Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky,as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour in vain.
(Philippians 2:14-15)
We all know how it goes. The bus was late, it was wet, we got elbowed on the way out of the bus, and now we are sitting down to start handover and we learn that we have an extra list on today. Someone raises an eyebrow and mumbles, 'Well that's all we need!', and off it goes. Everyone has a moan and we find ourselves readily joining in to vent our petty frustrations.
Moaning and grumbling are everyday occurrences. We all do it! Have you ever been in a queue and someone barges in ahead? Have you, rather than challenge the person who barged in, turned around instead to the person behind you and moaned to them about queue jumping? It's easier to moan to a sympathetic listener than confront the actual problem.
Being salt and light at work is not always easy, and this is one of the harder ones. Do we raise concerns and issues with people directly, firmly and fairly? This may lead to an uncomfortable confrontation, or having to make an official statement - it's risky and a lot of hassle. Though the easy option of moaning may make us feel better in the short-term, over time it creates a negative atmosphere that can really sour a team or a workplace.
When you refuse not only to initiate a moan, but also refuse to join in when others moan, it shows. People notice that. If you positively counter a moan, even if it is to acknowledge there is problem but to suggest a constructive way of dealing with it, it changes the temperature.
Yes, some people may not like it, and they will soon learn not to bring you into their moans. But others will be thankful that you are someone who brings a positive attitude to problems, and will make a bee-line for your constructive advice.
Being salt and light at work starts with the small things, like not moaning. Through those small things, God works out much bigger ends.
(Philippians 2:14-15)
We all know how it goes. The bus was late, it was wet, we got elbowed on the way out of the bus, and now we are sitting down to start handover and we learn that we have an extra list on today. Someone raises an eyebrow and mumbles, 'Well that's all we need!', and off it goes. Everyone has a moan and we find ourselves readily joining in to vent our petty frustrations.
Moaning and grumbling are everyday occurrences. We all do it! Have you ever been in a queue and someone barges in ahead? Have you, rather than challenge the person who barged in, turned around instead to the person behind you and moaned to them about queue jumping? It's easier to moan to a sympathetic listener than confront the actual problem.
Being salt and light at work is not always easy, and this is one of the harder ones. Do we raise concerns and issues with people directly, firmly and fairly? This may lead to an uncomfortable confrontation, or having to make an official statement - it's risky and a lot of hassle. Though the easy option of moaning may make us feel better in the short-term, over time it creates a negative atmosphere that can really sour a team or a workplace.
When you refuse not only to initiate a moan, but also refuse to join in when others moan, it shows. People notice that. If you positively counter a moan, even if it is to acknowledge there is problem but to suggest a constructive way of dealing with it, it changes the temperature.
Yes, some people may not like it, and they will soon learn not to bring you into their moans. But others will be thankful that you are someone who brings a positive attitude to problems, and will make a bee-line for your constructive advice.
Being salt and light at work starts with the small things, like not moaning. Through those small things, God works out much bigger ends.
