D Y N A M I C

Steward
the power to live to submit to abide to give to serve

October-December, 2002

The Workplace The “People” Side of It

Steven G. Rose, Undertreasurer
General Conference
application
R
ecently I went on a trip with a colleague to work on a major project. My partner
5 steps to workplace ... had met with the committee several times, but I was new to the group.
Anticipating our meetings, I pictured very serious, narrowly-focused
discussions, diplomatically hammering out details.
To my surprise, I was impressed at how personable the discussions were. Rather
youth than just discussing business, the members demonstrated genuine interest in each
others’ lives. The primary agenda items took the least amount of time. It was the
Zondervan Student Bible relational discussions that were most important. I could see that my colleague had
spent considerable time building relationships with these people.
The Lord has blessed us by giving us relationships with Him and with our fellow
humans. These relationships are extremely valuable, and, within the principles of
concept Christian stewardship, we need to focus on them carefully. We cannot separate the
importance of relationships from our everyday activities in the work environment.
In all thy ways As Christians, it is critical that we demonstrate Christ-like values in the workplace,
allowing Him to work through us as we care for others.
There are two sayings that have made a real impression on me with respect to
building positive workplace relationships:
sermons
All this, plus a paycheck
Interruptions: nuisance ... 1 “People don’t care how much one knows until they know how much one cares.”
Technical skills are crucial for carrying out our responsibilities; but sometimes
For whom do you toil? we concentrate too much on the technical aspects of the job while overlooking the
Resolving conflict “people” side of the equation. If technical competence is not united with a caring
spirit and a caring attitude, then both work assignments and relationships will suffer.

reviews 2 “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

I read this gem of wisdom several years ago in a book by Stephen Covey. We
Loving Monday often focus our energy on trying to make sure that we are understood while we miss
Daddy@Work out on truly understanding the other person’s point of view. Since communication is
Things Unseen one of the most important skills in life, if we concentrate on listening and make an
Anxiety Cure intentional effort to understand before we attempt to be understood, we would see
dramatic benefits in our workplace relationships.
Yes, my colleague has it right. When we care deeply for others and seek first to
understand, the job will be done, and the workplace will be a blessing to everyone.
Volume 6 Number 4X
application
5 Steps to Workplace Satisfaction
Fabiola Vatel, Editorial Assistant Introduction
General Conference
Stewardship Department
I t’s Monday morning. You step into your place of business wondering if you will
make it through the next hour. As you walk through the halls you hear co-workers,
obviously annoyed, grunting muffled greetings to one another.
Let’s face it, for most of us work is not enjoyable. We do it out of obligation.
However, God clearly admonishes us not only to work, but to work hard and enjoy
it (Php 2:14; Ec 9:10)! How can we reach the point where we actually look forward to
going to work?
Thomas Warney, author of Mind at Work: Improving Workplace Satisfaction
and Enjoyment (National Consultation on Career Development, 1998) outlines a set
of criteria for workplace satisfaction. In your individual or small group Bible study,
reflect on Warney’s five points. What biblical passages come to mind as you consider
these principles? Here they are in order of importance.

1. Appreciation
“This includes recognition, praise, respect, being valued, and feeling that what I do
counts.”
It is incredibly gratifying to know that we are cherished. In Matthew 25, the
parable of the talents, the master enthusiastically congratulates his servant for his
good work: “Well done good and faithful servant” (v 21). He even invites him to
celebrate. How special that servant must have felt!

2. Control
“This means having a significant amount of control over what I do, and includes
exercising responsibility, being ‘empowered’ with the opportunity to exercise choice
and be creative, and working within a team structure.”
We grow from experience. When we are allowed to make certain decisions, we
gain a stronger sense of ownership. We begin to see that our contributions make a
difference. Our interest level increases as we realize that we are indeed part of a team.

3. Good working environment

“This means surroundings and conditions that are safe, clean, healthy, and comfortable,
and support from the organization, including learning programs, health initiatives,
flexible scheduling, employee assistance programs, and wellness facilities.”
We can also assure a good working environment by readjusting our attitude.
Smiling at our co-workers, humming a soft tune as we pass through the halls or
simply waving “hello” to someone may work wonders for our surroundings. We
enjoy being around pleasant people. Why not become a pleasant person yourself?

4. Organizational integrity
“The organization has a clear vision/mission, created with significant input and
buy-in from everyone, clearly communicated to all levels. Management truly ‘walks
the talk’ by providing real support and modeling the core values of the organization.”
Have you ever heard the saying “Do as I say, not as I do?” It is hard to respect
people who do not practice what they preach. Whether you are a manager or a
secretary, as Christians it is important to remember who we ultimately work for.

2 October-December, 2002 www.AdventistStewardship.com

 youth

Whatever we do, we must do it in such

a way that God’s character is revealed
through us.
Zondervan Student
5. Reward
“Fair remuneration and benefits
Bible—Revised
tailored to what is important to the Reviewed by the staff of
individual.” Dynamic Steward
One of the best features of work is

T
the compensation! When we are paid he award-winning Zondervan Student Bible(NIV) has been completely revised!
fairly for what we’ve worked for, it The new revision includes updated notes by Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford
makes all the difference. and a new 180-day “Guided Tour.” This Bible was developed to help any
Many of us view work as drudgery, student of Scripture who has difficulty in reading and understanding the Bible.
therefore we dread every second of it. I especially like the introductory overviews to the Old and New Testaments as
That is not how our Heavenly Father well as each book of the Bible. The “Book Introductions” give insights on how to
intended it to be. He wants us to work read each book—how the book is broken down into parts, key points the author is
and enjoy it. When we are satisfied in making, and lessons to be learned.
our workplace we begin to view it as a But there is more. The “Guided Tour,” “100 People You Should Know” articles,
blessing. In turn, we bless others and the occasional “Highlights and Insights” that you encounter along the way,
through our work. enrich your understanding of what you are reading and encourage you to reflect on
what you have learned. There are also three Track Reading Plans to choose from.
I encourage anyone who wants to take this informative and inspirational tour to
buy this excellent resource.

