Contagious diseases are the bane of the workplace.
If one person arrives to work sick, pathogens can quickly spread through the ventilation system, across computer keyboards, and on door knobs and shared items.
Just one person can bring down the whole office.
Bad behaviors can be contagious, also. We can spoil a coworker’s good day at work by a sour frown or a poorly timed comment. It’s time for us to chuck our contagious behaviors out the window and measure up to God’s standards.
We can break down Ephesians 4:26-31 and see how it’s done.
Verse 26: In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
Anger is a natural emotion built into each of us. Being angry isn’t wrong. It will happen. The challenge is to not let our roiling emotion cause us to be reckless in how we deal with others. We need to resolve the reason for our anger in a timely and appropriate manner.
Verse 27: And do not give the devil a foothold.
Anger is self-replicating. It spreads like a disease. When we deal with it in a mature, calm manner, everyone’s day is better for it. If we stuff it into our briefcase, ready to pull out another day, the devil is one step higher on his ladder of success.
Verse 28: Anyone who has been stealing must no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Stealing isn’t just picking up a pretty that belongs to someone else. We can steal others’ time, emotions, and sense of well-being. We should keep busy doing something useful, so that others will benefit: a kind word; picking up the slack; going out of our way to help even when not asked.
Verse 29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
If we speak harshly to others of Christ, and they are offended by our criticisms, we’ve failed our Lord. If our words don’t help, they hurt. We cannot use the excuse that someone will thank us later. Kind words are the Christian’s best tool.
Verse 30: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Our reputation in Christ is the most important thing we own. It reflects on our family, our testimony, and our ability to witness to our friends and coworkers. Maintaining purity in every facet of our walk is vital. It’s in how we speak to our spouse, in keeping our bills paid, and in the television shows we watch. These things matter more than we know.
Verse 31: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Kindness is the key to this verse. We cannot show it if we don’t feel it. Whatever keeps us churned up, we must let that thing go. Yesterday is another country, and all the borders are closed. We must move into today and only allow peace and tranquility to travel with us.
Wherever our workplace is, in a downtown office, our family home, or on the streets, we can make the world a better place. Christ will be there to help us; and when we adhere to his standards, people will notice and enjoy having us around.
The peace of Christ can be the healing that shines from our face onto every hurting soul we meet.
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Code: FGO.I.12.17a.vp.niv