you do not have. • Be generous and share your wealth with others, without expecting anything in return (recognition or attention).

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The hard judgement of a false desire for money, profit and pursuit of profit The Bible calls people with a false desire for money and profit moneygrubbers and idolaters and warns us that we should avoid such people and not associate with them. They will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 5:11 and 6:10). The remarkable thing is that these people are often generous with their money and will donate their money even to the church, but they do this to gain recognition and to look good in the eyes of others. A lot is tolerated from these people, and their opinions are sometimes given more status within the local Christian community. Let us try to be pure in this. Money can become an idol to any one of us. Jesus personifies this idol and names it Mammon (Matthew 6:19–24; Luke 16:10–13). Jesus explicitly tells us that we cannot serve two masters. Ephesians 5:5 and Colossians 3:5 refer to greed as idolatry. Hebrews 13:5 places it in contrast to faith in God. The Bible warns us against wanting money for more than a means of exchange. If it becomes more to us than a means of exchange, it takes hold of our hearts, and our desire for money grows or we derive our security and identity from it. Does the money possess me or do I possess the money? Test yourself in this area. THE LIMITED VALUE OF MONEY AND POSSESSIONS Ecclesiastes 5:10-19 puts the value of ‘wealth’ and ‘possessions’ into perspective. The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them? The sleep of a labourer is sweet, whether he/she eats little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep. I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit. Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands. This too is a grievous evil: As everyone comes, so they depart, and what do they gain, since they toil for the wind? All their days they eat in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger. This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome

SESSION 6 | GOOD STEWARDSHIP

labour under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. • • • • • • • •

The ever present search for more It is consumed by others It draws false friends It causes worries and keeps you from your sleep In times of misfortune, it can easily disappear You cannot take it with you God decides whether it gives you fulfilment and joy The art is to see it and treat it as a ‘gift’.

PRAYER OF A WISE PERSON Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:8–9)

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 6.2 • • •

Discuss the topic further. Share experiences from your own life and what has touched you. Use the questions to guide you.

1. Discuss the answers to exercise 6.1 together. 2. Which of the positive sides to money do you experience in your own life? 3. A larger income often means a bigger car, different house, more luxury, etc. How do you decide where the limit lies? 4. What value does your money have in your life? 5. Have another look at the characteristics of good and bad stewardship and test your own heart. 6. You can also continue with action plan 6.3 and discuss the questions together. Make time for prayer if people feel they have fallen into the trap of money and the bonds of Mammon. •

Fill in the prayer card and pray through these prayer points over the coming period.

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CONCLUSION Thank everyone and wish everyone a safe journey home.

ACTION PLAN 6.3 1. When is enough really enough? Be specific about this, in the form of a percentage, with regard to your assets and your income, for example, over a period of year. 2. What are you going to do with the extra that you receive from God? 3. What could you do to ensure that your stewardship bears more fruit? Work harder, set different priorities, develop more as a person or give God more room in your life? 4. Which 3 specific steps do you need to take to improve your stewardship? 5. Some business owners give up their business and hand it over to God. They convert their business into a non-profit organisation, receive a payment for their work and leave the running of the organisation to an executive board. The profits, if they are not held as personal assets or reinvested, are given to the work of God. Could this model work for you? (Enquire with your accountant or CBMC for more information about this).

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Session SESSION 7 1

Failure, Disappointment and Hope

Work Matters

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SESSION 7 | FAILURE, DISAPPOINTMENT AND HOPE

PREPARATION • • •

Read Chapter 7 ‘Failure, Disappointment and Hope’ in God at Work Listen to Podcast episode 6 ‘Failure, Disappointment and Hope’ Study the ‘Failure, Disappointment and Hope’ PowerPoint presentation.

SESSION OBJECTIVES • • • •

Learn to deal with feelings of failure, disappointment and hope Rebuild broken relationship and trust What can we learn from pain and failure? How can we rebuild hope and a positive perspective for the future?

Remember that there are people who are depressed or who have physical illnesses and find it difficult to believe and to rediscover hope. These sessions are aimed at ‘average’ circumstances and ‘the average’ person in the daily context of life and work. And may not be applicable to all people and all circumstances or situations.

WELCOME • •

Welcome everyone to this weekend session Give a broad outline of the weekend programme

FOR EXAMPLE

Friday evening: 6.30 pm 7.30 pm 8 pm 10 pm

Saturday:

8 am 9 am 10.45 am 11.30 am 12.30 pm 1.30 pm 3.30 pm

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Dinner Start by praying for the Holy Spirit to be present during the weekend Chapter 7 ‘Failure, Disappointment and Hope’. Time together to relax

Breakfast Chapter 8 ‘Spiritual Renewal’ incl. film and discussion Tea and coffee and a short walk Chapter 9 ‘Challenges of Spiritual Growth’ Lunch Prayer time End of weekend

OPENING PRAYER FOR THE WEEKEND Ask for openness and trust. Pray for God’s presence and the strength of the Holy Spirit.

SESSION 7 | FAILURE, DISAPPOINTMENT AND HOPE

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION - PART 1 LEARN TO DEAL WITH FEELINGS OF FAILURE AND DISAPPOINTMENT Everyone has experienced feelings of failure and disappointment. We have been overlooked for a promotion or we notice that our efforts are not really appreciated by our superiors. We have failed to secure an important order or a colleague lets us down and because of this we are unable to achieve what is expected of us. Or we have made a big mistake and are filled with shame. During the 2008–2009 crisis, many business people experienced these feelings of failure and disappointment when they went bankrupt or when they needed to return to the bank to apply for more capital. We all suffer from such mistakes or disappointments. Some of these barely affect our current performance. Others, however, can leave scars that deeply affect us for years to come, especially when we find ourselves in similar situations. It is important that we learn to deal with feelings of failure and disappointment. We often experience in our disappointment a sense of rejection, or we blame our failure on someone else. We may even be so badly affected by life that we have lost hope and feel that we are no longer capable of working towards recovery or renewal. God wants to be there for us in difficult times like these; he wants to renew our strength and hope; not just put before us a positive view on the future, but provide us with love, hope, forgiveness and renewal, founded on the death and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ. Broadly spoken, there are two types of failure and disappointment: FAILURE AND DISAPPOINTMENT BECAUSE OF OUR OWN MISTAKES The only way of truly growing is by trying different things, with the chance of these things going wrong. If you want to make sure that you will never fail, then you should do nothing or stay safely within the bounds of what is expected of you. FAILURE AND DISAPPOINTMENT THROUGH VULNERABILITY AND THE TRAGEDIES OF LIFE We live in a world that we thought could be shaped

into what we consider the perfect, ideal society: ideals of perfect health, beauty, youthful vitality, prosperity, wealth, and growth. These ideals are disrupted by old age, illness and death, and now also by the economic crisis.

FEELINGS Share your own experiences with the issues discussed below REJECTION AND GODS LOYALTY Business people who fail to achieve the success they had in mind for their businesses often experience feelings of rejection. They feel that their lack of success is a personal failure and sometimes believe that this lack of ‘blessing’ is a sign that God has rejected them. It is important to remember here that we were created by a God that loves us with a unique and powerful love. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32) God’s loyalty is the source of Christian hope and comes from the knowledge that we were created by God and that he loves all of us (Romans 5:5) and, through the work of his son Jesus, is fully dedicated to us. God has invested in our lives through the death of Christ, and has marked us with his stamp of ownership: the Holy Spirit. And for this reason, we can be sure of his love and his assistance. Our lives therefore have eternal value. For more on this, see Romans 8:23–39. Feelings of rejection are very human, and are often fed by past experiences. Parents, friends or other important people in our childhoods who could not love us as God intended them to are often what push us to prove ourselves on a business level. When we fail or are not successful enough, we often experience feelings of failure or disappointment. God’s unbreakable loyalty, trust and love can give us the courage to prevail. What is more, we may know that we were wanted and were, therefore, created by God. He loved us first. ANGER AND THE FORGIVENESS OF JESUS CHRIST In many situations where life does not go as we had expected, we often look for someone to blame. And we ask ourselves whose fault it is. If a supplier ends up bankrupt because of the bankruptcy of a large customer, this customer is often blamed for 75

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everything that goes wrong. We focus all our feelings of anger, revenge and bitterness on this one customer This can also happen if people are made redundant because the company that they are working for is hit by a decreasing turnover. We direct our negative feelings towards the management or our direct bosses and make comments such as, ‘I have always said it... money is just thrown around… management is incompetent’. You may also start blaming yourself for all the trouble. In some cases you may be paying for the consequences of your own bad decisions. There are often reasons and consequences that can be pinpointed in difficult and painful situations. It is remarkable to see how God deals with these.

