For Those Who Work With People They Don't Like

Scripture Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all;

Observation: Paul felt that the community should reflect the Spirit of Christ, that they were the telling expression, for good or for ill, of how faithfully Paul had shared the gospel message.

Application: It has been said, “if you don’t like the people who work for/with you, whose fault is that?” In other words, we have influence. While none of us has (nor should have) total control, we ourselves are an important dimension in our every relationship. To that extent, we do have the ability—at least to some degree—to shape relationships, including those of the household of God. It’s a somewhat scary thought as a leader, but congregations often do reflect the characteristics of their leaders. This is one of many reasons why a personal devotional life for leaders is absolutely critical. It need not be trumpted, but it does need to be practiced. Otherwise there’s no compelling reason for anyone else to practice what is preached.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for the opportunity to be of some influence in this world. Please enable the vast majority of that influence to be for good, rather than for ill. Such things are only possible by your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: 2 Corinthians 3-6)