Work & Transform
Staffing Shortages
Last week, I craved a good coffee drink. So, I hopped in the car, and hurried to the coffee shop to fill my craving. When I got there I was confronted with a sign on the door, “Due to current staffing shortages, we needed to close early.” Obviously, this wasn’t the end of the world—it was just a cup of coffee—but I’m seeing signs like this everywhere.
I’m also hearing about the struggle from employees and business owners. I have many friends who own businesses. Whenever I talk to them, the conversation quickly turns to their struggle to find employees. I also have many friends who work in factories and small businesses. They mention similar struggles. Not only are they burdened with extra work because of staff shortages, but they are also watching employees quit after two days.
An Opportunity
Typically, these conversations are seasoned with frustration—and a little complaining. I completely understand. However, as I had one of these conversations last week, a thought entered my mind. What if we stopped complaining about the situation we’re in and actually did something? What if this wasn’t the “worst thing in the world,” but an amazing opportunity for the church to bring transformation into their communities? The longer that thought has bounced around in my brain, the more convinced I’ve become. The lack of workers in our society is a tremendous opportunity for the church to shine brightly and bring transformation in their community.
Christians are Workers
Christians are called to work. It’s that simple. The command has been there from the beginning. God created Adam, then placed him in the garden to work (Genesis 2:15). And don’t forget this was before the Fall. Before sin entered the world, God created humanity to work. Yes, the Fall has made our work harder, but we are still created to work.
Throughout the New Testament, we read about working hard. The Apostle Paul repeatedly tells people to look at his life as an example of a hard worker (Acts 20:35). He also gives a command about working hard: “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” (Ephesians 4:28, ESV). He gives the Thessalonians the unpopular command: “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10, ESV).
Christians are called to work. The Bible is clear that we should not be lazy and that we should not sit back and rely on others. So, Christians can lead by example in these times, entering the workforce, working hard, showing up on time, doing a great job. Christians should lead the way in the workforce.
Christians Work Differently
Of course, working hard will help Christians shine brightly in a time when many aren’t working. However, Christians also shine in the dark world by working differently. There’s a famous passage that get’s to the core of this reality: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23–24, ESV).
Why are we working when others are relying on unemployment? Because we’re not serving man; we’re serving our Lord Christ. Why are we showing up on time and working diligently throughout the day? Because we’re not serving man; we’re serving our Lord Christ. Why aren’t we quitting our jobs when things get tough or uncomfortable? Because we’re not serving man; we’re serving the Lord Christ. Why do we treat people differently in the workplace? Because we’re not serving man; we’re serving the Lord Christ.
In a time when employers are struggling to find good employees—struggling to find any employees—Christians have a powerful opportunity to show the world that we’re different. We can show the world that we’re ready to work—and work hard—for the glory of God and the love of our neighbor. That type of work will shine in a time of darkness.
Opportunity for Transformation
With this in mind, we should also recognize that the church has a strategic opportunity before us. Our communities are filled with businesses who need workers. Our churches are filled with people who work. Why not fill those businesses with Christian workers?
To think even more strategically, why not fill ONE of those businesses with Christian workers from our churches? Can you imagine the transformation that could happen in a business if every employee was a committed follower of Christ, working diligently for God’s glory, seeking to love their neighbor as themself? I think it would utterly transform the business, which would overflow onto everyone who enters that business, which would overflow into the community around that business.
Not only are we faced with an opportunity to shine brightly as Christians in the world; God has also given us an opportunity to transform the world through by working hard for his glory. So, who in your church needs a job? What business in your community needs workers? Let’s fill them up to the glory of God and allow our Christian influence to function like light and leaven in the community.