The final words here on earth will not be spoken in this world by humans. God himself stands at the beginning and at the end. It is God himself who, from the lowest point of human history, the murder of his own son, allowed for the birth of a new and better future. The grain of corn dies in order that it may bear much fruit. Death in the Bible is not the end; it is merely a new beginning. The Holy Spirit wants to equip us with God’s resurrection power so that we might live anew. [May] God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father… give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation … that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope … and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead. (Ephesians 1:17–20 )

Jesus paid for our failure on the cross. He gave us riches instead of poverty. And we can ask God every day to take our guilt, mistakes and failures and exchange them for blessing, peace, security and purpose. This requires accountability on our part in our relationships and to our debtors. Much of the pain and disappointment in the workplace is caused by people. Sometimes these are people close to us, for example, colleagues, and sometimes these are people who are not as close, such as project leaders or clients. Although it is not always easy, we as Christians are called to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). This means that we must take the first step towards repairing broken relationships. First we need to learn to say ‘sorry’ and to forgive the other for what he or she has done to us. I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you? (Matthew 18:32-33) Besides clashes in personalities, relationships may also be fractured because of different values that different people hold. As Christians, we should feel very strongly about integrity, but not everyone feels this same way. If a colleague is being dishonest towards a client, this can clearly create friction. However, we are going to have to find ways of dealing with this, because we still have to work with this colleague. SELF-PITY AND RENEWAL BY THE HOLY SPIRIT Certain situations may cause us to doubt ourselves and our future, to feel that we have had enough and cannot continue. In turn, we may develop feelings of self-pity and get stuck in this downward spiral of negativity. It may seem that the whole world is against us, that no one is willing to help and that there is no way out. These feelings can lead to paralysing fatalism. Know that the Bible says that there is always hope. 76

TASK We are called to put notions such as ‘unconditional hope’ and ‘faith’ into practice in our lives. There is still energy in our existence. Search for this energy and try to get back up on your feet. • • • • •

Are you still healthy and can you still perform physical labour? Do you have some money set aside and are you able, with the right advisers, to start something new? Are you mentally fit and able to use your mental capacity to contribute to a company or organisation? Can you still pray for and bless others? Can you still maintain loving and valuable relationships?

Those that try too hard to hold on to this life will lose it; dare to let things go and begin anew with less. Follow Christ in his love and make yourself valuable by serving in love. Our ancestors built a new Europe out of the chaos of the Second World War. The Jews rebuilt the land of Israel after the Holocaust. And the Netherlands built the delta works after the floods in 1953. Remember that in this life, failure is refusing to get back up after you have fallen. Note for the speaker

Remember that there are people who are depressed or who have physical illnesses and find it difficult to believe and to rediscover hope. Keep this in mind during the small group discussions.

SESSION 7 | FAILURE, DISAPPOINTMENT AND HOPE

EXERCISE 7.1 1. List a number of ‘failures’ from the past year (in your work and personal life) 2. How did you respond to these failures? 3. Is this how you normally respond to bad news and failure? Share your answers in your small discussion group after this introduction.

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 2 FAILURE – AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW Share with the group an example of failure in your life that gave you the opportunity to grow. WE ONLY FAIL IF WE FAIL TO LET JESUS INTO OUR LIVES It is inevitable that we will fail from time to time. If a project fails, this does not mean that you as a person have failed. We must avoid falling into a spiral of negativity. Jesus wants to complete our lives and our work – and he will. [I am] confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6) ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES HONESTLY AND LEARN FROM THEM In John 21, the disciples had been out fishing all night, and when they were asked whether they had caught anything they were honest enough to say, ‘We have no fish’. But they still believed in Jesus’ ability to turn their situation around. When they followed his instructions to fish on the right side, their nets were filled to bursting (John 21:6).

RESTORING RELATIONSHIPS AND TRUST The Bible teaches us that we must be people of compassion and of truth (Luke 2:40 ). If our trust in others has been fractured, we must learn to forgive them and rebuilt our trust in them. Reconciliation lies at the heart of Christian faith and pushes us, usually against our instincts, to begin to rebuild trust. Trust can be fractured by the wrong choices: • Infidelity that has come to light. • A possible bankruptcy that a partner does not know about, but will have to bear the consequences of. Business owners and people with money problems will often hide their accounts and carry on living as if there is nothing wrong. This works well, until the debt collector arrives on the doorstep and the unknowing partner or family members are confronted with enormous debts and much misery. These are examples of broken trust that are not easily restored, even if there is forgiveness and both parties want to resolve the issues. HOW TO REBUILT TRUST Trust takes time to grow but is quickly destroyed. Remember that in processes like these, trust does not automatically reappear the next morning. •

Building trust after an unresolved conflict takes time – pain needs time to heal. Recognise this and take the time. Make sure that the damaged trust is not fractured again because you think the issue is already solved. The person who causes the loss of trust often believes that the situation is already resolved, while the victim is often still processing the pain.

•

Recognise that people will keep making mistakes. The chances of you being hurt again in the future are big. Unfortunately this is a truth. Try to be realistic about this.

FAILURE CAN SOFTEN YOUR PRIDE AND TEACH HUMILITY God can use misfortune and failure, even though he did not cause it. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)

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•

The enemy will try to feed the victim’s pain. Satan tries to feed the painful memories, and will keep bringing up critical questions in the victim’s mind about the other person, making the victim aware again and again of the mistakes made by the person that damaged the trust. As the victim, be alert and fight these attacks by Satan by praying for the other person. Pray that the other might be blessed and helped.

Note for the speaker

Remember that this is easier in business conflicts than in deep personal issues, such as incest. Make sure that this distinction is clear and that the course sticks to work and work related relationships. If other, deeper issues do arise during the sessions, refer people to professionals. HOW TO RESTORE AND RESURRECT HOPE The following six steps can help to start dealing with the disappointment and in leading the victim to recovery. 1. Turn to God After Jesus’ crucifixion, two of the disciples were walking to Emmaus. As they discussed recent events, somebody came along and joined them, and finding them downcast enquired what they were talking about. They told this man their story, and he in turn was able to put the crucifixion into a better perspective. It was only afterwards that they realised that this man was Jesus. It is important to talk to God about our disappointments and give him the chance to put them into a broader perspective. The danger is that in our disappointment we do not turn to God. And when we do turn to him, it is often to blame him and remind him of his responsibility. After all, he could have saved us from disappointment. 2. Face the facts Abraham en Sarah were very realistic when it came to their wish for a child. Physically speaking, they were too old, but they remained open for God to work in and through them. And we too must face the facts: Where do we stand, what has happened and what does this do to us? At the same time, we can remain open to God’s power that can overcome any obstacle. 3. Meditate on Scripture Led by the Spirit, we can find promises in the Bible appropriate to our situation. He enables us, encourages us and helps us through these times of disappointment to grow in faith. 4. Keep a journal Especially when you are going through a particularly difficult period, it is helpful to write down your thoughts, Bible verses and the encouraging words of others. After a while, when you read back through your journal, you will see a certain pattern and God’s hand working through this.

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5. Persevere in hope We naturally long for immediate and instant solutions. In reality this is seldom what happens. But by holding on to our hope and faith, we will see that God eventually takes us where he intends for us to be. Disappointment wants to restrict us, but hope is dynamic and powerful and gives us new perspective. 6. A group of trusted friends Share your life with people that you can be open with, who have good advice and can pray for you. PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WHEN LOSING A JOB OR FOR BUSINESS FAILURE

Share examples from your own life Use a practical and pragmatic approach, based on the trust that God has in you. • Continue building your networks • Look into new markets • Focus on your strengths and search for an environment where your weaknesses are accepted and you can be yourself • Be patient and guard your boundaries • Dare to be happy with less • Wait on the Lord (Psalm 27) Psalm 27 Here we have an example of David speaking about his trust, hope and faith: He then turns out to be going though one of the darkest periods of his life. The positive note at the beginning of this Psalm was perhaps a kind of ‘whistle in the dark’, keeping up his courage and trying to drown out his fear. But then he lands back with both feet on the ground and calls out to God, who does not seem to be there. Still, he keeps waiting and trusting and speaks words of encouragement to himself. [B]e strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

SESSION 7 | FAILURE, DISAPPOINTMENT AND HOPE

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 7.2 • • •

Discuss the topic further. Share from your own life and what has touched you. Use the questions to guide you.

1. Discuss the answers to exercise 7.1 together. 2. Which past events, caused by other people or circumstances, still hurt when you are confronted by them? How do you deal with this? 3. • • • • •

Think of a situation in which a relationship with a colleague or another person has been damaged. Ask yourself the following questions as a way of starting the process of healing: Could you say, using just one sentence, what caused the fracture in the relationship? What was my part in this? What could I have done differently or better? What did I fail to say or do? What could/should I do to restore this relationship?

4.

Have you yourself ever been bankrupt or unemployed? What helped you through this period?

