Saturday, November 1, 2014

The Joy of the Lord…at Charlotte Motor Speedway!

by
Charles Ligon

Ron’s purpose while working in a restroom at the Charlotte Motor Speedway was not wiping down sinks or restocking paper products. Instead, he was there to bring glory to God through his work. Ron had a different perspective; he worshipped while fulfilling God’s purpose for his work life. The fact that he worked in a restroom didn’t matter. It was his calling; an assignment where God had placed him to be a light-bearer and to serve with joy, enthusiasm, passion and love. I walked in and instantly observed this man of God overflowing with the joy of the Lord. He spoke to me and every patron with Christ-like kindness while humming a hymn of faith between words. It may have been the first time I’ve left a public restroom with my spirit lifted.

Jesus said, “you are the light of the world…let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:14, 16). Paul writes, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).  As believers in the workplace, we have a responsibility to be light in a dark world and to rejoice no matter what we do or where we work. God is not a “best kept secret” to be hidden. He places us in very public places (even restrooms) as His light-bearers in this world. Through joyful testimony and action, he’ll use us to lift spirits, bless and encourage others and, draw them to Himself.

Do others see Christ’s radiance and a joyful spirit in your work life? It shouldn’t matter where you work or what you do. Joy is an outpouring of gratitude for all that God has done. It flows from an intimate relationship with the One who is pure joy. Jesus said, I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit” (John 15:5). Joy is a fruit we bear.

Our workplace challenge is to be joy–full. Whether we work in the emergency room, mailroom, boardroom, classroom or restroom, our calling is to be filled with God’s deep and enduring joy. It will require we focus more on others and less on ourselves or our workplace circumstance. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). Make today count for His Glory. 

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