quotes
Good leaders make people feel that they’re at the very heart of things, not at the periphery.
Everyone feels that he or she makes a difference to the success of the organization. When that
happens, people feel centered and that gives their work meaning.—Warren Bennis
Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:
for your work shall be rewarded.—II Chronicles 15: 7
Community-minded people regard hard work and service to their fellow man as a
life-long commitment, expressed on a daily basis.—Jim Turner
Even if you are the boss, adjust your attitude from “chairman” to “servant.”—Robert Wolgemuth
The wisdom of the worker is apparent in his handiwork.—Anthony of Padua
Good for the body is the work of the body, good for the soul, the work of the soul, and good for either,
the work of the other.—Henry David Thoreau
It is not doing the thing which we like to do, but liking to do the thing which we have to do,
that makes life blessed.—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Men are naturally tempted by the devil, but an idle man positively tempts the devil.—Spanish Proverb

Dynamic Steward October-December, 2002 3

concept
In All Thy Ways
Benjamin C. Maxson, Director
General Conference
Stewardship Department

T
he question startled me. “Will you be my business advisor?” Joe had tired of work was not up to standard, and the
his profession and was buying his own business. The business had a number quality of the product was starting to
of challenges, and he was asking me to be available to counsel him whenever he decline. Customers were beginning to
needed it. When I protested that I really did not have the appropriate business complain. Over a period of weeks
qualifications, he clarified what he wanted. things got worse, and Joe thought
about firing the foreman. What should
He had others to help him with the business decisions he would face. What he
he do? We explored how Matthew 18:15
wanted was someone to help him integrate God into the way he would do business.
might apply. After time in prayer, Joe
He wanted someone with whom he could reflect on God’s involvement in the new
privately confronted the foreman from the
business. More than that, he was determined to operate his business on the basis of
perspective of seeing him as a brother
biblical principles and in a Christ-like manner.
who was doing something wrong.
So we began to explore foundational principles that he could apply to the way he
Together they explored the
would run his business and work with his employees. Together, we discovered that
implications, decided on corrective
God can be just as real in the workplace as in church. Let’s explore some of these
measures, and established a time table
principles.
to follow. Six weeks later Joe told me
The first principle we discovered was that since God is really the Owner, the that applying the biblical principle not
business was His. That took a great deal of pressure off Joe. He could now function only solved the problem, it restored a
as the managing partner, managing the business for God as Owner. He also could good worker and boosted morale with
know that God was intimately interested in the details of their business. all the employees as they felt the
This insight led us to the next key principle: Whatever we do in the workplace difference. The biblical process had the
should be done to God’s honor and glory (1Cor 10:31). Since it is His business, what added benefit of earning the foreman’s
is done in the name of that business reflects on Him. Joe determined to act in such a loyalty.
way that God would be exalted and honored. He would also seek to act in the name of Joe and I discovered that bringing
the Lord, “…Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the God into the ways of doing business
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col 3:17, ESV). The could have a powerful impact on the
following verses led us to the conclusion that everything that is done in the workplace business. But it had an even greater
should be in service to Christ: impact on Joe. God became more real
to him. And I grew as a business
“Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not
counselor. Oh, I didn’t know any more
by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart,
about running a business, managing
fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and
production, making contracts, or
not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance
monitoring production. Instead, I
as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Col 3:22-24, ESV).”
learned that God wants to be involved
Since he was serving God as the Owner, Joe began to pray about daily details in in every aspect of our lives. There is
the business. Nothing was too big or too small to bring to God. Joe discovered a rich no area that is beyond His ability. He
source of practical counsel in the book of Proverbs. He now read it for insights as to can guide. He can provide. He can be
how to manage the business and the employees. real in the workplace.
Joe discovered that it was good practice to treat employees as he thought God
would. He found that after doing his best, he could leave matters in God’s hands and
not be as stressed by thinking about what still needed to be done or what should be
done differently. He found a purpose higher than simply making money or succeeding
in turning the business around. He saw his purpose in life to be serving God in daily
activities and decisions—doing God’s business, not his own.
Then came the day Joe started having problems with his foreman. The foreman’s

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 concept

This experience led me to ten key points to help us bring God into the workplace:

1. Believe that God is real and that He wants to be involved in your daily life.
2. Invite God into your life each day and bring daily issues to Him in prayer.
3. Take God with you into the workplace. He promises to be with you always
(Matthew 28:20). Practice His presence—even at work.
4. Surrender your life to God each day and seek to apply biblical principles to the The first principle we
way you live. discovered was that since
5. If you own a business, transfer the ownership of that business to God. (The
state may not recognize this transfer, but it will transform your attitude toward God is really the Owner,
the business!)
6. If you are an employee, remember, beyond serving the business, you are
the business was His.
serving God. Choose to do everything you do for Him, not just for the earthly That took a great deal of
boss or owner.
7. At the end of the day, leave things in God’s hands, do your best, and then pressure off Joe.
trust Him.
8. Ask God to give you a vision of what He wants for your life in the workplace.
9. See your work as a ministry of worship to God—serving Him in ways that
honor and exalt Him.
10. Look for ways to treat those around you as Jesus would have treated them.