5.

How did you find a way out of this situation?

6.

You can also continue with action plan 7.3 and discuss the questions together.

Pray together in small groups and encourage one another.

CONCLUSION This chapter can be used on the Friday night during the weekend session. • Give everyone room to quietly continue discussing the topic of the session • Make sure that there is something to drink and some snacks • Create an open and transparent atmosphere

ACTION PLAN 7.3 1. • • •

How is your self-esteem linked to: what you do, what you own, how you view others?

2. What happens inwardly to you when you are criticised by those around you? 3.

How should you deal with this?

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Session SESSION 8 1 Spiritual Renewal

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SESSION 8 | SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

PREPARATION • • •

Read Romans 7:24–8 and 13 and Matthew 5:17–48 Watch Henri Nouwen’s sermon ‘Being the Beloved 1’ Study the ‘What now? ‘Spiritual Renewal’ PowerPoint presentation

SESSION OBJECTIVE • • • •

Learn more about the core of the Christian life Learn more about and gain insight into how God and the Holy Spirit work in people’s lives Learn more about the influence this has on your actions and your work Learn how you can find renewal

Ask people to write down the things that touched on the previous evening. These points can be used during the prayer session this afternoon.

WELCOME

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PRAYER Saturday programme 8 am Breakfast 9 am Chapter 8 ‘Spiritual Renewal’ incl. film and discussion 10.45 am Tea and coffee and a short walk 11.30 am Chapter 9 ‘Spiritual Renewal’ 12.30 pm Lunch 1.30 pm Prayer time 3.30 pm End of weekend

STATEMENT Unless someone can change human nature, we will face more crises. (Alan Greenspan in a debate about the causes of the 2009 economic crisis)

What are your thoughts on this statement? Briefly share your thoughts.

SESSION 8 | SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION ETHICAL LIFE AND BUSINESS PRACTICES When we speak about Christian influence on society and the economy, we are often referring to behaviour and values. These Jewish, Christian and humanist values are a blessing to society. The roots of these values can be found in the Bible and in our Christian culture and tradition. But we are not speaking here of something that is pre-eminently Christian. The values find their roots in God and are therefore biblical. But if this is limited to a change in outward behaviour only, the ‘window dressing’, then no real renewal has taken place. AN EXAMPLE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ title is often used only to create a sympathetic market profile and to generate more profit. There is no actual renewal within the company or the company’s involvement in society; it has merely become a ‘tool’ to secure the original purpose of good returns and profit. The company itself has not undergone any renewal, but merely created a new outward image. What it should be about is renewal of the heart and God’s guidance; only from this perspective can we truly find renewal. This is also true for us personally as human beings. Alan Greenspan understood this and was referring to the origin of human nature. Jesus did exactly this in the Sermon of the Mount. (Matthew 5–7 ). He says: For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20) The Pharisees had laid everything down in laws and regulations: 613 laws and commandments. Each aspect of society had been included in these laws and commandments, and people knew exactly what was expected of them in each and every situation. However, Jesus says: If this does not reach further than commandments and outward show, it has no meaning. Jesus subsequently cuts to the heart of the commandments, to the mainspring of human motivation; It is here that change must take place.

Living and running a business according to biblical values and regulations could certainly be described as ethical business practice, but this does not touch the heart of Christian renewal.

CHRISTIAN LIVING AND BUSINESS PRACTICES The person Jesus Christ wants to participate in our lives and work through the Holy Spirit. We do not become new beings by focusing on a change of behaviour and values. The road to change and renewal of the heart through behaviour and values is impassable. Under pressure or after time, the old heart will reappear and once again influence our decisions. A renewal of the heart is needed. It is this heart – our inner beings – that Jesus wants to renew, a process which in turn will bear its fruit. By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. (Matthew 7:16–18) This refers to the nature of the tree (human nature), not the fruit. We do not change the tree by hanging different fruit on it. An apple tree does not become a pear tree just because we hang pears on this tree. It may look like one, but it will never be a pear tree.

CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR AND VALUES Our businesses and cultures change through a change of values, values which for a great part determine our behaviour. A popular theory among behavioural scientists says that a minimum of 95 percent of our behaviour is automatic. This means that, at most, 5 percent of our behaviour is planned or made consciously. Our unconscious behaviour is determined by our upbringing, frame of reference and/or experience. If we wish to come to a more structural change of behaviour in business and society, we will need to mutually endorse the importance of the intended plan with open hearts. There are two aspects here that we cannot easily bring about on our own:

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Mutuality • Because we often have different interests. • Because we do not have a common objective. • If there is a common objective, then we often want to be the ones in charge, which consequently colours our motivation for achieving this objective. Endorsement with an open hearts • The ideal is often endorsed, but we find it difficult to pay the price that it requires. Other desires of the heart often weigh heavier. • The heart has its reasons, whereof reason knows nothing (Blaise Pascal). Some people believe that outward changes suffice: As long as people do what they have agreed on together.

• •

•

Training and equipping: We equip people and make it possible for them to act in line with our visions by training them. We teach people ‘healthy’ Jewish/Christian/ humanistic values and show them the benefits of these values for themselves, society and the economy. If this proves insufficient, we reinforce our ‘values’ with rules. We reward adapted behaviour with bonuses, status, possessions, esteem, love, attention and/ or recognition. We reward people in ways that encourage them and strengthen their identity.

To encourage the desired behaviour, we often use the following instruments: • As much as possible, we allow people to work in areas that they are skilled in, where their talents lie and where their character best fits.

FIGURE 8.1 A NATURALISTIC LIFE

certainty uncertainty

identity, the ‘soul’

punishment

Mainsprings, motives, emotions, will. ‘Heart’

reward

appreciation

underappreciation recognition

underestimation being loved being ignored £££££££

Competencies, skills, character, values/rules

Behaviour

This system is used to mould people into the type of human beings that we like to see, and we use their own desires to achieve our desired goals. People themselves are not renewed; it is only their behaviour that changes. There is no renewal here, because we merely make use of the existing nature of humankind to motivate people to behave differently. In other words, we confirm the status quo. Behaviour rather than the human heart has become the reference point, and we have made specific behaviour the objective rather than God’s glory, thereby confusing the goal and the means. This change in the original and essential reference points will have consequences. 84

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FIGURE 8.2 Originally: OUR HUMAN ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOUR

GOD’S GLORY IS THE OBJECTIVE

A LIFE OF HAPPINESS

A MEANS TO SERVE GOD

BLESSING

OUR HUMAN ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOUR A MEANS OF HAPPINESS

A LIFE OF HAPPINESS HAS BECOME THE OBJECTIVE

Now often: GOD IS NO LONGER NEEDED OR IS USED FOR PERSONAL HAPPINESS

EXAMPLE, THE FINANCIAL CRISIS OF 2008/2009/2010 (See also Session 2 ‘Ambition and Life Choices’) A financial economy that is an end unto itself is destined to contradict its goals, since it is no longer in touch with its roots and has lost sight of its constitutive purpose. In other words, it has abandoned its original and essential role of serving the real economy and, ultimately, of contributing to the development of people and the human community. (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 369-2004) The twisting of values for the wrong motivation has lead to the current financial crisis, where profit and profit maximisation became more important than serving and commitment. The loss of love, commitment and joy that were gained through service to others, in turn, led to emptiness and futility: Material possessions, numbers and performance became more important than love. We are trying now to fix the crisis by implementing new values, rules, inspections, governments, etc. But another new crisis is threatening, because our hearts have not really changed. Unless someone can change human nature, we will face more crises. (Alan Greenspan in a debate about the causes of the 2009 economic crisis)

THE HOLY SPIRIT, OUR HEARTS AND OUR MOTIVES

Christ and God did not strive for behavioural change, but for a new humanity. This ‘new’ humanity is humankind as God had intended, as it was reflected in Jesus Christ, God’s son. By believing in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection we give Jesus the opportunity to remould us in his image. This happens when the Holy Spirit descends into our hearts. The Holy Spirit wants to renew us in the image of our Lord Jesus. He does this by aligning our personal motives, desires and emotions with those of Jesus Christ. CHANGES THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Ask people from the group to share examples from their own lives or share examples from your own life. Winning > Service through love A strong sense of competition can lead to great human achievements, but does it lead to service through love? In the economy too, service through love is the basis and the heart of good performance. Do not provide service just to win from competitor X, but rather provide your service because you care for the customer. This leads to better service, benefits your company’s profit and serves the benefit of society. Jesus came to serve, not to win. But because of his service through love, he came out the winner. Power/influence > Serving the truth We are often looking for power and influence. After all, we need to convince the world of our ideals, products or services. The more people who embrace our ideal/ product the better. But does this lead to a better society? Power has a dark side, with a loss of freedom 85

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and love. Jesus tried to convince the people of the truth, without trying to exert power over them. The impact that he had on society was enormous and still today his words are embraced as the truth. People are inspired by Jesus daily. His influence and power proved to be greater than all of those in power at the time of his life. Control > Surrender in love and freedom Control gives us the feeling that we can predict and control the future. But what future are we talking about? A business where there is no room for responsibility and freedom belittles its staff and destroys initiative and creativity. Control also requires a lot more time and effort on the part of managers and leaders, it kills people’s spirits and people end up doing little beyond what is specifically asked of them. Appreciation > Called to justice We often look for recognition from other people. We like to hear others speak well of us. We please others and do what they want us to do, so that they will like us. Jesus did not allow himself to be led by these motives, but was led by his desire to obey God. The steadfast choice that Jesus made for obedience led him to victory and God gave him a name that stands above all others. Know that God’s appreciation is for eternity and is of more value that you could ever obtain from people.. People in our society who have ‘good’ vision are also highly respected. Steadfast leaders with good vision bring prosperity to companies and societies. Have you ever seen a leader take his company to the top merely because he wanted to be popular?

