The clamoring pressure, the challenging people, and the multitude of projects �?is it all just another day at the office? How do we, as ambassadors of Christ, learn not only to survive, but also to flourish in the workplace? And in the process of learning to enjoy our own job, how can we reach out to those frustrated, hurting people around us, in order to better extend Christ’s hope and love?

For me, these were serious questions. After three months of unemployment, during the recent recession, I received a job proposal. After only a few weeks in my new position, additional time off work started sounding pretty good! I had come to enjoy the long, leisurely times alone with my Heavenly Father, the extra quality time with my family and friends, not to mention the availability to participate more fully in church activities. Now, although it was necessary that I work for financial reasons, I felt ungrateful for this new job �?the very job I had prayed and petitioned for! Feeling guilty about my attitude, and my ongoing struggle to keep from falling into negativity while at work, I cried out to God again �?this time for Him to show me how to be a light in the darkness of my office, and for the strength to do what He wanted to further His kingdom.

Three temptations in the workplace

Most working adults spend an average of 30 to 50 hours, per week, at their jobs. The workplace can become a home away from home, an extended family �?a dysfunctional family �?where what I call "Three C's" �?criticizing, condemning and complaining �?can unfortunately become commonplace. It is very challenging to spend day after day with people of different opinions, work styles, beliefs, and attitudes. For me it became nearly unbearable.

Deliverance from negativity

The Scripture explaining the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) came to mind as I cried out to my Savior for deliverance from my growing feelings of negativity and dissatisfaction in regard to my new, God-given, job.

Amazingly, with much of God and little of me, I converted several qualities of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control into what I promoted at work as the “Five Cs.�?These God-inspired “Five Cs�?/STRONG> made it onto the front page of our company newsletter, which was inserted into over 1,000 paychecks! These principles became the positive, to-live-by motto, around my home away from home–work. After this discovery, it didn’t really matter how or what others were doing or saying. What mattered was that I had reopened myself to the power of the Holy Spirit, who changed my heart and renewed my mind in the process! The “Five Cs�?demonstrated to my co-workers the following five key points:

1. Compassion
Learn to show concern and care for those around us. Instead of judging and condemning, why not extend a friendly or encouraging comment, or offer to help? Ask yourself, am I helpful, or hurtful? A team player, or a self-seeker? For me that meant delivering a thank-you card for a coworker who went out of her way to help me, and saying thank you…often.

2. Character
Becoming a person of character is a lifelong process, but one well worth the effort. How can we demonstrate integrity, confidence, truth, and respect? By living it! Ask yourself today; am I someone worthy of respect? Can others count on me to do and say…what I say I’m going to do? Am I trustworthy, or do I gossip and complain? "Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable," we're reminded in Romans 12:17b (NLT). For me this has meant that when my mouth opens to spew negative statements, I quickly shut it.

3. Can-Do-Attitude
Practice demonstrating energy and enthusiasm in your daily activities–enthusiasm is contagious. We may not always feel it, but something amazing happens when we smile. Putting on a positive attitude is like sprinkling a spicy, tasty seasoning mix on an otherwise boring entree–delicious! Ask, am I a person that others enjoy being around? Am I helpful, energetic? Or…do I come across as negative and uninterested? Romans 12:11 challenges us: "Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically" (NLT).

4. Confidence
Walking with confidence is not the same as walking with a cocky, know-it-all-attitude. Confidence is when we believe in ourselves, and our ability to get the job done. It means we are going to do our best and be all that we can be, everyday. Do I have confidence in my ability and skills? Our confidence does not come from us alone, but must come first from our all-powerful Heavenly Father. He is the one true source of our faith and complete confidence, with Him as our Helper, we need not fear (from Hebrews 13:6). For He does not leave us if we seek Him!(from Psalm 9:10)

5. Calmness
The waters at work can be rough and choppy, but those who are able remain calm and steadfast will be highly sought out and respected by their teammates. The disciples sought Jesus to calm the storm raging around their boat. He stopped the roaring waves with a command and His followers were in awe! (from Matthew 23-27) Ask yourself, am I a tornado roaring through the day, or a spring breeze? Most likely you, like me, will fall somewhere in-between. What a great time it is to begin to tame your stormy side!

Remember�?with God, all things truly are possible–even teaching 1,000 employees godly principles with a simple five-step plan. With Him, we can change our attitudes, thoughts, and choices. He will change our hearts, at work and home.

Maybe you're struggling with your attitude today. Or perhaps you desire to better model God's love and character to those around you. You can ask God right now to fill you with His Holy Spirit, whom He promised would guide us in all things.

Why not pray this simple prayer and by faith invite God to fill you with His Spirit:
Dear Father, I need you. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you by directing my own life. I thank you that You have forgiven my sins through Christ's death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, we would love to hear about it! Just fill out the form below and we will e-mail you some information to help you grow, as well as respond personally to your questions.

Carol Van Atta, the mother of two wonderful children, is the founder of Becoming a Warrior for Christ...One Step...(and a prayer) at a Time! She is a Christian motivational speaker and author, with a heart to serve and encourage women to be all they can be in Christ.  Visit her web site for more information and speaking topics.