stewardship
window Over and Over Again—2
“Could we!” Camille and I cried
in unison. Howard went to his car and

Y oung ministers do not make a lot of money, but I wasn’t prepared for making
less than I had made as a student. Yet, that was the case when we finished
seminary and went to pastor our first district.
brought back some food. I knew right
then that we wouldn’t starve.
Throughout that month little
Camille and I were the proud parents of a baby boy. As we sat down at the kitchen miracles continued to happen! An
table to pay our bills, we wrote the tithe check first. When we finished, we only had anonymous friend left fresh vegeta-
eight dollars left and a whole month before another check. How would we put gas bles on our front porch; a lady in our
in the car, buy formula for the baby or feed ourselves? We had no other income, church who raised hens brought us a
and the cupboard was empty. gift of two dozen eggs; a refund check
We considered holding the tithe check for a week or so. It wasn’t our bread we from our former utility company
were worried about, but our baby’s; and I was supposed to be the “breadwinner” arrived! There was always plenty for
of the family. After a heart-searching discussion and a time of prayer, we decided the baby and plenty for us! At the
that by faith we would return the tithe, pay our bills, and trust God to open doors. end of the month, we had thirty-four
We got into the car and went for a ride—a poor way to economize when we needed dollars left over. And we had only
to save gasoline! begun with eight!
When we returned, a car was parked in front of our home. It was Howard Lee,
the local Worthington Food’s representative. After we visited for a few minutes By James Gilley, Vice President
Howard asked, “Could you folks use some health food?” North American Division

Dynamic Steward October-December, 2002 5

sermon
All This, Plus a Paycheck
Stephen Chavez, Managing Editor they all got paid the same, but the one-
Adventist Review hour workers missed an opportunity to
spend 12 hours with the master. No
Introduction matter how much they work for the
landowner in the future, they will never
O ne of the great things about Jesus’ parables is that they communicate so many
truths on so many different levels. The parable of the vineyard workers (Mt
20:1-16) is a primary example.
get those 11 hours back.
Let’s imagine the conversations of
each group—the 12-hour workers, and
You remember the story: A landowner goes out early in the morning to hire then, the one-hour workers:
people to work that day in his vineyard. They settle on an amount agreeable to all,
The 12-hour workers: “I’m not
and everyone goes to work. working here tomorrow!”
Later in the day, however, the landowner finds others who are not working, hires “Yea, who does he think he is,
them, and sends them to work in the vineyard, promising to pay them “whatever is treating us no better than those one-
right.” Two more times he finds people unemployed and promises to pay them if they hour workers?”
will spend a few hours working for him. “If I’m going to work 12 times longer,
Finally, with just one hour to go until quitting time, the landowner goes out and I expect to be paid 12 times as much.”
finds still more workers standing idle. Apparently, not able to leave people inactive “You said it, brother.”
when he has work for them to do, he hires them on the spot and promises to pay them
In the meantime the one-hour
a fair wage for one hour’s work.
workers are talking among themselves:
Payday “Did you get as much as I did? I
When it’s time to get paid the workers line up, beginning with those who have can’t believe he’s so generous.”
worked the least amount of time, and ending with those who have worked all day. “Me neither, I can hardly wait to
Everyone is shocked to see those who worked one hour being paid the same wages work for him again tomorrow.”
as those who worked the entire 12-hour shift. “Me too. In fact, I’m going to tell
You can almost hear the mental calculators whirring as the 12-hour workers all my friends about this; maybe they
figure out how much their salary would be if they were paid a full day’s wages for can work for him as well.”
each hour they worked! They reason: “We worked 12 hours; aren’t we entitled to 12
days’ wages?” The days of our lives
But to their utter disbelief, those who worked three hours, six hours, nine hours, 12 Let’s face it: most of us have a kind
hours, all receive the same wage—the same amount as those who worked just one hour! of love/hate relationship with work. We
spend roughly a third of our adult lives
Imagine the disappointment of those who have worked all day. If they were paid
making a living. There are things about
12 days’ wages for one day’s work, they could take the next two weeks off! They
our jobs that we hate, things that we
could spend time with their families, take care of chores around the house, practice
tolerate and, ideally, things we enjoy
their golf swing, or take a vacation. But all they get is a day’s wage. If they want
doing—things we do well.
more, they have to work again tomorrow.
It would be nice to be paid not to
So they grumble: “‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they
work. But honestly, don’t you find that,
said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work
left to your own devices, you would
and the heat of the day’” (v. 12).
rather be active than inactive? Even on
Then the landowner gently reminds them that it’s his money, his vineyard, and vacations we rarely spend our days
his rules. He has paid them what he promised. If he wants to pay everyone the same, doing nothing. God created us to be
that’s his prerogative. active. So there is always something to
do, even if—especially if—it is some-
Fringe benefits thing we don’t have time to do when
There are a couple of things worth noting here: Although the one-hour workers we are working.
received the same salary as the 12-hour workers, the 12-hour workers got to spend The thing that brings satisfaction
12 times the amount of time with the landowner than the one-hour workers did. True, and fulfillment to our professional lives