Egocentrism > The other A Dutch example from 2008: ABN/AMRO was brought down by egos with a primary focus on shareholder value instead of the client. The DSB Bank was also brought down in 2009 by a bad earnings model. This model served primarily the interest of profit and not the interests of the client. The wrong products were sold with extremely high margins to people who had no room to manoeuvre. Possessions > Sharing and joy Those who have a lot know the restrictions of belongings and possession. Joy and fulfilment are only partly found within our belongings and possession. Sharing brings smiles, happy faces and joy. However, we seldom seem capable of jumping over our own shadows. Think for instance of development aid, the international agreements on aid and the WTO negotiations (and the consequences for developing countries). Fear > Love Fear is one of our strongest motives. It spreads like fire and makes people lonely, cold and hostile towards others. Only a love that is open and fearless allows us to bloom as we were intended to. But this love can only grow if we have first learned to experience love. God loved us first and is the source of all love. Love is the best motivation for passion, commitment and the provision of good service.

FIGURE 8.3 CHRISTIAN BUSINESS AND WORK PRACTICES Holy Spirit

Mainsprings, motives, emotions, will. ‘Heart’

Competencies, skills, character, values/rules

Behaviour

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Suspicion > Mercy Suspicion leads to a legalistic society full of bureaucracy, agreements and rules. If we cannot trust each other and there is no mercy, how do we do business? With each accident or breach of rules, great punishment is meted out by society or other parties involved. As business owners/entrepreneurs we are sometimes busier safeguarding ourselves against risks and liabilities than we are running our businesses.

JESUS CHRIST We can only receive God’s Spirit through Jesus Christ: He opened the way to the Father. Only by believing in his words and trusting in his substitute life, suffering, death and resurrection does the possibility open up for us to communicate with God the Father. Only if we, through Jesus Christ, entrust God with our lives can we be renewed by the Holy Spirit. Christian life begins and develops from the top down. The reverse is not possible.

This afternoon we look at the process of release and renewal

IDENTITY Deeper than our motives lies our identity. What is our identity? Is this related to our work, our possessions or to what others say about us? Or do we find our identity in God’s love? How does this work through our lives?

Now show Henri Nouwen’s sermon ‘Being the Beloved’. Afterwards have a break or a moment of silence so that everyone can process the message of the sermon.

FIGURE 8.4 ONLY POSSIBLE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST God the Father

Holy Spirit

Identity, ‘soul’ Mainsprings, motives, emotions, will. ‘Heart’

Competencies, skills, character, values/rules

Behaviour

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SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 8.1 Have a break now and go for a walk with the participants. To provide the participants with some discussion points, you could give them the questions listed below to take with them. 1. What has touched you during this session? 2. What are you motives? 3. How would you like to renew these motives? 4. How can the workings of the Spirit become visible in this economy and in our businesses? When you return, ask people to write down how they have been touched during this session. The points that they raise can be used during the time of prayer.

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Session SESSION 9 1

Challenges of Spiritual Growth

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SESSION 9 | CHALLENGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

PREPARATION • •

Read Romans 8 and John 8:30–47. Study the ‘Challenges of Spiritual Growth’ PowerPoint presentation.

SESSION OBJECTIVE • •

Discover any obstacles in your life that are preventing you from spiritual growth. Find a process that can help you overcome these obstructions.

11.30 am Chapter 9 ‘Challenges of Spiritual Growth’ 12.30 pm Lunch 1.30 pm Prayer time 3.30 pm Conclusion

START

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STATEMENT Life experiences from the past and misguided views can form obstacles to spiritual growth. What are your thoughts on this statement? Is this something that you recognise in your own life?

Start a short discussion on this statement and ask two or three participants to briefly share their thoughts.

SESSION 9 | CHALLENGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

DE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION - PART 1 OBSTACLES IN OUR LIVES Not everything in our lives is glorifying to God. There are things that in themselves are very good, but that have become obstacles to our growth. They draw us away rather than bring us closer to God. And for this reason it is important to know and acknowledge the truth about our own lives, because only the truth of Jesus Christ can set us free (John 8:32–36). A NUMBER OF EXAMPLES Below we give a number of examples of things that are good but that can develop their own strength within us and in turn become obstacles to our spiritual growth.

Share with the group examples from various areas of your life. Ask others from the group to share too. Wealth and riches Wealth clearly has a beneficial effect on our society. Think of the possibilities for healthcare, social services, education, etc. These are blessings from God, and are also viewed as such in the Old Testament. However, wealth can become an idol in our lives if we rely on this wealth rather than on God for our happiness. We often pray for Christians in poor countries. But they also pray for us, because wealth has blinded many of us and has obstructed the way for us to lead lives of radical dedication and surrender to God. Money Money is a good means for trade and for attaching value to goods and service. It allows us to support our families and be a blessing to others, but it can also become an idol. Money as insurance for a good and safe future or money as a means in itself (greed) are examples of this. Education Most parents raise their children to the best of their abilities and knowledge. However, we may now feel that much of our upbringing has left us with a negative legacy. Traditions and culture The Netherlands has a highly critical culture. We live in a culture where performance is considered important. This culture has brought great prosperity and material wealth, but our lives as human beings are in danger of being overlooked. We often embrace this culture without question. No critical questions are posed about the culture or our Christian culture.

Many capacities and possibilities We have so many wonderful capacities and possibilities, but these can make us independent from God and prevent us from honouring him. Sexuality God gave us sexuality as something beautiful; it was made so that we could enjoy each another and give to each other, but there is danger of it turning into lust, which in turn can lead to pornography. Alcohol Wine is part of God’s creation, and as such we can enjoy it. But wine can turn into a way of escaping problems, and consequently alcohol abuse.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OBSTACLES One of the biggest problems preventing us from getting rid of these obstacles is denial that these obstacles actually exist and that they have an influence in our lives. We will say: • • • • •

It is not that bad I am not addicted Surely we are allowed to earn money God does not mind this Everyone does it If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

Remember the church in Laodicea, who were so selfabsorbed but thought they were spiritually in order. Jesus had to tell them they were spiritually blind, because of the sins in their midst (Revelations 3:14– 22). Paul’s words to the church in Corinth echoes those of Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:1–7). To the people in the church of Ephesus, Paul says in Timothy that there are people who are in danger of losing their faith, because they have been listening to ‘deceiving spirits and things taught by demons’ (1 Timothy 4:1). If you were to confront these people, they would deny it and give you a plausible reason for why they are doing whatever it is they are doing. You could say here that the cause of their actions lies in their thinking. They think that they are on the right track, or they are intentionally fooling themselves.

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WHERE DOES THE PROBLEM LIE? When Paul confronts the Christians in Corinth with their lifestyle, they get angry and ask Paul where he gets the nerve to correct them. And then he says the following: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. (2 Corinthians 10:3–6) WEAPONS AND GLORY OF GOD God’s weapon is his son Jesus Christ. His blood, death and resurrection have achieved what we could never achieve: complete forgiveness and a path to God the Father. Only through this relationship and through the power of the Holy Spirit are we capable of overcoming the obstacles in our lives. The truth of Jesus Christ is the only truth that can truly set us free from our patterns and thoughts. In the name of Jesus we can see the light of truth shed on and diminish these obstacles. These weapons are aimed at our self-interests. Paul says here that he is admonishing the Corinthians, because in the end it is God’s glory that counts. If they do not live as they should, others see this and because of this do not want to get to know and honour God with their lives. Furthermore, Paul says that his rebuke is aimed particularly at their way of thinking, because it is here that the problem lies.

