161. DO YOU NEED JOB SECURITY? Proverbs 12:11

If you think the perfect life would be the one in which you don’t have to work, then think again. God created the Garden of Eden, then He created Adam, and told him his job was to take care of it. Why? Because work gives meaning and dignity to our lives. That’s why the Bible says, in the above Proverb “Those who work will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” Presuming you are not in the latter category, lets talk about how to have “Job Security” In 2023 the unemployment rate in New Zealand was 3.6 per cent just over (100,000) workers, with statistics like those it’s easy to see why so many of us live in fear of becoming unemployed. I believe the fear of loosing one’s job is rooted in the following core fears. Lack; “How will I meet my obligations?” Inadequacy, “I’m not good enough.” Helplessness; “What do I do now?” Loneliness; “I’ll be isolated from my social network.” For some the shame and humiliation of losing a job is as devastating as the loss of income. Fretting about being fired can become a self-fulfilling prophecy because the anxiety of the situation makes you less efficient and less effective. If you live with the constant fear of losing your job, it’s time to stop worrying and start a strategy that will enhance your position on the job; or, at least assure you of a soft landing if you do get laid off. Your foremost priority must be to trust in God’s faithfulness; in (Deuteronomy 30:9-10) we read; “The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do… The Lord will delight again in being good to you… If you obey His voice.” Your first strategy therefore has to be your integrity The word in (Proverbs 21:5-6) says: “Good planning and hard work leads to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.” (1) take heed of this Scripture and endeavour to make yourself as indispensable as possible. Strive for integrity and excellence in your work, while learning as much as possible about procedures and processes beyond your area of responsibility. Be willing to help others – although not at the expense of your own effectiveness. (2) embrace the Biblical principle of authority and submission. The buck stops with the person in charge. So, determine to submit to anything asked of you that is not illegal or immoral. When possible confirm the instructions from your boss with a follow-up email including your feedback on the potential outcome. Always speak with respect. Be willing to go the extra mile. Don’t make excuses or try to cover up for poor workmanship. Getting along with your Boss is crucial, make doing so your special project. (Titus 2:9) says “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back.” (3) Know your marketability: Are you in a field with a strong demand for your skills, or do you need to educate yourself to upgrade them? If you want a raise or promotion on the job, you must be willing to invest the time and effort to do what’s necessary in order to achieve them. “ (Proverbs 10:4) tells us “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Always remain conscious of the fact that you are a representative of Jesus Christ, (Psalm 5:12) tells us “With favour you will surround him” To have job security: (1) Increase your own visibility in your particular industry. Establish contacts and relationships with others outside your company by attending industry events whenever possible. Your goal should not merely be to get by but to develop your skills so that you’ll get noticed and get ahead. Then when the time is right and you are ready, God will open doors for you. The above psalm says “You Oh Lord will bless the righteous; with favour you will surround him as with a shield.” (2) Maintain a divine perspective on your job; Remind yourself that it’s not the source of your security but one of many channels God can use to provide for you. Read the story of Elijah the prophet and how God miraculously provided for him through a raven, a brook and a single mum with just enough food for one meal at a time. God also used four different streams to water the Garden of Eden. So when you have an unmet need or a financial shortfall, ask Him to reveal different streams of income to you. Stand on these two promises (a) Philippians 4:19} “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” and (b) Timothy 1:7) “God has not given us a spirit of fear (of loosing your job) but of power and of love and of sound mind.” Fear and faith are powerful forces that seek to rule your life, one will take you in the wrong direction, the other in the right direction. So strengthen your faith by reading God’s Word, by praying and entrusting the outcomes of your life to Him. (Philippians 4:13) tells us “I can do ALL thing in Christ who strengthens me.” Loosing your job can be devastating. This is when you must keep the right perspective. Having less, doesn’t make you a lesser person. God still values you. And you must keep valuing yourself. The Christian life is one of trial and triumph. Paul writes in (Philippians 4:12-13) “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” So, what should you do if you do get unemployed? Reduce your expenses to the bare minimum. That may mean getting the bus or train or even walking to town instead of using your car, making your lunch instead of buying it or waiting until you get home for that coffee instead of dropping into your favourite cafe. You will be surprise how much you save by cutting these expenses out. Take the stigma out of being unemployed. Don’t presume that people think less of you because you’ve lost your job. People generally respond to your situation the same way you do. +They will find your enthusiasm about your next move inspiring – even though you may not yet know what it is. And we all know (Romans 8:28) “All things work out for good for those who love God and are called to His purposes.” Getting thrown in to prison, led Joseph to becoming Prime Minister of Egypt. Deuteronomy 23:5) “The Lord your God turned the curse in to a blessing for you, because The Lord God loves you.” Your God can reveal talents within you. And connections around you and open a door to a level of blessing and success you never dreamed of so trust Him, and believe your best days are ahead of you. Thank you for reading these thoughts on “Job Security” God will always reward an Honest, Pure and Humble heart. So keep yours that way, and you too I’m sure, will find a way into His Honest, Pure and Humble Heart....That has been my experience of finding the way to the heart of my Saviour.. God bless you all Phaline.