Bringing Christianty to a Marketplace in Recession

Bringing Christianity to a Marketplace in Recession

By John Dillard

As a body of believers we are often faced with trying to figure out how the world and all
that it stands for intersects with our beliefs. Frequently it appears as if the truth has gotten
muddied and caused our view of right and wrong to be grayed. It is in these times I strive
to step back and to see the world as Jesus did and not through that solely of my own eyes.
Office politics are frequently the bane of many as the “company line” often seems to itself
diverge from the truth and actions in no way align with the truth.

No, these times are not easy but I have found that by concentrating on some of the Bible’s
truths during my workday that it is indeed easier to do it “His Way” than my way. Living in a
fallen world is not easy but Jesus promises that if we follow Him that our yoke will be light.
Taking these Biblical truths as part of your mantra will do much to help you stay focused on
the light of the Gospel and not the noise of this world.

Live in the Truth

We are constantly bombarded with media from television, radio, print, and the Internet with
those who seek to tell us that seeking our own interests is the best way or that the Bible is
not applicable to our lives today. We are often tempted to believe that much of what Biblical
scholars have written is si tuational or cultural. This leads us to falsely thinking that the Word
is solely indigenous to the times in which it was written, and in so doing lead ourselves and
others further away from what is intended. Therefore I have determined for myself that I will
always accept the Bible as the truth knowing, believing, and relying on its timeless precepts.
By predicating the entirety of our lives solely on God’s word, we cannot be led astray.

“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face
like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” Isaiah 50:7

Live in the Present

Often well before we have forgiven ourselves God has set us free from our sin based solely on
our repenting and turning from our transgressions. God will set our past as far as the east is
from the west choosing to remember them no more. Similarly are we to not live in fear, by being
unduly concerned about the future. For in truth there is nothing we can do to control the actions
of others and events in our lives and frequently, little if any, influence we can exert on what the
final outcome of events will be. Accordingly, in both our work and personal life, we are not to be
obsessed and unwisely tilted toward future events. Unequivocally we are to be wise stewards of
what we have been given and to plan for the future, but we are not to live in constant stress
about the myriad of possibilities and therefore fearful of future events. Though we are to live
expectantly and in hope for tomorrow we should live in the present being careful to enjoy the
blessings and joys of everyday living.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has
enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

Be Like-Minded

In the workplace there will be many environments that will be beyond your control. However,
there will be many that you can change by yourself and often the best way you influence these
is to “vote with your feet.” As believers we are encouraged in the New Testament to flee from
immorality. I have learned over the years that the best way to avoid trouble is to steer clear
from it and to be around those who not only believe as you do, but who also live as you do.
Seeking God’s will for you and your life is critical to how you interact with those closest to you.
However, statistics have shown that we will all spend a large majority of our lives at work.
Seeking out an employer and environment where you can survive and thrive is an admonition
that we all should take to task. I know that I am unable to avoid temptation if I have to live in it
and be around it incessantly. However, if I am able to seek out fellow Christians and think about
the truths of God will I have the best chance of success. Writing God’s name on my heart, my
mind, my work world and the whole of my life enables me to keep his precepts at the forefront
of my mind.

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates
day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).

Living in Confidence

In Romans 8:31 we are encouraged by the Apostle Paul’s words “if God is for us, then who can be
against us?” Knowing that right will ultimately prevail enables me to get through the toughest of
situations with my dignity and faith intact. Finding a verse or two that I can constantly bring to
mind will help me be reminded that as Christians, we are overcomers. In fact, we have already
won; God guarantees it. He will never leave our side even in our darkest hours and will walk along
side, in front of us, and uplifting us through all of life’s toughest trials. During these tough economic
times our ability to provide for our family and the very livelihood of our business will be tested, and
we need the power and strength of the Holy Spirit to stand tall in the face of adversity.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of
whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies
and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not
fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident” (Psalm 27:1-3).

Being Still

There is perhaps no greater charge or larger challenge for the believer than to be still in the face of
adversity. For whether you own your own business or work for someone else, you will find yourself
in situations which are not fair, where you have been falsely accused, or threatened. These threats
may be real or veiled, emotional or physical, financial or impugn your very integrity. I have often
found myself when attacked trying, in my own power, to find a way out, to explain what happened
or to fix the situation myself. Frequently in so doing I have made a bad decision much worse than
would have occurred if I had relied upon the Holy Spirit for guidance. As I have grown spiritually I
have learned that my way is not the best way and that I do indeed serve a Sovereign God. My God
is large and in charge and will do as He pleases being sure that God will handle situations the way
He desires. I have learned to take my problems to God acknowledging there is a big obstacle ahead
and then to say in reverence, “you [God] have a big problem, what are you going to do about it, and
do you need me?”

Often all God wants us to do is to be still and to wait on his hand and divine guidance. When
Israelites were backed up against the Red Sea with the might of the Egyptian army, they were
very afraid as their very lives were at risk. It was at this time God spoke m ightily to them.

“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the
Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight
for you; you need only to be still’” (Exodus 14:13-14).

I know that this world is not easy, but I am encouraged that God tells us that we do not belong to
it; that we belong to Him. As I live my day in the working world and in my business I strive to keep
at the forefront of my mind these Biblical truths which both strengthen me and give me hope to
overcome all that challenges me. I know if I can stay true to the course God has set out for me and
my life that indeed He will live through and with me. Go therefore into the workplace and be encouraged
in the good news of Jesus Christ.

John Dillard is an author and CPA, He and his family are members of Perimeter Church in Duluth, Georgia. They have two children who are fifteen and eleven years old. He has practiced as a CPA for twenty-five years and his firm tailors their services to the needs of business clients. He can be reached at www.John-Dillard.com and www.HisCPA.com.