Is it possible that God is calling Christians to solve problems in the workplace? According to Os Hillman, problem solving is an important part of ministering to others at work. For a better idea of God’s purposes for us in the workplace, we can look to Jesus’ personal ministry on earth.
“Each time Jesus encountered someone, they had some type of problem; whether it be blindness, an issue of blood, needing to catch more fish, or paying their taxes. The New Testament is full of problems and the solving of problems.”
Os explains why problem solving is a key component for Christians at work.
“Society really wants their problems solved, and if you can solve their problem, you’ll have greater influence. They don’t care who solves the problems, they just want their problems solved.”
“If we, as believers, step in and are able to solve problems, then our stock goes up and people want to know more. It’s a natural byproduct of a healthy Christian life.”
Os reminds us to stay strong in our faith and extend possible solutions in the midst of problematic, stressful situations. He shares a helpful example from 2 Kings 5,
“The servant girl who worked with the king said, ‘our general has leprosy and he doesn’t know what to do. If he would just talk to the prophet Elijah, I believe that would help him.’ Ultimately, the man following the instructions and went into the lake, did what Elijah said, and he was healed.”
“Here was a little servant girl who had virtually no influence, and yet, because she was a believer in God and knew how to possibly solve a problem, I think her stock went up after that.”
We may experience opposition, but God is with us every step of the way. We can look to Moses’ testimony in Egypt for further understanding.
“Moses did everything God told him to do about warning the Israelites, but every time he’d go and have another plague, it just caused more problems for him and more persecution from his own people, until God came through in the final plague.”
“Sometimes there’s a process there that God takes us through that’s a testing ground for us. It’s also a place I’ve seen his hand work in the midst of the greatest challenges.”
Os Hillman is president of Marketplace Leaders, an organization whose purpose is to help men and women discover and fulfill God’s complete purposes through their work and to view their work as ministry.
Solutions for the workplace
