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Thank you Gordon - I needed this encouragement.

At work 2 weeks ago, I stated my disagreement at the direction that our "team" was heading in a project which is designed to address the disadvantages of a particular demographic group. I was employed because of my qualifications and experience in this particular area. However, the team wanted to approach the problem in a way that I believed was not appropriate, nor to the welfare of the recipients of the programme.

What I failed to take into account when I expressed my disagreement was that I was on my final wek of probation, and my supervisors would be discussing my continuance in the position.

I took a week to consider whether I would express my disagreement, and came to the conclusion that I could not live with myself if I did not state my position. The next day I turned up at work, I was advised that my probation was terminated.

Now I am at home, writing out job applications.

Upon reflection, being true to what I belived was right has cost me significantly. Worse, it was an area which I have wanted to be involved in for many years, and have been praying for an opportunity to do so. BUT, to have continued down that path that was being proposed I am sure would have treated people in a less than respectful way. I could not do that.

You finished the article with "Your integrity in your daily work is the only witness to Christ that truly matters. It may well be the only message our world can hear." It seems hard to imagine how this can possible be a witness for Christ. But I know this much, I am confident that Jesus would have objected to the situation.

Thanks

Janet McK

Gordon - I too was struck by this phrase:
"Your integrity in your daily work is the only witness to Christ that truly matters. It may well be the only message our world can hear."
It resonated so much in the light of a wonderful book I have just finished reading: Joy at Work by Dennis W. Bakke founder and former CEO of AES (The energy multinational) who argues very convincingly and Biblically for the sacredness of our daily work no matter how secular it may seem. He questions the tendency of Churches to elevate the clergy and spirituality above the laity and the practical work that most people spend their life doing. He also pointsout the need to comission people publicly for their daily work instead of exclusively focusing on those who are called to more explicit (but not superior) ministries. Well worth a read and really got me questioning a lot of the ways that we as institutional church relate to the rest of society.
Stephen (AKA Paddy-Anglican)

It's interesting to see this message of encouragement between the two "death" posts. It makes me wonder. Would there be less evil and suffering if we would all just serve God in our professions? Love God. Love our coworkers. Love our neighbors.

That sounds like a happy idyllic answer. I imagine myself hugging everyone and dancing around the office handing out flowers or something. But then the cynical part of me just says, evil would walk all over that kind of person. Which seems to be part of Gordon's point. We can't expect good actions to lead to immediate and explicit rewards. But that doesn't mean we should stop being nice to each other.

There is evil in the world. And it walks over people who try to love their neighbors. The story of Joseph suggests that faithful goodness wins in the end--even if it takes a lifetime or multiple lifetimes. I guess I just have to believe the story of Joseph is true.

(And, Stephen, Dennis Bakke rocks! TheHighCalling.org which published "The Only Witness That Matters" posted this interview with Bakke a few months back.)

I understand your reasoning and method for putting this brief part of Joseph's life in the essay to demonstrate integrity in its most naked state. However, Joseph's story ends well and I think that is testament to the long term portrait of integrity.

(And, Stephen, Dennis Bakke rocks! TheHighCalling.org which published "The Only Witness That Matters" posted this interview with Bakke a few months back.)

Thanks Mark - Enjoyed that - Great interview - it really captures the essence of the book. Stephen