OUR THOUGHTS ARE THE PROBLEM The Corinthians came up with a multitude of reasons, which they had adopted during their lives or been brought up with, to justify themselves. But Paul decides to test these arguments and false beliefs with God’s Word – the truth – in the hope that these Christians will repent and follow Christ again. Certain thought patterns can become obstacles to a healthy spiritual life. These thoughts restrict God’s influence in our lives, because we have come to believe the lies that they have told us. As a result of these thought patterns we fail to do things that we should be doing. After a while, these beliefs can become so ingrained that they become a stronghold over us.

Share here a number of examples from your own life. A few examples • I am not good enough for God • Does God really exist? I can rationalise anything • Jesus died, but did he also die for me personally? • We cannot just accept Jesus’ offer • God’s love, a phenomenon of our times • God does not work in the same tangible way today • It has always been this way • Life is suffering and is a desert • God is not science, and only science is right • Do not believe everything that you hear

EXERCISE 9.1 1. List a number of obstacles that threaten to weaken your spiritual life. 2. What obstacles would you like to overcome?

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THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 2 REMOVING THE OBSTACLES So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17–24) A number of aspects stand out here: • Our minds and attitudes require a continuous process of renewal • We need to get to know God as he really is • We need to open our hearts to his guidance • We need to incorporate this into our daily lives A PROCESS OF DELIVERANCE This starts with prayer, verbally expressing your desires, and the following processes of awareness: • • • • • •

Choose consciously, of your own will, to honour and glorify God with your life Acknowledge that there are obstacles in your life and repent Acknowledge that Jesus poured out his blood for you, to deliver you from Satan’s power Acknowledge and believe that you, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, live in the kingdom of God Acknowledge that God is the head in God’s kingdom Believe that God wants to remove the obstacles that are preventing you from growing

Deliverance is merely the beginning After this begins the process of healing from the consequences of our misled beliefs and those things that have had a stronghold over us. DELIVERANCE IS A START The following can be found in Ephesians 4:17–24: Our minds and attitudes require a continuous process of renewal • Gain a hold on each thought that distracts you from God and take these thoughts to God in prayer • Take responsibility for your thoughts and attitudes, reject the lies and choose the truth • Do not wander away from the truth and back to your old thought patterns. Talk to at least one friend about your problems. We need to grow to know God the way he is: • A God of love, forgiveness, grace, mercy and acceptance • A God that is loyal to himself and his Word We need to open our hearts to his guidance • Read the Bible daily, learn key verses by heart • Take time each day to spend in silent contemplation, prayer and the presence of God • Praise and worship God daily • Give the Spirit room to indwell your life daily We need to incorporate this into our lives • Obey his words from the Bible and apply them to all areas of your life. Furthermore, it is important to realise that we have been given Christian sisters and brothers to support and be supported by. Make sure that you have Christian friends and that you can speak, discuss and pray openly and honestly with.

Discuss this session and the obstacles that participants may be facing in their lives. Lunch is scheduled for after this group discussion.

God does not want us to bind ourselves (again) to powers and forces that are based on our thoughts and patterns: God want us to be free to make our own choices. This does not mean that we will never make wrong choices again. But the choices we make will not be based on a bondage to certain addictions or other things that have power over us. 95

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EXERCISE 9.2 Ask participants to write down what they would like to bring to God in prayer this afternoon. Pray together as a group for one another. A group should be a maximum of ten people; more than ten takes up too much time (ten people will take about two hours). We suggest that when you pray for people, they be seated on a chair with the others forming a circle around them. A person then share his or her prayer points and the other participants pray for this person, or the person says a prayer themselves.

Tips: makes sure that there are tissues and glasses of water. Have a short break after an hour.

ACTION PLAN 9.3 1. Take time over the coming week to evaluate your own spiritual life. 2. What obstacles and strongholds have you discovered? 3. What excuses do you use to avoid having to deal with these bad habits? 4. Decide what to do with these obstacles. Do you bring them under the authority of Christ or do you just leave them be? What is hindering you from bringing these things under the authority of Christ? 5. Share your desire to remove these obstacles with God. Confess that they are wrong and ask God for the strength to break these strongholds. 6. You also need to deal with the resultant thoughts and patterns that have been caused by these obstacles. This can sometimes take a long time. After all, these thoughts and patterns have taken years to accumulate. It can be helpful to ask people that you trust to pray for you. They can help you to secure the deliverance in your life. These should be people who you meet together with regularly, share your life with and who pray for you.

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Session SESSION 101 Money and Giving

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SESSION 10 | MONEY AND GIVING

PREPARATION • • •

Read Chapter 8 ‘Money and Giving’ from the book God at Work Listen to Podcast episode 7, ‘Money and Giving’ Study the ‘Money and Giving’ PowerPoint presentation.

OBJECTIVE • • • •

Learn how to enjoy giving Learn that giving means investing Learn how to give and whom to give to Gain insight into the biblical principles of giving and the tithes.

WELCOME

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PRAYER STATEMENT My belongings are the result of hard work and God’s blessing. If I give God my ‘tithe’, I can enjoy the rest and allow others to share in this too. What are your thoughts on this statement?

Start a short discussion on this statement and ask two or three participants to briefly share their thoughts.

SESSION 10 | MONEY AND GIVING

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 1 GIVING CONFUSION ABOUT GIVING? [God] is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. (Acts 17:24–25) Me giving something to God? Everything that we give, we received from him. It was his in the first place. We do not give because God might need anything. But still, God calls us to give. It is not really us who is giving; we are sharing what actually belongs to someone else – that is, God. Besides, we are still left with enough. GIVING SEEMS UNNATURAL We learn at school that 10 − 5 = 5. But God teaches us that 10 − 5 = infinitively more than 10. GOD’S NEW ECONOMY It is good to gain insight into this completely different way of thinking that God has. God seems to have his own economic principles. One person gives freely, yet gains even more. (Proverbs 11:24) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25) People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell. (Proverbs 11:26) “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10) Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Matthew 19:21) Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:6–10) And still we see around us that people do not embrace this truth of nature. The average that the Dutch give to charity is around 1% of their income. The remaining 99% is apparently needed to satisfy our own needs. And still people find themselves without enough. It is a good thing that we can borrow from the bank and overdraw our accounts. And in the mean time, we look around for another job, where we might be able to earn more still. But experience shows that if we earn more money, we adapt our spending to this larger income. The Bible expects that we adopt a different attitude. [B]y this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35) GIVING ACCORDING TO BIBLICAL TERMS: ‘INVESTMENT WITH HIGH RETURNS’ • God multiplies infinitively and in numerous ways • He serves the other • We become witnesses for Christ • It frees us from egocentrism and slavery • It gives us joy

Share an example from your own life. DAILY PRACTICE OF GIVING ALSO PROVES ‘INVESTMENT WITH HIGH RETURNS’ • Marshall’s help after the Second World War certainly did the Americans no harm. • Healthy economies have everything to lose and because of this they seek peace not war. Development in less developed countries has top priority: An inequality that is too big creates jealousy and ill-will, and brings about mass migration. • WTO and economists understand the importance of free trade, but we are having problems seeing beyond our own shadows, with all the resulting consequences.

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THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO GIVING And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. (2 Corinthians 8:5) When we give from what we ourselves have received, it is good to realise that the basis of our giving needs to lie in our love for God. Based on this relationship with God and motivated by gratitude, we should want others to be able to share in our abundance. We should give with our hearts without compulsion or reluctance. With a cheerful heart. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Giving needs to become a habit There always seems to be a good reason not to give, so it is important to simply begin. Even if you start small, just start and the habit will grow. Give of your firstfruits Make sure that your gift for God and His service is not a closing entry of your giving. Give immediately when you receive. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering. (Genesis 4:4) Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. You must give me the firstborn of your sons. (Exodus 22:29 ) See also Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 23:20; Numbers 15:21; Deuteronomy 18:4 Give the best and not the leftovers (Malachi 1:6–14) Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops. (Proverbs 3:9)

“A son honours his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honour due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty. “It is you priests who show contempt for my name. “But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’ “By offering defiled food on my altar. “But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’ “By saying that the Lord’s table is contemptible. When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty. “Now plead with God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?”—says the Lord Almighty. “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord Almighty, “and I will accept no offering from your hands. My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you profane it by saying, ‘The Lord’s table is defiled,’ and, ‘Its food is contemptible.’ And you say, ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously,” says the Lord Almighty. “When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?” says the Lord. “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations. (Malachi 1:6–14) Give with a pure and sincere heart, and give for God and not for others. You may pay dearly for it otherwise (see Acts 5:1–11)

EXERCISE 10.1 1. What good ‘returns’ have you seen from your ‘investment’ of giving? 2. Do you give with a cheerful heart? 3. What hinders you in your giving? Share your answers in your small discussion group after this introduction.

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THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 2 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF GIVING THE TITHE The ‘tithe’ is generally seen as the norm in Christian circles in the UK , and so it is essential that we look at what is said about this. • • • •

In what context does this message appear? How do the Old and New Testament differ in this regard? What does Jesus say about the tithe? How according to Jesus should we view the law from the Old Testament?

