Dear fellow travelers,

The Covid-19 pandemic had many effects, one of which became known as the “Great Resignation,” a massive cultural shift in attitudes toward work and the workplace.  Many were finding less satisfaction and purpose in their vocation, and either quit or became less motivated, leading to another catchphrase: “Quiet Quitting.”  Of those who actually quit, some did because they were able to retire early, some quit to move to a workplace that provided a sense of purpose beyond their job description and the paycheck it provides, and some quit for various other reasons.  In response, some workplaces took stances on political or social issues not related to their business to attract those looking for purpose, which attracted some workers, but also alienated others, who might have become Quiet Quitters.

With so many changes happening, some Christians may feel increasingly like they are in exile at their workplace, but in truth, Christians everywhere were in exile in their workplace pre-pandemic and pre-Great Resignation.  This world is not our home, including where we work, so don’t expect it to be heaven.

When Judah found itself exiled in Babylon in the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah encouraged them in Jeremiah 29:7 – “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”  So, whatever workplace we find ourselves in, God has called us to seek the welfare of those around us, and pray for them, for in doing so we will find our welfare.  Even if we eventually intend to leave, we must seek the welfare of our companies and coworkers while there.  (When we are retired or not working with an employer, then we should seek the welfare of our families and communities.)

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 7:17 & 23-24, Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to serve God in the place they are:

“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches…You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.  So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.”

God has called us to our specific workplaces, not as servants of our employers, but as servants of Him.  Maybe there needs to be another cultural shift in the workplace – “The Great Consecration” – where we dedicate our work, whatever it is, to God.  Even if your employer doesn’t seem to care, or pay more for, harder work or higher quality work, the Lord notices and He is who we should care about pleasing.

As Paul wrote to the church in Colossae: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.  You are serving the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24

Soli Deo Gloria