- Change bosses. That’s right, recognize Jesus as your higher boss and do your work for Him. Jesus’ orders come through your job’s boss, but carry out the assignments “as if you were serving the Lord” (Ephesians 6:7, 8).
- Remember your mission. Your vocation (job) is important though temporary. Your mission is all-important and permanent. Your mission is to make God famous by what you do and how you do it (1 Corinthians 10:31) and to represent Jesus in your actions and words so people will see how irresistible He is (Matthew 28:18-20, “go” is literally “as you go”—in other words wherever you go/whatever you do). No matter how unpleasant your vocation is, you can find great fulfillment by carrying out your higher mission.
- Shock the bad guys (and laides): Jesus gave a three-part memo on how to treat those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27, 28):
- Do good for them – figure out what they need and provide it
- Compliment them (“bless”) – intentionally look for positive things (instead of the negatives you’ve been focusing on) and verbalize praise to and about them
- Pray for them – What does God want to do for them? What changes would make them happier and easier to get along with? If you were Jesus, what would you want to see happen in their lives? Ask God every day to do these things and to use you in accomplishing them.
- Develop an attitude of gratitude. Notice the good things about your job and that happen during the day and thank God for them as well as mentioning your gratitude to people around you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
- Ask someone to get in your face. Select a trusted friend who will persistently hold you accountable for practicing these things.