Jesus first remarks on the fulfilment of the law and the Old Testament in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:17–20: Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Two phrases stand out here: • Jesus came to fulfil the law. • Our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees. Jesus has fulfilled the law During his life Jesus fulfils the ceremonial law, the offerings, etc, especially in his death and resurrection on Good Friday and Easter. Jesus lived by the moral laws. Even more so, he implemented them in his life in their true form and as they were intended. He did not restrict himself to the minimal outward form of the law, but was one with the original intention of the law. His whole being and heart was filled to the brim and over with the blessings that the law had intended for humankind.

Furthermore, Jesus wants to fulfil the law in our lives by changing our hearts. He wants to turn our stone hearts that are filled with rules and regulations into living hearts (Ezekiel 36:26–27). God’s Spirit wants to implement this in our lives (see also Chapter 8 ‘Spiritual Renewal’). The laws of the land relate to the land, society and economy of those times. That time, culture, society and concepts of land have now changed. These rules can no longer be applied today. We can, however, try to incorporate the principles behind these rules into our lives today. OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST SURPASS THAT OF THE PHARISEES Jesus is saying here that the law and its objectives need to be anchored in our hearts. This does not mean the outward show of the law and its instructions, but rather our way of thinking. Jesus extends the law to the heart. See Jesus’ further explanation in Matthew 5:21–48. Jesus may well have said in this context: You have been told to give a tenth, but I tell you to give your heart. If you see anyone who is suffering from hardship, help this person; if someone needs your help, do not turn away. Jesus says: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12) We often say ‘do unto others what you wish them to do unto you’. This is the least you can do. What matters most to God is not the minimum fulfilment of the regulations, but the blessing that it brings for another, when given with a cheerful heart. A FURTHER LOOK AT THE MESSAGE OF THE TITHE The tithe had an obvious function back in the days and culture of the Old Testament. The tithe went towards supporting the Levites and a tenth of this, in turn, went to the priests: To provide for the Levites because they did not have any possessions of their own. (Numbers 18:21–32; Leviticus 27:30–33) The tithe had a specific reason and a specific function within the law, but this did not mean the end of giving for the people of Israel. They gave more than their tithe: • Also the firstborn were to be given as a gift to God. (Exodus 13:12; 23:19; Leviticus 2:14; 23:17; 27:26; Deuteronomy 14:22–29; 15:19; 26:2) • God still received offerings (Leviticus 1–7) • There were rules about supporting the poor, the widows and the orphans – the marginalised. 103

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• •

(Exodus 23:6; Deuteronomy 15:7–11; 23:24; 24:19) They refrained from maximising profit in order to help the ‘poor and the foreigner’. (Leviticus 19:9–10; 23:22) There was less production because of the Sabbath, the Sabbath Year and the Jubilee. This was when the land was laid fallow and allowed to recover and regain its original balance. (Leviticus 25).

In short, if we wish to return to the rules of the Old Testament then we need to give much more than a tenth. A tenth is even less than the Pharisees’ righteousness – and they were lacking. HOW THEN DO WE VIEW THE OLD TESTAMENT RULES? • The words of the laws are like a mirror, but in themselves do not give release or promote changes in behaviour (Romans 7–8). •

The Spirit brings change and does not challenge the law (Romans 8; Galatians 5).

Live the law out of freedom and love, by Jesus’ example and through the encouragement of God’s Spirit.

NEW TESTAMENT VALUES OF GIVING The right attitude to giving is discussed above, but there are also other biblical values on giving. Paul gave us a nice overview in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. • • • • • •

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You need not be rich to give (2 Corinthians 8:2–4). You give to God first and then by the will of God to others (2 Corinthians 8:5). If you intend to give, put these intentions into action (2 Corinthians 8:6, 7, 10 and 11). Giving is an expression of our love for God (2 Corinthians 8:8). Give according to your means and do not give more than you can afford (2 Corinthians 8:12–13). Giving to those who are in need is a matter of sharing equally (2 Corinthians 8:14–15).

OPDRACHT 1.0 • • • •

‘Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously’ (2 Corinthians 9:6). Give with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving brings blessings (2 Corinthians 9:8–10). Giving is an expression of our gratitude to God (2 Corinthians 9:11–15).

OUR TARGET GROUP What do the following Bible verses tell us about the target group to whom and for whom we give? • 2 Corinthians 8:1–4 Churches in poverty, worldwide. • 3 John 1:5–8 Travelling workers/evangelists. • 1 John 3:16–17 Church members living in poverty. • James 1:27 Widows, orphans, people in need. • Proverbs 14:21 and 31 Others who have nothing. In relationship to giving our time also has its own needs and each person should follow their own path, in accordance with God’s purpose for their lives. PRAYER AND PEACE, THROUGH DELIBERATION AND PURPOSEFULNESS From all sides, we are approached by multitudes of charities and asked to at least support their project, which would then mean us not being able to support another. The need in this world and the needs of all the different churches and mission organisations are larger than our income. Each of us needs to decide together with God through prayer, and receive peace about the choices. Think also of the six beacons in Session 4. Luckily the Bible gives numerous examples of how and where to give to. Also, there is no need for us to make choices for others; neither should we judge the gifts that others give. (Read the history of Mary in John 12:1–8) Purposeful giving provides us with inner peace and helps us to not feel guilty about the projects that we do not support.

SESSION 10 | MONEY AND GIVING

Here below an example of how you can divide your gifts.

FIGURE 10.1 DIVIDING UP YOUR GIVING Church Evangelism Development work Drug rehab

EXAMPLE

DIVIDE THE PIE-CHART AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO DIVIDE UP YOUR GIVING

ASSESSING YOUR GIFTS It is important that we do not just randomly give to every ‘good’ cause. It is nice for both the giver and the receiver to have an overview of the ‘investment returns’. There are a number of practical criteria that can help you assess your giving: • • • •

ENJOYING YOUR MONEY RESPONSIBLY Giving frees us up to enjoy God’s goodness, especially if our priorities are in the right place. An indication of the right balance is whether we can enjoy what we have and what we give away.

Have I received a financial report? Has my gift made a difference or helped achieve a particular objective? Have I been able to speak to someone from the organisation about the impact? Do I need to invest more, keep investing the same amount, or stop giving?

We are called to give God our whole income and to make a budget together with him, a budget in which the words ‘Seek first the kingdom of God’ are central, a budget which allows us to give both to God and to those in need.

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SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 10.2 • • •

Discuss the topic further. Share from your own life and what has touched you. Use the questions to guide you.

1. Discuss your answers to exercise 10.1 2. How have you decided how much to give? 3. Who or what do you give your money to? 4. Do you increase your giving when your salary increases? 5. Is this a challenge to you; are these issues that you stumble over? 6. Someone has a big debt (a debt other than a mortgage) and says: I am first going to pay off this debt and only then can I start giving again. What do I think of this reasoning? 7. If there is time, you could continue with the action plan 10.3. • Fill in the prayer card and pray through these prayer points over the coming period.

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CONCLUSION Pray and give thanks together for: • The abundance that we have • That we might arrive at a point where we find contentment • A heart that wants to give cheerfully • That we might see the returns of our giving Thank everybody and wish everybody a safe journey home.

ACTION PLAN 10.3 1. What are your dreams for others and how could you invest in this? 2. Make a concrete giving plan. Discuss this with your partner and then put it into motion.

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Session SESSION11 1 Success and Purpose

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SESSION 11 | SUCCESS AND PURPOSE

• •

PREPARATION

PRAYER

Read Chapter 9 ‘Spiritual Renewal’ from the book God at Work. Study the ‘Spiritual Renewal’ PowerPoint presentation.

STATEMENT

OBJECTIVE • • • •

Learn to see things through God’s eyes Learn about the meaning of success and purpose Obtain insight into the purpose of our lives Learn that success and purposeful living are not necessarily contradictions

WELCOME

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Finding meaning and purpose in life is, I believe, the greatest challenge of our time. This search is as essential to establishing lasting peace, sustainable economic activity and strong communities at ease with each other and any of the major challenges of climate change, elimination of extreme poverty or globalization. (Vincente Fox, former president of Mexico) What are your thoughts on this statement?

Start a short discussion on this statement and ask two or three participants to briefly share their thoughts.

