This article was written by my dear brother Michael Tummillo, a workplace
chaplain from Stephenville, Texas.
As I watched the inauguration the other night, though I was proud of our
nation's progress in finally voting for a black President and have always
been proud of the way we peacefully transfer leadership every four years, I
couldn't help but wonder how many millions of Americans honestly believe
everything is about to get better just because a certain man is on the
scene. It's reminding me of 1 Samuel Chapter 8 when the elders of Israel
insisted to God's prophet Samuel that they had to have a king like all the
other nations had. Imagine that! These guys had direct access to God - just
as we have today - yet they preferred a human being to be their king. God
told Samuel that He WOULD give them a king but warned that he would send
their sons to war, he'd tax them silly and take their daughters, too. The bottom line: We can't put our faith and trust in any human being or
human institution. Don't do it, friends. Sadly, far too many people - most
who would profess to be Christians - are being betrayed by their own tongues
as we hear them speak emotionally about how things are going to get better
with this new Administration. I hope they do. I understand positive thinking, but I know better. May I
remind us all that mankind's only hope is in Christ Jesus. If He isn't as
real as the closest human next to us, I question the reality of that
relationship. In such a case, I guess there would be good reason to trust in
government, despite its track record going back as far as 1 Samuel 8 and
beyond. We disciples - Christians of all colors and denominations - are the
vessel of choice for our King. Unfortunately, too few are making themselves
available in the marketplace, most bound by fear of lawsuits and
terminations as they bow to that "Church 'n State" deception.
Many of the workplace-related issues that people share with me, often
through their tears and sobs, frankly, amaze me. How do they manage to
function? How can their employers expect them to work at full effectiveness
while carrying so much pain? Truth is, many are putting on their game faces
and simply "toughing it out" at work and kicking the dog - or worse - when
they get home. Others are bullying their coworkers, having extramarital
affairs, stealing from their employers, calling in sick at every conceivable
opportunity, dealing with family matters on company time, walking around in
a state of confusion, weariness, helpless and hopeless, worried sick,
suffering with bad health, and understandably watching the clock so they can
get back home and deal with things.
We are truly surrounded by a world of hurt.
Who will help them if not those who claim to know Jesus? Who will come to
their aid if those with the Spirit of Christ within them settle for an
exchange of their time for a paycheck for up to 70% of their lives,
confining their spiritual lives to church services? In essence, most of us
are hiding our light under a bushel, while neglecting the hurting mass of
humanity with whom we rub shoulders on a daily basis.
Time and time again, people in the workplace shed tears in my presence
(three times just yesterday). To me, that means they would shed tears in
YOUR presence if only you took the time. People are fearful. They're
hurting. Galatians 6:2 tells us to "Share each other's burdens, and in this
way obey the law of Christ." How's that coming along?
I don't care what their job title is or how much they earn, they would trade
all their superficial, momentary happiness for the unspeakable joy and peace
that passes all understanding that a lower-class assembly line worker who
truly knows Jesus is experiencing. The nightly news is filled with stories
of rich men cheating others in order to get richer. Why are they so
dissatisfied? They need help, too. If not us, who? If not now, when?
Reach out to someone today. Pat a back. Squeeze a hand. Pray out loud with
somebody rather than merely SAYING you'll pray - and then forgetting. Ask
"how are things with you" rather than "how ya doin'? " and look them in the
eye while awaiting their response. Love one another. This nation tends to come together during emergencies. An
attack upon our own soil, the start of an invasion, natural disasters...the
sad fact is, someone you work with is suffering through an emergency right
now. Will you help? What Will Jesus Do? He's right there, living within YOU...just ask Him.
NEED HELP? CALL ME OR SEND AN E-MAIL. NOW, SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH YOUR COWORKERS!
"PastorMike"
Mike Tummillo
Workplace Chaplain
214.476.8792
team1min@our-town.com
Thursday, January 22, 2009
We're in a world of hurt people!
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