| | Up to this point we have discussed the need for followers of Jesus to seek and prepare for positions of influence and power as discussed in Hugh Hewitt’s great little book, In, But Not Of.
Now a reminder: neither Mr. Hewitt or I believe all or even the majority of followers should choose this path, but we firmly believe that bright, articulate, spiritually sensitive young adults should not shy away from this career path.
This post will be a summary of Part III: There Is No 9 to 5—Your Life From 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. (chapters 11—30)
The next post will summarize Part IV: Your Life From 7 P.M. to 8 A.M.
If you’re a pastor…stay out of politics (Chapter 11)
Period.
If you think you’re called to be a pastor, great!
Now stay out of politics.
If you think you can weave a life of ministry and politics, you can’t.
Don’t even try.
Your church will be better served if you don’t.
So choose now: the world of the church or the world of the world.
And here’s why: ministers have zero credibility in discussions of public policy.
Yes I know it wasn’t always so.
Yes I know it’s not fair.
But it is true.
Pastors have credibility in their churches, so focus your energy there.
Jobs (Chapter 13)
I have worked many jobs, Pac Bell (15 years), Nordstrom (2) Verizon Wireless (6), MTI (2) and CellCo Club (1) and various short-term consulting jobs. My volunteer work includes a presidential campaign, the Red Cross, and two law enforcement agencies plus teaching or speaking at pastoral training schools, retreats, rescue missions, recovery homes and places I’ve forgotten. Even produced a few TV shows on our local public access station here in Whittier.
But I was only married to Lilia.
I never held a job or position longer than three years.
Usually just two.
If I picked the wrong job, I looked for another.
If I got bored, I’d looked for another position.
If I needed more money, I’d look around again.
In fact, in the 15 years I worked at Pac Bell…I quit three times!
I was hired back because I left on good terms, didn’t trash the company or my bosses and did a good job while there.
I’d leave jobs or companies for a closer commute, to learn a new skill or because I respected the person hiring me.
A job is not a life sentence.
If your stomach hurts Sunday evenings, find another job.
If you have a horrible boss, stick it out as long as possible, learn what you can and find another job. Resumes with many jobs will sometimes be more interesting than just one.
Do good work,
Leave on good terms.
Don’t steal from your employer.
Don’t date a fellow employee.
And keep track of your accomplishments (no one else will).
You Can Be Replaced (Chapter 16)
Unless you own the company, you can be replaced. You’re not that important or vital to the organization. Of all the ugly character traits a follower may posses pride is the worst. Remember your place in the world and at your job. You’ll be less annoying to everyone.
Learn to Say “I Don’t Know” (Chapter 17)
Speaking of pride, if saying I’m sorry is hard for some of us, saying “I don’t know” is nearly impossible. Try this; say, “I don’t know” when you don’t know. Even add, “I have no idea” once in awhile for good measure. It’ll do your soul some good.
Usually, folks are eager to share what they know with you. And as an added bonus, when you demonstrate genuine interest, you’ve endeared yourself to them. I can’t tell you how many doors were opened to me simply because I said, “I don’t know. Can you tell me about that?”
Say Please, Say Thank You (Chapter 18)
Buy that book and learn manners. For only $4.99 you get a hardback book that will give you a lifetime of benefits.
Help Others Succeed (Chapter 19)
If you want to be irreplaceable at your company or in life…help others succeed. Success is not a zero-sum game. The more you help others achieve theirs, the more there is for everyone. Yes I know, some ingrates will take advantage of this, but in the end you’ll win.
If you don’ t know the weak points of your position, you don’t know your position (Chapter 20)
Know Whom You Owe and Be Grateful (Chapters 22—23)
I keep nice stationery and stamps in my bag. When I recall something a person did for me (an encouraging word, a career tip, a book suggestion) I send a quick note of thanks. Two benefits: I remember I didn’t get here all on my own and second, it really brightens their day.
Think of all the folks that have helped you get to where you are: a college prof, a high-school teacher, a mentor, and an old boss. Drop them a quick “thank-you.” You’ll be amazed at the good will it will generate. Oh, by the way, be sincere. This is not a gimmicky thing.
Say Hello and Be Kind to Everyone (Chapter 27)
From the dry-cleaning clerk to the fast food server, say, “Hello.” Practice being interested in people until you really are. As C. S. Lewis once wrote: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Learn to value everyone you come into contact with and not just those who can help you.
Thanks to all you for your feedback.
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| | Posted 1/2/2006 10:48 PM - 89 Views - 16 eProps - 21 comments
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