Bosses

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17 NIV)

I am really enjoying my Billy Graham daily devotionals. I had another good one today. I thought I would share his thoughts with my own.

I worked in the business world for 15 years before I became a teacher. I loved it. I worked for some great companies and bosses. I worked hard to do my best for those companies and people. Sometimes I might have worked too hard. I made sure my department always stayed within budget. We were frugal in our spending. I was proud of the quality of my work and I made sure the people that worked for me represented the company in the best possible way. The people I worked with, from top to bottom felt the same way. I think that's why our companies were so successful. Now I do the same thing for my school. The teachers and administrators do the same thing. We really work hard to do what's best for kids. We're not satisfied until we get the best out of every student. We are never satisfied to lose a student. We strive ALWAYS for 100% graduation and graduating responsible, productive citizens.

My devotional asked this question: Do I work just as hard for God as I do for my school or business? I think you would agree his kingdom is worth far more  than any business or school here on Earth. He is the ultimate boss. Do I work harder for my "Earthly Boss" or my "Heavenly Boss". Which one pays me more? I get both earthly and heavenly rewards from God and nothing but earthly rewards from my school.  I say I'm a dedicated Christian, but what does it say when I work harder at my job than bringing others to Christ. Is my job more important than my relationship with the creator of the universe? Is my job more important than bringing others to know him?  I can definitely SAY no. Do my actions back up my words? 

God has given each of us wonderful gifts. I use those gifts every day when I work. God gave me my gifts for his glory and purpose. I am to serve him through everything I do. My earthly and heavenly jobs are one and the same. I need to change my priorities. That doesn't mean neglect work. It means pore myself into serving others and being the best "Jesus" people see.

Lord please help me to use my gifts for you, not just at work but in everything I do. Help me to serve others at school so they will see you through me. You mean everything to me and I beg your forgiveness when I put you second on my list of priorities. You should be number one, always. Thank you for your patience and your unwavering love for me!

Bad Boss?

1 Peter 2 (The Message)

 ^18-20You who are servants, be good servants to your masters—not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. What counts is that you put up with it for God's sake when you're treated badly for no good reason. There's no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.^21-25This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss.They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. 


Have you ever had a bad boss? Maybe one that micro-manages the whole organization? Or doesn't follow through with commitments? Maybe you have a boss that is great with computers or operating the business, but does a terrible job in relationships with employees? I have been really lucky in my career to have some great bosses. Kim Lobsiger, Brent Lehman, Matt Smith are all great principals I have worked for. They were always great at balancing the important things of life and leading their employees. But, I have had some bad bosses , too. (I won't mention their names. They MIGHT be reading this right now!)
I am not crazy about this message from Peter. I need to be a good employee even with a bad boss? Yep, that's what it says. Do you mean I shouldn't undermine them or try to create problems so they will leave? You mean I shouldn't just let them fail so they will have to get another job? Wow! That's not fair and it's also not easy to do. But we are told to be good servants. I think that means we should be good employees too, even when it involves a bad boss. If we are treated badly, that's our cue to step up our performance, not to let down. Jesus is our ultimate example. He took on everything people could do to him and never stopped being good! He took so much more than we will ever face and he set the example. If he can suffer all that he did, even up to death on a cross, we can certainly endure a bad boss. So what are we to do?
Well, Jesus prayed for those who persecuted him.  These verses tell us that we need to continue to do a great job. We can still pray for this boss. But, we need to leave the "action" to God. Jesus let God set things right and you know the rest of the story. God certainly did set things right. God will set things right with your "Bad Boss". He is in charge of all things. You can endure. God will provide the strength. If you are faithful, continue to do unto others, (even your bad boss), God will fix things. Maybe the solution is to change this bad boss. Maybe the solution is to replace him. Maybe you are to be the catalyst to change things. Whatever the final outcome, if we rely on the perfect wisdom of the creator of the universe, he will take care of us. So tonight get down on your knees and start praying that God will provide his wisdom to your Boss. Pray that God will provide the guidance. Pray that God will change your boss. Pray that God's plan  will be revealed through the situations of your life, both the good and the bad. Pray that he will provide you with the strength to be a good employee!

Dear Lord, We pray for the "Bad Bosses" in our lives. We pray Lord that you will work your perfect wisdom in their lives. We pray that these bosses will come to know you and if they do know you, they will listen to your guidance. We pray for our own wisdom in helping these people in every way we can. Provide us with guidance how to respond and strength to be a good employee in spite of the situations we face. We know you have placed us where we are. Use us in your plans. Thank you Lord for your love. Thank you for your perfect wisdom, mercy and grace. We Love you and Praise you for the life you have provided. Amen!