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 sermon

is this: beyond working to make a living, working to support our families, working to
keep from being fired, our work is a way to honor God and reflect a bit of His
character to the people around us. “And work with a smile
After all, God is a working, active God. He imagined an orderly and self-sustaining on your face, always
cosmos and built it from scratch. Throughout the Bible we read about His “works,”
how He provides humanity with spiritual and material blessings in creative and
keeping in mind that no
never-ending ways. We talk about how He will finish His work in righteousness. matter who happens to be
When we take the responsibilities He has given us seriously, we reflect the glory of
the One who has equipped us to be a blessing to those we work for and with. giving the orders, you’re
I like Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of Ephesians 6:5-8: “Servants, respectfully really serving God.”
obey your masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t
just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants, doing
what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in
What would happen at the
mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God.
beginning of each day if we made a
Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are
compact with Christ, asking Him to
slave or free” (The Message).
accompany us to work and, throughout
the day, relied on His guidance to solve
It’s not just a job, it’s a calling problems and overcome challenges
When we meet someone in a social setting, one of the first questions we ask is, related to the workplace?
“What do you do for a living?” Another way of saying it is, “What is your vocation?”
The word “vocation” literally means “calling.” What we are saying is: “What is your And what would happen if, at the
calling?” end of the day, we were able to say,
“Whatever good I’ve accomplished
We usually think of a calling as being related to some kind of ministry, such as today, I want it to be for God’s glory”?
being a pastor, doctor, teacher, nurse, or evangelist. But in fact, God calls and equips
all of us so that, by the quality of our work in our vocations, He is honored and we God has given us an invaluable gift
reflect His character. in calling us and equipping us to provide
useful service to our churches and
By this definition of “calling” there is no distinction between a pastor and a communities by our vocations. Not only
piano-tuner, between a dentist and a dietitian, between a stock trader and a stock car do we get paid for doing what we’re
driver, a missionary or a mechanic. If we are doing our jobs, obeying (serving) our good at, we also have the great
masters (bosses, clients), we are involved in acts of loyalty and worship each and benefit—in the office, in the field, in the
every day. pulpit, on the assembly line, in the
And that’s one of the points in the parable of the vineyard workers: while some classroom, in the operating room, in the
obviously care more about collecting a pay check than serving the landowner, others laboratory—of standing, shoulder-to-
are captivated by the landowner’s generosity and can hardly wait to work for him shoulder, with Christ.
again. Can you imagine the one-hour workers saying, “Tomorrow I’m going to goof
off until the ‘eleventh hour,’ then I’ll work for an hour and collect a full day’s pay”?
That would show they didn’t understand the landowner at all.

For the glory of God

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) composed most of his music for worship
settings. At the beginning of each of his musical transcriptions he wrote the initials
JJ, Latin for Jesu, juve (Jesus, help me). At the end of each piece he wrote the initials
SGD, Solo gloria Deo (Solely for the glory of God). Those initials, at the beginning
and ending of each piece, indicate Bach’s dependence on God throughout the creative
processes that resulted in some of the most significant and inspirational music in the
history of civilization.

Dynamic Steward October-December, 2002 7

sermon
Interruptions: Nuisance or Opportunity?
Ken W. Smith

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President and Founder o you ever resent being interrupted? I know I do. Interruptions can be a most
Christian Stewardship Ministries unwelcome bother, but they can also be God’s way of getting our attention
and redirecting our steps for His purposes. Every one of us is interrupted
contact Ken at: www.csmin.org many times each day. And sometimes we’re the ones interrupting as well. Clearly
there are times when we need to avoid distractions. At other times, we need to be
open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. But how do we know the difference?

Avoiding unnecessary interruptions

At work or at home: Family time should be sacred. Our family adopted a family dinnertime and simply
how to make the best refused to answer the phone from 6:30 to 7:00 each night. That was before the days
of answering machines. But we never missed an important call. And we put a high
of interruptions! premium on spending quality time together as a family.
You may need similar blocks of uninterrupted time at work or at home. A secretary
or phone answering machine can help here. Or, if you must answer, be brief and tell
your caller that you cannot talk right now but that you will return the call at an
agreed-upon time later in the day.
Don’t explain why you can’t take the time to talk now. The caller may be convinced
his or her message is worthy of immediate response and may not appreciate your
priorities. You don’t want to offend the person. Simply say you’ll call back at a time
that is mutually agreeable. God has a best time for everything, and you’re just trying to
be obedient to Him as you schedule when you will handle an interruption. You always
retain the right to talk to anyone at any time. But many of us need to establish the
discipline of not talking just because the opportunity presents itself.
E-mail can really help in this situation. E-mail can enable you to avoid being an
interrupter as well. It’s great for reaching many people at once, and not interrupting
any of them! If you have this handy tool, you can provide information and request
a response—usually in less time than a phone call—and the other person can respond
when he or she is free.

Responding to telephone opportunities

Would you rather dig ditches and clean latrines than serve time as a telephone
solicitor? Most of us would, and we hate to be on the receiving end of those sales
calls almost as much as we would hate to make them.
I’ve tried every approach to handling these unwelcome calls. I was rude. I was
silent. I would lay down the phone and walk away. I would hang up. I complained to
the phone company. Nothing worked.
Then God gave me the answer. Now I look forward to getting these calls. When
a telephone solicitor phones, I ask if they will listen to me after I’ve listened to them.
They always agree.
When we’ve finished talking about what they wanted to discuss, I remind them
of their commitment to listen to me. Then I ask if they know Jesus Christ as their
personal Savior. If they answer “no,” I present the gospel. If they are local, I invite
SCRIPTURE: them to go to church with Pat and me. I give my testimony. I offer to send them a
Proverbs 3: 5, 6 Bible if they will give me their address. I was really thrilled one evening when a lady
working at a phone bank in Alabama gave her life to Christ. I only know her first
name, but I still pray for her.