SESSION 11 | SUCCESS AND PURPOSE

THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 1 SUCCESS AS WELL AS A PURPOSEFUL LIFE We spoke in Session 1 of the biblical meaning of work. We saw here that work was ‘invented’ by God: He himself worked and gave humankind the opportunity to work too. Work is important, because it adds to our sense of self worth and purposefulness. But we do not experience all the work that we do as purposeful; as something of value to our society and those around us. We need to realise that our work can contribute to general welfare and happiness of everyone in our society. Many Christians struggle with the feeling that their work is of little consequence and look with jealously at others who they believe do important work that contributes to society and the lives of others. Is this justifiable? Besides our personal fulfilment and purpose, we need to remember that our work in itself is valuable too: • Economic - (wealth and welfare) • Financial - (caring for family and others) • Personal - (experiencing fulfilment and purpose) • Social and relational - (supporting others and developing relationships) There are two words here that need to be understood within this context. SUCCESS In general, all people want to be successful in the work that they do. By ‘success’ we mean that a person delivers good work and their efforts bring them fulfilment. A sales manager feels successful and fulfilled when she closes a good deal and has finished a deal with yet another happy customer. A painter feels fulfilled when he has just finished painting a house and has delivered

a good piece of skilled work. Others hear of these skills and the painter consequently gets new jobs. As a result of the good and skilled work that the painter performs, he becomes successful. This relates to our behaviour and values in connection to our output. The painter confirms his ideas about painting in the work that he delivers. This sense of success is healthy and can be enjoyed. Work can also give us confirmation of who we are. In the case of the painter, he feels good at being a painter. The confirmation is strengthened and the sense of personal success is increased, but the more the painter’s identity is confirmed by his work, the less meaningful the work becomes. The work loses purpose because the painter finds his identity in his painting skills, and not in God (sees also Session 8 ‘Spiritual Renewal’). As a painter, he soon finds himself on a downward slide. PURPOSEFUL There may come a time when these two professionals no longer find fulfilment in their work. They start to wonder what the purpose is of all their work. As a Christian too, you will want to be leading a purposeful life, contributing to society and the lives of others. When the sales manager and painter find no answer to questions on how to lead a life with purpose and how their work might fit into this, their work will most likely suffer. Those around them will start to notice: Although they still perform their work well, they have lost their fire and passion. In the end, this may affect their success, and they both risk going from being a successful person to someone who lives a life of averages. Purpose has a lot to do with ‘why you do something’; your mainspring and motives (see also Session 8 ‘Spiritual Renewal’).

EXERCISE 11.1 1. Are you caring and successful in your work? 2. Do you feel that you current job has purpose? Could you say a bit more about this or give an example? Share your answers in your small discussion groups after this introduction.

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THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION – PART 2 SUCCESS AND A PURPOSEFUL LIFE This combination is possible when certain aspects in our lives are aligned. 1. If we heed God’s calling and make it our objective. 2. If we believe that God has blessed us in this calling. 3. If we are open to the workings of his Spirit in our hearts and lives and aim to live as Jesus lived. 1. CALLING Humanity’s calling in relation to creation (Genesis1:27–30 and 2:15–17) “… they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created [humankind] in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:26–28) The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15) We are God’s stewards and witnesses. Our job is to take care of and protect creation. We need to live in God’s image and be of service to his creation (humankind and the environment) and praise and worship God (also see Session 1 ‘Work Matters’). Moral calling, the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37–38; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself. (Matthew 22:37–38) Love and relationships are essential here. We can only give our work purpose if we adopt an attitude of love, passion, commitment and helpfulness towards others. Service and helpfulness are the basis and the essence of the economy (see also what is said on this topic in

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Chapter 2 ‘Ambition and Life Choices’ and Chapter 8 ‘Spiritual Renewal’). Christian calling, the greatest commission (Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15–18; Luke 24:46–49; John 20:20–23) Our Christian calling is our specific Christian mission as followers of Jesus. The following quote might provide some inspiration on how we can fulfil this mission at our workplace: Spread the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words (Francis of Assisi) We can reach others, when necessary with words, through our lifestyles, our efforts, commitment and contributions to our ordinary work. We have no shame for the gospel, but we wish to show it as it truly is. We need to realise that everything that we do will be projected onto God. We are witnesses for him and his name. Jesus was the perfect witness for God and is therefore an example to us as human beings. CALLINGS: A JOB OR LIFE STYLE? The calling as described above has nothing to do with a certain position or job: It has everything to do with the way we lead our lives, regardless of our jobs or positions. We do this by adopting a lifestyle that is to the glory of God and that is possible through the strength of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God wants to participate in our lives in all that we do, in our desires and our actions, and so we need to be open to his guidance. SPECIAL AND UNIQUE CALLINGS • The unique calling into a particular life mission, such as in the example of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4–10). • The unique calling for a particular period of time, such as in the example of Gideon (Judges 6:14). These calling are related to divine encounters and are personally requested by God. As outsiders we cannot intervene here. We can, however, observe and test. It is important to realise that people are specifically equipped for such callings, but often only realise this in hindsight. Moses was being equipped in the court for 40 years, trained in knowledge, insight and skills so that he could lead his people. He killed a person because of his passion for his people and their release from slavery. Next, Moses was shaped by the 40 years that he spent in the desert, learning about desert life. And it was here that God truly moulded his character. It was not until after all this that he received his calling, for which he no longer felt worthy or sufficiently skilled.. Both his

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experience in the court and in the desert was needed so that he could lead a tribe of people through the desert for 40 years and survive. 2. WE ARE BLESSED We have been given the opportunity to live out our calling. We are given access to God the Father through Jesus Christ and are blessed through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God’s power in the world. Only in this way, can we change into people who are the image of Jesus Christ. We need to realise that we have been created by God with a unique set of competencies and skills; with a unique character, desires and reason. We have been placed in unique positions with unique opportunities. We have been placed in unique positions with unique opportunities We live in a time where there is a new search for values and a purpose-led life. There is a serge in spiritual hunger, particularly among the 30 to 40 generation, and the institutional church has largely found itself unable to provide the necessary food. While there are so many changes and so much that people today are confronted with, there is a renewed spiritual hunger for life’s true meaning. Here lies an opportunity for the church to speak uniquely to this need by bringing these searching people in touch with Jesus, who said: ‘I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). Before us lies an amazing challenge to show people at our workplace, our colleagues, clients and other contacts that our faith is still relevant today. Close observation of chief executives of global operations shows that they fail not because of a lack of vision, but for a lack of delivering results. Getting things done is one of the greatest requirements of success in modern business. This is also true of the church and Christians today. We know that we are the salt and the light of the world, we know that the fields are ready to be harvested, we know… so much, but when it comes down to the crunch, we do so little. We are busy playing church and patting ourselves on the back for being such good Christians, while there is a world around us that is lost and screaming for examples of authentic Christianity, for examples that encourage and motivate and create a desire in others to know Jesus, believe in him and follow him. 3. OPEN OUR HEARTS TO THE WORKING OF GOD’S SPIRIT The Holy Spirit always refers to the one who sent him, to our Lord Jesus Christ, who was humankind as it was intended. It is remarkable to see how Jesus looked at our world and how he reacted to what he saw. Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every

disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35–39).

Share stories about people in your own life regarding the points below. We need to learn to see as Jesus saw When Jesus saw the crowds, he saw people, individuals who were like sheep; sheep who had no shepherd. He saw people who were harassed and weary. He saw people as they really were, without masks of indifference and bravado. He saw right through them and saw how vulnerable and hurt they were. He saw that they were searching for a deeper meaning of life. The Bible describes these people as ‘harassed and helpless.’ These words conjure up an image of a sheep that is on the run. The herd has suddenly been attacked by a wild animal, there is no shepherd around to protect them and this sheep is suddenly frightened and bolts. Right through the brush with sharp thorns that tear the fleece and wound the sheep. Now hold on to this image. How many people around us do you think feel harassed by external circumstance; feel that they no longer live, but are being lived. How many people do we know who have been hurt by life and have no shepherd to tend to their wounds? The word ‘helpless’ suggests ‘without strength, weak, weary’. And let us be honest, is this not how so many people feel? People for whom every day is one too many and who cannot go on any longer, but still have to keep going because of their ‘obligations’. People who deep down have had ‘enough’. And who no longer want to lead a life without joy and happiness. These are not just elderly people who stand at the end of their lives, but more and more young people, who are asking themselves what they are doing it all for. A feeling of futility: this is sometimes what elderly people feel who can no longer get around much on their own, people who for whatever reason are no longer capable of working, and even young people in the prime of their lives. And if we look around us with this in mind, the thought that behind all those masks – the masks that we as humans wear almost daily – lies a whole world of pain and sorrow, then we have learned to see the world through Jesus’ eyes.

