More than 26 years ago, Tim Philpot, then president of CBMC International, conceived of a weekly workplace reflection called “Manna for Monday.” At first, “manna” was faxed every Monday morning to those who requested the service, with the goal of inspiring readers to look at their roles and responsibilities in the marketplace from a biblical perspective.
Since then, the influence of Manna on Monday has grown exponentially. Using modern technology, it is distributed worldwide primarily through email and is available on the CBMC International website www.cbmcint.org (http://www.cbmcint.org/) (http://www.cbmcint.org/ (http://www.cbmcint.org/)). Thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteer translators around the world, Manna for Monday is now available in more than 20 languages and in dozens of countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
As we begin the new calendar, we hope that the use of Monday Manna will continue to grow, serving as a weekly reminder of what it means to be the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) in the global marketplace. The mission of Monday Manna can be said to be summed up in Psalm 97:3, which says, “...declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all nations.”
Over the next 12 months, we plan to continue to address real, everyday problems in the business and professional world, demonstrating the practical relevance and application of biblical teachings on these issues. Here's a quick look at what Scripture tells us about working in the 21st century marketplace, regardless of language or culture. For some this may be new information, but for others it may be a useful reminder.
We are where we are to serve God. We often evaluate our work in terms of the expectations of our superiors, clients, or company stakeholders. But the Bible says we have an even higher calling: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that as a reward from the Lord you will receive an inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).
We are called to do our work with God. When we wonder what God is doing in the world, Scripture reminds us that we are called to give our time, talents, experience, and knowledge to participate in His work. “For we are God’s fellow workers, and you are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
We have a responsibility to represent God where we work. Just as someone may represent their country as an ambassador to another country, we are called to be ambassadors for God. “We are therefore messengers for Christ, and as if God Himself were exhorting through us, we ask in the name of Christ, Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
We must reflect the changes God makes in our lives. If God is to transform our lives, it must be demonstrated outwardly—both in our relationships and in our actions. We should be known as people who see honesty, integrity, love, joy, patience, kindness, and self-control—all virtues that God possesses: “Righteousness preserves the blameless in the way, but wickedness destroys the sinner” (Proverbs 13:6).
© 2024. Robert J. Tamasi wrote Market Ambassadors: The Continuing Legacy of CBMC Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at its Best: Timeless Proverbial Wisdom for Today's Workplace; Finding Life with a Shepherd's Heart, co-authored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, co-authored with David A. Stoddard. Bob's bi-weekly blog: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Questions for reflection/discussion
NOTE. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages from the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament: Proverbs 1:7, 4:23, 6:20-23, 13:9, 14:16, 16:3, 21:2.5, 22:4,29, 25:13.
Difficult task
Exercising faith in Jesus Christ is difficult no matter what environment we work and live in. It is important to have one or more like-minded people in whom we can find support, encouragement and, if necessary, correction. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the sight of his friend.” This week, pray about what this person (or people) could become for you. If you already have such a relationship, consider how they can serve even more effectively as “ambassadors of Christ.”