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 sermon

Dealing with unexpected visitors

The same principle of dealing with interruptions works for those who are on the
home front. If you’ve developed a schedule for cleaning your house and a neighbor As often as not, the way
drops by, share your plan and offer to get together another time. Let your neighbor
know she’s important by making time for her. You’ll also have the advantage of God informs us
thinking about how you want to spend the time together. Perhaps you will have an of the differences between
opportunity to pray with a neighbor or introduce one to the Lord.
If you work in an office and you have a door, close it! You might even try a note
our plan and His
that says “Please do not disturb before 10:00 a.m.” If someone knocks, don’t answer. is through interruptions!
All but the most determined visitors will give up. If you don’t have a door, a divider
or screen around your work area will help. Place your Bible in plain sight. Most
visitors won’t interrupt you if they think you are spending time with God.
If your visitor persists, get up and walk toward them as quickly as they enter
your office or work area. Be friendly and respond politely, but briefly. If they remain Living amidst
in your office or work area, leave and move toward a neutral location like the water
cooler or copy machine. Let your guest follow you.
interruptions
Of course, there are times when
If your work setting is noisy or lacks privacy, you may want to find a place other interruptions demand immediate
than your regular work station when you want to avoid interruption. Perhaps your attention—when the baby cries, a siren
boss can help you. wails immediately behind you, or a dog
barks at midnight. I don’t believe God
Avoiding distractions wants us to worry about those
Often we’re interrupted because we welcome distractions. The first step in interruptions that are beyond our
avoiding distractions is to decide in advance that you are not looking for any, and if control. Plan your day as best you can,
one comes your way, you will resist it. but don’t expect that it will go exactly
that way. As often as not, the way God
Many people lack focus. They do not welcome distraction, but they cannot
informs us of the differences between
seem to concentrate on what they are supposed to be doing and just drift off into
our plan and His is through inter-
other things. It may be just a lack of discipline. The following suggestions may help:
ruptions!
• Try to work in an interruption-free environment. Avoid radios, TVs, stereos
As we grow in knowledge and
• Resist talking to other people grace, we learn how to distinguish
• Organize your desk or work area and keep it free of clutter between those interruptions God wants
• Establish a written plan for your time. Work from an outline us to resist and those that reflect His
real plan for us. That is called discern-
• Use a straightedge to help you read ment, and we all need to develop it. That
• Plan periodic breaks to get up and walk around, but return promptly can only come from spending quality
when it’s time time with Him on a regular basis.
• Get plenty of sleep at night
• Establish the habit of doing the same thing at the same time each day
• Keep track of your time and how you spend it
• Use a timer to break your work up into fifteen or thirty-minute segments
If you suspect you may be distracted because of a medical problem, have your
eyes and ears examined. Consult a Christian psychologist who can look at your
situation from a spiritual perspective. Or seek help from the Lord. Ask God to give
you supernatural insight into what is causing you to fall prey to distractions. Is it
disobedience in your life? Is it something that only He can reveal to you?

Dynamic Steward October-December, 2002 9

sermon
For Whom Do You Toil?
Howard Dayton, CEO
Crown Ministries First assignment

D
uring a fifty-year career the average person spends 100,000 hours working.
Howard Dayton is co-founder Unfortunately, many people just endure their work. And this is because of a
and CEO of Crown Financial worldly view of work that keeps them focused on the fact that twenty-five
Ministries, which is headquartered percent of their lives is devoted to a distasteful job. In order to find satisfaction in
in Gainsville, Georgia. our work and place ourselves in a position where we can possibly earn more income,
we need to understand what Scripture teaches about work.
Even before sin entered the human race, God instituted work. Genesis 2:15
says, “The Lord God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to cultivate
A biblical view of work it and keep it.” The very first thing the Lord did with Adam was to assign him work.
offers opportunity for Despite what many have come to think, work was initiated for our benefit in the
sinless environment of the Garden of Eden. After the Fall, work was made more
personal growth and difficult. Genesis 3:17 reads, “Cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall
evangelism. eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; and
you shall eat the plants of the field; by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread.”
Work is so important that in Exodus 34:21 God gives this command: “You shall
work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest.” The Old Testament believer
was required to work six days. In the New Testament Paul is just as direct when he
wrote in 2 Thessalonians, “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.”

A house builds a carpenter

A primary purpose of work is to develop character. For example, while the
carpenter is building a house, the house is also building the carpenter. Skill, diligence,
manual dexterity, and judgment are refined. A job is not merely a task designed to
earn money; it is also intended to produce godly character in the life of the worker.
Scripture reveals we are actually serving the Lord in our work. Colossians 3:23
says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men …
It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” This perspective has profound implications.
Consider your attitude toward work. If you could see Jesus Christ as your boss,
would you try to be more faithful in your job? The most important question you need
to answer every day is: “For whom do I work?” You work for Christ.
The Lord wants us to work hard. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all
your might” (Ec 9:10). And Proverbs 12:27 says, “The precious possession of a man
is diligence.” In Scripture, hard work and diligence are encouraged, while laziness is
soundly condemned. “He who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys”
(Pr 18:9).
But don’t overwork! Working too hard has reached epidemic proportions. A
frantic, breathless, over-commitment to work pervades our culture. Hard work must
be balanced with the priorities of our relationship with the Lord and our family.
If your job demands so much of your time and energy that you neglect your
relationship with Christ or your family, then you are working too hard; perhaps the
job is too demanding or your work habits need changing. Exodus 34:21 reads, “You
SCRIPTURE: shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time
Colossians 3:23 and harvest you shall rest.” Rest can become an issue of faith. Is the Lord able to
make our six days of work more productive than seven days? Yes! The Lord instituted
this weekly rest for our physical, mental, and spiritual health.