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We need to learn to feel as Jesus felt ‘…compassion for them’ To Jesus, compassion means love in action. Think, for instance, of the ‘Parable of the Good Samaritan’, or the ‘Parable of the Prodigal Son’. In both parables, compassion results in a bridge going out from the heart of the giver to the heart of the receiver. When you read the gospel, you will notice that each time the compassion is mentioned in connection with Jesus, an action follows. We read, for example, that during one of his journeys Jesus arrives in Nain, where he encounters a funeral procession. A widow’s only son has died. And when Jesus sees this broken woman and the practical consequences that this death has on her life – there is no one left to take care of her – he is moved by compassion and... raises the young man from the dead (Lucas 7:11–17). We see the same thing when Jesus and his disciples move away from the crowds to find a solitary place to get some rest, and the crowd discovers where they are going. The crowd follows them, and some even arrive there before Jesus and the disciples, and are waiting there for them. And then we read that when Jesus steps out of the boat and sees the crowd, he is so moved by compassion that he starts teaching them. And the lesson is concluded with a practical example: This is when Jesus feeds the multitude, five thousand people (Mark 6). What do we feel when we see people around us? Sometimes we are moved, and other times we are not. We may not even care whether the people around us are lost without Jesus Christ. It does not keep us awake at night. We may even have started to believe the devil’s lies that others would not be interested anyway, and that if they do need to find Jesus, surely they can do that without us, etc, etc. Hudson Taylor, the 19th century China missionary, wrote the following to his mother when he was 20: ‘I feel as if I could not live, if something is not done for China’. We can pray and ask God to remove our stone hearts and teach us to see those around us as he sees them and to feel what he feels when he sees their needs. We need to learn to pray as Jesus prayed Verse 37 (Matthew 9) speaks about a harvest that is plentiful, but for which the workers are few. At that point in time it was Jesus on his own preaching the gospel. And then Jesus asks his disciples to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send more workers. These same disciples ask Jesus elsewhere to teach them to pray. They ask this after they have seen him pray; after they have seen how different his prayer life is to theirs. 114

Jesus sought out God’s will in his prayers, not his own. ‘Your will be done...’ was more than just a pious sentence in his prayer. In this search for his Father’s will, he is given an active role in the answer to his prayers. The disciples pray for more workers and over time they are moved and a desire is stirred in them to become involved in gathering in the harvest. And when Jesus calls them and, after a brief training session, sends them out on their missions, they go willingly to do what the Lord asks of them. Do we pray for workers to gather in the harvest, which today still is plentiful? And are we willing to be involved in providing the answer to our own prayer? In this regard, prayer is dangerous. If you pray for a specific cause, the chance is big that God will call you to be involved and help accomplish this prayer. Think for instance of Nehemiah. Another notable aspect in Jesus’ prayer is that he believed in the power of the prayer. He was not saying: I will tell God the Father and just see what happens. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. No, Jesus believed in the power of prayer and calls his disciples to expect great things from God. We as churches in the secularised West need to rediscover the power of prayer. We need to go as Jesus went We read that Jesus passed all villages and cities, taught in the synagogues and preached the gospel of the kingdom of God. When he was in Capernaum and healed people there, everyone was happy and wanted him to stay. But Jesus said: ‘I must also go to the other villages, because I am also called to go to them’. He was not satisfied with what he had accomplished, but realised that there were more places in the world than just Capernaum. And so he travelled through the land and preached the gospel despite the disappointments and ignorance. No, you are not the only one: Jesus also went through all that we go through. Think for instance of the following events: • miracle of the loaves and fish • rich young man • entry into Jerusalem/crucifixion • betrayal of Judas But he knew that he was called by his heavenly Father, and because of this, the Bible tells us, he was obedient until the end, and thus became an example to us all. We need to preach as Jesus preached Jesus passed through all the cities and villages and preached the gospel of the kingdom of God. He did not only preach about how you could be saved for eternity. No, he spoke of the kingdom of God, the principles of which can be found in the Sermon of the Mount. He

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spoke of the kingdom of God, that one day will be fully visible here on earth, and where we, as Christians, can make ourselves seen as his hands and feet. We need to long for God’s kingdom to become more visible. In the Lord’s Prayer we pray: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come…. We are called to believe in God and from that relationship with him we must pray: Lord, let your kingdom come, in my life, in my family, in the street where I live, in my work. May those around me see something of your greatness, purity and sincerity. May something of the power of your kingdom be seen. May we already work together with you to see law and justice in our lives, especially in those places where we as Christians live and work. BEARING WITNESS TO THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Determination, compassion and prayer are important issues when it comes to bearing witness in our communities. There is a real danger that we try to accomplish things through our own strength. We cannot change people’s hearts, however hard we try. The only one who can do this is God’s Spirit, who prepares the hearts and can use our actions and words to reach these hearts. And for this reason it is important that we allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit every day. The Bible refers to this as being ‘filled with the Spirit’ (Ephesians 5:18). So that he might work in us and through us.

SUCCESS AND PURPOSE ARE BOTH ESSENTIAL TO FINDING FULFILMENT IN OUR WORK If you feel neither successful nor fulfilled at your work, you could consider the following possibilities: A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE You could adopt new vision and find new motivation and perspective in your current job. If passion for and a serving attitude towards your clients and colleagues gives you fulfilment, then this can add meaning and purpose to your work. This sometimes requires profound change and transformation in our hearts. But if you think that this is possible in your work situation, it is probably best to stay in your current job. God can use your work here as an example of how to live and give from an attitude of mercy. ANOTHER JOB Another option is to look for a different job, where you feel you can have a meaningful or more meaningful contribution. Or you could look for somewhere where, alongside your current job, you can find that sense of fulfilment. OTHER ACTIVITIES Many volunteers do work that is in no way related to their paid jobs. A successful banker may work as a volunteer in pastoral care or as a soccer coach. You could also devote some of your free time to a nonprofit organisation, such as a sports club, food bank, elderly care or church. There are more than one million people involved in volunteer work with organisations that focus on helping people.

Share something from your own life. How have you found meaning and purpose in your work? And in what area do you experience this most?

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SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 11.2 • • •

Discuss the topic further. Share from your own life and what has touched you. Use the questions to guide you.

1. Share your answers from exercise 11.1 2. Share examples from your own life that witness to the power of the Holy Spirit, in which God’s Spirit took over your efforts and turned them into something truly amazing. 3. Am I focused on serving others? 4. How could I serve others? 5. What is needed for us to be able to show people in our workplace that faith is relevant in all aspects of life? 6. Do others in my workplace notice this relevance in my life? 7. How do I integrate the gospel into my work life? 8. If there were no limits in my life, I would … 9. You can also continue with action plan 11.3 and discuss the questions together. This is the last session. Pray for and bless each other.

CONCLUSION • •

•

Thank everyone for their participation in the course Ask whether people are interested in follow-up sessions or meetings. (Churches and CBMC have various other ways of staying in touch. For more information, see the course organisers) Close with prayer and a last action plan, and pass on a blessing to everyone with the following words: Go into the world, be fruitful in your work, know that Jesus has been given all the authority in heaven and on earth and that Jesus is with us all the days of our lives, to the very end of the age. The mercy of God, the love of Jesus Christ, the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit is with us, until Jesus returns.

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ACTION PLAN 11.3 1. Would you like to include some of your ideals and passion in your company’s mission statement? 2. What would this be? 3. How could you do this? 4. Reword your values and business principles in line with your ideals. 5. Discuss, if possible, with your partner, friends and family how you might be able to contribute to your community and how you could incorporate the gospel into your life in a natural way. 6. Make a ‘business plan’ to help those in your workplace learn more about Jesus.

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NOTES

Session 1 STUDIE 1 Een bijbelse visie op werk

Work Matters

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CBMC IS AN ORGANIZATION OF CHRISTIAN ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP OTHER BUSINESS PEOPLE FIND, FOLLOW AND SHARE JESUS CHRIST NOTES CBMC members do this by implementing the words of Jesus into their lifestyles, their actions and business management, and they encourage others to get to know the person of Jesus Christ. THE CBMC CHARACTER • Jesus Christ and people are central • Life changing • Committed, honest and caring • Bold and generous • Transparent and personal

Session 1 STUDIE 1

THE CORE VALUES Following and sharing Jesus Christ through: • Praying • Applying biblical principles • Living in close relationship with Jesus Christ • Adopting a serving attitude • Developing leadership and team building

Een bijbelse visie op werk

Work Matters

CBMC Nederland is part of a strong and committed international network of entrepreneurs and business people. Members of CBMC in the Netherlands meet regularly in about 100 different groups. We support the following activities: • Conferences and gatherings • Coaching and guidance for business people and entrepreneurs • The Business Alpha course, an introduction to Christianity • The course God at Work: Living Everyday with Purpose • Silence and meditation retreats and retreat weekends • Training and coaching for business people on how to live a Christ filled life • Publications by Business Contact magazine • And many other activities … For more information, please visit our website www.cbmc.nl. The CBMC motto is: ‘driven by relationships’. We emphasise with this that our focus is primarily our relationships with God, self and others. Our focus therefore is on entrepreneurs and business men and women as people, and less so on their businesses or business excellence.

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