Work politics
No one wants enemies at work. There will be people who simply oppose what we do or stand for. When the work politics gets really bad, we may be tempted to question God’s goodness or to pray for another job. It can be comforting to know that ultimately, judgment is in the hands of a fair and almighty God, not in the hands of our supervisors. Let us do what is honourable, working for the Lord, not for human masters.
(See Chinese versions: 繁體中文 > 職場政治 | 简体中文 > 职场政治 )
Colossians 3:23 NIV Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
A prayer over our work politics
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You and praise You for our co-workers. We are all made in Your image and I am sorry when we choose wickedness over godly grace and blessing.
I stand against Satan’s schemes in the workplace to rob and destroy joy, peace and harmony. In the mighty name of Jesus, I bind the spirit of witchcraft (fengshui), pride, greed and hostility in my workplace and invite the Holy Spirit to preside over us.
Proverbs 3:7–8 ESV Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Help me to see that all office politics is petty and temporary, compared to the immeasurable and eternal promises of God.
Help me to see Your purposes and the things I can learn from the work that You give me.
I choose to be spiritually mature and acknowledge that there will also be hardships in this world. May I not be self-centred about work but use work to glorify You.
John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Help me not to think evil of people, but to see them as You do. Help me not to sin by judging others and holding grudges against them.
Philippians 4:8 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Help me not to put my earthly reputation over Your name and not to idolise work. Help me not to be ashamed of standing up for godly values and principles. Help me to glorify Your holy name at work without fear – to remember that You are our ultimate boss and rewarder.
Grant me favour in ways that only You can miraculously bring about, and give me all wisdom in what I say and choose to do. Thank you that You will protect me from evil as I follow Your lead and promptings.
Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
I praise You for giving me opportunities to shine Your grace and faithfulness in spite of my fears and insecurities. May I bring Your joy and hope to others around me. Give me the perseverance to endure hardship even if it takes years to see the fruit of the labour for You at work. Thank You for never giving up on me, help me to never give up on others.
Romans 12:17-21 ESV Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
May my testimony of grace, honour and truth at work be a light on the hill in a messy world.
Matthew 5:14,16 ESV “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
In Jesus’s name, amen.”