10 October-December, 2002 www.AdventistStewardship.com

 sermon

Responsibility 1: Honesty
Several work responsibilities that we have were modeled by Daniel. Daniel 6:4
tells us that “No evidence of corruption” could be found in Daniel’s work. He was If you could see Jesus Christ
absolutely honest, and we must be as well.
as your boss, would you
Responsibility 2: Faithfulness try to be more faithful in
The second responsibility is faithfulness. In Daniel 6:4, Daniel is described as your job? The most
“faithful.” The godly worker needs to establish the goal of being faithful and excellent
in work. Then he or she needs to work hard to attain that goal.
important question you need
to answer every day is:
Responsibility 3: Prayer “For whom do I work?”
Thirdly, the godly worker is a person of prayer. Daniel 6:10 reads, “Daniel … You work for Christ.
continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before
his God, as he had been doing previously.”
Daniel governed the most powerful nation of his day. Few will ever be faced with
the magnitude of his responsibilities and the time demands that must have been
required. Yet Daniel knew the importance and priority of prayer. If you are not praying
consistently, your work is suffering.

Responsibility 4: Honor
Fourthly, the godly employee always honors his or her superior. 1 Peter 2:18
reads, “Servants [or employees], be submissive to your masters [or employer] with
all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are
unreasonable.” One way to honor your employer is never to participate in gossip
behind your employer’s back—even if he or she is not an ideal person.

Responsibility 5: Share your faith

The final responsibility of a godly worker is sharing his or her faith. At the
appropriate time, Daniel spoke of his faith in God to those around him. Listen to what
King Darius said in Daniel 6:20: “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God,
whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
King Darius would never have known about the living God if Daniel had not
communicated his faith at appropriate moments. Daniel’s profession of faith in God
would not have as powerfully influenced King Darius if Darius had not observed
how Daniel did his work. Daniel fulfilled his responsibilities with honesty and
faithfulness while honoring those around him.

Daniel influenced his employer—one of the most powerful people in the world—to
believe in the only true God. You have that same opportunity in your own God-given
sphere of work. Let me say this another way. A job well done earns you the right to
tell others you work with about the reality of Christ. As we view our work from God’s
perspective, our potential to earn more income increases, dissatisfaction turns to
contentment from a job well done, and drudgery is replaced with excitement over the
prospect of introducing others to the Savior.

Reprinted with permission from Crown Financial Ministries, www.crown.org

Dynamic Steward October-December, 2002 11

sermon
Resolving Conflict
Steve Marr. President Introduction
Business Proverbs Management—

T
om was the pastor of counseling in a growing suburban church. Because he
a company providing biblical consult-
wanted to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals in the
ing to ministries and businesses.
congregation who came to him for marriage counseling and other personal
issues, he would frequently schedule appointments away from the church office.
To learn more, visit their website at
Often, these appointments would stretch over several hours, during which time he
www.businessproverbs.org.
was absent from the office. Unfortunately, Tom also struggled with his personal time
management, occasionally arriving late for appointments and appearing disorganized.
Over time, the administrative pastor and the church secretary, who usually had
to “cover” for the counseling pastor, became angry. Although they both agreed that
something should be done, neither was willing to confront Tom about his absences
or other problems.
Too often, even within
A year had gone by when the senior pastor finally stepped in to investigate an
the church, unresolved increasing number of complaints. When Tom defended his habits as part of his job
and seemed unwilling to change, the situation quickly became heated. Ultimately,
conflict creates the only feasible solution was to dismiss Tom.
workplace tensions Too often, even within the church, unresolved conflict creates workplace ten-
sions. Issues that should be dealt with between individuals become staff-wide or
church-wide problems. And when the principal parties won’t face the issues and resolve
the situation, the senior pastor or board of elders must get involved. In the end, failure
to resolve such conflicts affects everyone—pastors and staff, as well as parishioners.
Handling a situation like Tom’s may never be easy. On-the-job confrontations
seldom are. However, if a biblical pattern of conflict resolution had been followed,
the church would not have encountered such severe difficulties, and the pastor of
counseling could have stayed on as a productive team member.
Conflict in any organization is inevitable. Everyone has his or her own
perspective of the events and people that make up the workplace. These different
perspectives don’t always mesh. In spite of disagreement, the key to growth and
progress is to ensure that whatever the conflict, it is resolved in a positive way. The
process is just as important as the end result. Even if the ultimate solution is not
pleasant, the process of resolving the conflict can be a positive experience.
Three biblical principles govern the conflict resolution process. Implementing
these principles can avoid the potentially divisive course of having a conflict spread
throughout the congregation.

