I've seen it happen thousands of times. People get really pumped up spiritually at a retreat or event or small group, or even a church service only to be deflated the moment the walked through the doors at work. It's like someone stuck a pin in their inflated balloon. High on life in Jesus on Sunday. Just trying to keep from drowning on Monday.
I've heard the drone again and again, "I hate my job. It's so depressing. It's impossible to be a Christian in that environment." Complaints abound. Factory workers used to expound upon the notorious vile atmosphere they experienced. But I've discovered, factories aren't the only place where sordid behavior resides. Virtually every form of employment is beleaguered with inappropriate expressions, sexual innuendos and contemptible practices.
When the drone begins, I know what's coming next. People always ask me to pray that they could get a job in a "Christian" environment. My response usually surprises them. I tell them I won't pray that. I tell them I'll pray for them to be a light. I'll pray for their protection. I'll pray for their testimony. I'll pray for strength, wisdom, insights and openings, but I won't pray for them to get a job in a "Christian" environment. God put you where you are to be witness, a light, an influence, His messenger. No matter how vile the environment, God needs you there to proclaim His Good News, to offer hope.
Throughout the Old Testament, prophet after prophet are sent to dangerous, rebellious, vile arenas to challenge, to speak truth, to show the way back to God. Some of them took a real beating. A lot of them felt really alone. Some of them saw results to their call or message. Some of them were imprisoned, ignored, or persecuted.
Here in this passage, God is really honest with Ezekiel. He tells him straight up what to expect from the people to whom he's directed to go. He said to expect briers, thorns, scorpions, and rebellion. Would that be good description of your workplace? He's saying expect to be cut up, stuck, stung, criticized and ostracized if you're speaking God's message. He's not suggesting you take an adversarial role. He's talking about what to expect when you humbly but confidently proclaim God's message.
It's pretty easy for most believers after they get batted around a bit by their coworkers to go into hiding, to drop their message, to try to blend in with crowd. Who wants to live in constant controversy or aggravation or even rejection? But God says, "Open up and feed on me, my words, my promises, my truth." Don't back down. Don't give in. Allow His Spirit to flow in you. God knows perfectly well what you're experiencing. His Son went through the same thing.
God, sometimes I feel all alone as your messenger. I sometimes just want to runaway and hide like Elijah. Just get me out of this situation. Put me in one that is easy. I like preaching to choir. Yet, Lord, I know that you came into a rebellious world that rejected you. I'm not alone. I have your message of hope. Without it, the world around me will only get darker. Help me crank up my little flashlight. Refresh my batteries. I want to shine for you.
2 comments:
Many times a "Christian" environment is anything but a Christian environment. I've worked in both places and some of the worst work atmospheres I've seen over my life have been in "Christian" environments.
How does that old song go...Brighten the corner where you are!
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