Principle 1: Deal with conflict right away

Jesus was attacked by the Pharisees many times. Each time, His strategy was to
confront the issue immediately. He never let anything “slide” for the sake of “keeping
peace.” With wisdom and enviable precision, He faced each confrontation when it
occurred.
While the memory of an incident is fresh—act quickly—because time has a way
SCRIPTURE: of rewriting the “facts.” When we hold onto an offense or delay confronting
wrongdoing, our minds build on the foundation of frustration until the whole situation
Matthew 18: 15, 16 becomes distorted. If we fail to act promptly when we have been wronged, we give
our anger an opportunity to grow and increase the chance that we will act

12 October-December, 2002 www.AdventistStewardship.com

 sermon

inappropriately when we finally do confront the issue. Most importantly, when we

fail to act quickly we lose the opportunity for immediate improvement of the
circumstances. Had either the administrative pastor or the secretary acted quickly to
resolve the conflict, the misunderstandings would likely have been alleviated and
the scheduling problems would have improved measurably. If a biblical pattern
Principle 2: Deal directly with the of conflict resolution
had been followed,
person who has offended you
Jesus tells us “If your brother sins, go and reprove him in private” (Mt 18:15,
the church would not
NASB). We must develop the biblical habit of going to the person who has erred or have encountered
wronged us. Who else can immediately change the situation?
such severe difficulties,
Explain your perspective of the issue clearly and calmly. Stick to the facts and
explain the circumstances that have caused the problem. Recommend a solution. and the pastor of
Stay positive by focusing the conversation on solutions rather than attacking the counseling could have
person or the problem. Avoid stating how you feel and how you are personally affected,
or you and your colleague could easily digress into a personal conflict. stayed on as a
If you are unsuccessful in dealing directly with the person, continue to follow productive team member.
the scriptural model and “take one or two more with you” (Mt 18:16, NASB). Talk
to your associate pastors or staff members and request a meeting to openly discuss
the issues. Remember, the only one who can effectively change the person’s behavior
is the person himself. The purpose in bringing others into the discussion is to establish
the facts of the case and bring a balanced perspective, not to exert additional pressure.
Do not fall into the temptation to discuss the issue with others just to “let off steam”—
this is gossip, and it will only make the situation worse.

Principle 3: Deal with an issue completely

Don’t leave loose ends or “wiggle room.” Make sure each person involved
understands the issue. Ask everyone to state his or her understanding of the issues.
When a solution is chosen, ask each individual to clarify his or her understanding.
Have everyone verbalize their agreement with the steps to be taken, then set a time
frame for these steps to be completed.
If future actions are to be different to avoid problems, clearly confirm the future
change. It is a good idea to document the conversation in a memorandum to avoid
further misunderstandings. A great meeting is often ruined by failing to follow through.
When you are determined to deal completely with a challenge so that it will not
resurface, a deeper issue may emerge. It is only when the real issue is addressed that
the conflict can be fully resolved; so be alert to the possibility of a deeper issue.
Tom’s desire to protect his counselees was admirable, but his methodology
wasn’t. Setting limits early on through appropriate confrontation might have averted
the year-long problem he created.
The church will never be a perfect place as long as imperfect people are involved.
But your efforts to resolve on-the-job conflict can make it a better place for everyone.
The next time difficult issues arise, remember: deal with the issue right away; speak
only with the people directly involved; and make sure the situation is resolved
completely. Then sit back and watch your church grow.

Dynamic Steward October-December, 2002 13

book reviews
Loving Monday
Reviewed by Benjamin C. Maxson, Director
General Conference Stewardship Department

J ohn Beckett’s Loving Monday is a powerful and practical book on integrating

God and faith values into everyday life. In narrative style, Beckett employs his
own journey in the business world to demonstrate the very real struggles one faces.
He shares practical tips for making God real in the workplace—thus transforming it.
The author practices his basic belief that the Bible can be used as a guide for doing
good business. His “main mission in life is to know the will of God and to do it.”
The book is organized into four sections, outlining principles and providing
illustrations of their application. Part One, “Foundations,” describes the experiences
which led Beckett to discover and develop the principles that would become the
guiding ethics for his business. Part Two, “The Big Picture,” is an extremely valuable
comparison of two philosophical perspectives. The first is common in our day,
compartmentalizing work and faith in two separate and distinct arenas—two worlds. by John D. Beckett
The second perspective integrates work and faith in a remarkable and compatible InterVarsity Press
way. Part Three, “Applications,” explores how to apply foundational truths, deeply Downers Grove, Illinois
rooted in Scripture, into every aspect of daily life. Part Four, “The Wrap-Up,” ties 1998 $15.99
things together and looks at applying these principles to people in business.
This is a book that I believe every Christian should read. It is time to integrate
faith and daily life, and Beckett has given us an excellent example of this journey.

Daddy@Work
Reviewed by the Staff of Dynamic Steward

T he title of this book did not fully prepare me for what I was about to find, but I was
pleasantly and thoughtfully surprised. Daddy@Work is about cross-training.
What does a father learn at home that he can use in his business practices, and what
does a businessman learn at work that can be of value in his parenting skills at home?
If you read this work, you will find out. Robert Wolgemuth’s approach is creative
and meaningful. The book’s subtitle is “Loving Your Family, Loving Your Job ...
Being Your Best in Both Worlds.” In other words, says the author, “You can be a
good dad and a successful businessman by being the same person in both places.”
The book is filled with stories that explain how this can happen. Wolgemuth
discusses the benefits of protecting the rights and privacy of those you work with as
well as your children, and he tells how his daughter taught him this important lesson.
He also talks about conversation—really listening, and not just waiting for a place to
jump in and take over the conversation. He speaks of affection, discipline, laughter,
faith, and conduct in both of these important worlds—always sharing lessons learned
by Robert Wolgemuth in one and carried over to the other.
Zondervan Publishing House The quotes in the book are excellent. I highly recommend this work—for both
Grand Rapids, Michigan Daddies and Mommies who care about their families and their co-workers.
1999 $ 16.99

14 October-December, 2002 www.AdventistStewardship.com

 book reviews
Things Unseen
Reviewed by Claire L. Eva, Assistant Director
General Conference Stewardship Department

M ark Buchanan’s ThingsUnseen: Living in Light of Forever is exceptional.

There are few books I’ve read of late that have been so meaningful. The author-
pastor is not only a gifted writer, philosopher, and storyteller—he is God’s man. He
describes what it means to be heavenly minded. I confess, I had not realized so many
Bible passages center in this subject. Says Mark:
“Heavenly-mindedness is sanity. It is the best regimen for keeping our hearts whole,
our minds clear…. Only those who fill their hearts and minds with heaven can want or
even recognize its earthly counterpart…. To be of real earthly good requires a certain
fearlessness: a freedom from the fear of death, from the loss of property or status or title
or comfort, from the threat of tyrants, the power of armies, the day of trouble.”
Buchanan says that “our deepest instinct is heaven. Heaven is the ache in our
bones and the splinter in our heart.” The book’s four sections are: 1) Heaven-Haunted: by Mark Buchanan
Missing Things Unseen 2) Heaven-Struck: Seeing Things Unseen 3) Heaven-Sent: Multnomah Publishers
Being of Earthly Good and 4) Heaven-Bent: Living in the Light of Forever. Sisters, Oregon
2002 $12.99
If you want to encounter a transparent, healthy honesty, feel the breeze of a
fresh new way to see, and live with eternity ever in view, you will find it here.The
Spirit working through this writing has lifted me and given me new vision, new hope.

The Anxiety Cure

Review by Dr. Delmer Holbrook
Retired President of Home Study International

A nxiety, worry, and panic attacks are leading emotional problems in our breakneck,
high-speed world. They comprise the number one emotional problem for women
and are second only to substance abuse in men. The Anxiety Cure is a very readable,
sensible text that practically covers the entire field regarding anxiety.
This book is for everyone! Whether you are a worrier or not, there are almost
certainly worriers all around you. Hart makes the point convincingly that our brains
have their own system of natural tranquilizers, and popping pills isn’t the best way
to go. The chapter, “A Seven-Week Plan for Breaking the Worry Habit,” is worth the
price of the book alone. Dr. Hart builds his message solidly on biblical principles
and reflects a lifetime of experience in counseling the worried, the fretful, and the
anxious. Read it! It could very well change your life.
by Dr. Archibald D. Hart
Word Publishing
Nashville, Tennessee
1999 US $13.99

Dynamic Steward October-December, 2002 15

resources DYNAMIC

Steward
AdventistStewardship.com
This newsletter is produced by
the Stewardship Department of
H ave you visited our website to see the resources we have available for you? All
of the Dynamic Steward (DS) journal issues are there in pdf format. Since our
last issue, this site is completely updated and each DS is listed by theme. Also, the
the General Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists. Your
components of DS—sermons, book reviews, concept articles, et cetera—are listed comments and questions are
separately. The Tithe and Offering Readings now include the readings for 2003, and welcome. This publication may
we’ve added more special documents on biblical stewardship for your study. be duplicated as needed.
Another new resource is our direct link with AdventSource so that you can
purchase the stewardship materials you need on line.
Take a look and see what’s new! We appreciate your comments. Please let us
know how we can best serve you.

editorial Exploring partnership with God

12501 Old Columbia Pike

Claire L. Eva, Assistant Director Silver Spring, MD 20904 USA
General Conference Stewardship Department voice: 301-680-6157
fax: 301-680-6155
e-mail: gcstewardship@
A re you happy in your work? With the people at your workplace? It’s difficult to
do anything “with all your might” if you feel discouraged or unappreciated
(Ec 9:10). So you ask: “What can I do about it? What can I bring to the workplace?”
compuserve.com
editor: evac@gc.adventist.org
url: www.Adventist
Much unhappiness at work comes from negative interpersonal relationships. Stewardship.com
I recently picked up a book with counsel that looked helpful. As I read, I was
disturbed, but I wasn’t quite sure why. In reflection, I realize that though the EDITOR:
author has some very good points to make, he is trying to build his philosophy by Claire L. Eva
criticizing another. Building on what’s wrong is like foolishly building on sand.
An old song says, “Nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could.” No ASSISTANT EDITOR:
sound philosophy, no doctrine, especially Christ’s doctrine, can be built from Fabiola Vatel
negativity. So where does our mission begin? EDITORIAL ASSISTANT:
Perhaps it begins with a mission statement. Did Jesus have one? I think He Johnetta Barmadia
did. He even read it aloud: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has
anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:
for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to Carlyle Bayne
proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Lk 4: 18, 19). Arnaldo Enriquez
Paulraj Isaiah
Do you have a personal mission statement? Mine is in the making. I’m listening Jairyong Lee
to some great audio tapes that encourage and direct the creation of such a statement. Jean-Luc Lézeau
The author of my tapes travels endlessly and faces more hotel room walls and Benjamin Maxson
airport lines than she can sometimes bear. But then she says, “When I feel this Leonard Mbaza
way, I just stop and recite my mission statement several times. And do you know Kigundu Ndwiga
what? It turns me around, lifts my spirits, and puts bounce back into my life. I know Mario Nino
what I am about. I am back on track and it feels wonderful.” Ivan Ostrovsky
Isn’t that what we all want?—a positive attitude and mission, conviction that Erika Puni
we, and those we work with, have personal value and that Christ is our Savior and G. Edward Reid
Supervisor! Consider what the workplace could become. Life is short. Let’s Bobby J. Sepang
“proclaim the year of God’s favor” to each other in our workplaces every day. Harold Wollan
Jean-Daniel Zuber