This week is University Conference, and this year's theme, Omni 1:26, invites us to "come unto Christ... and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him." This profound invitation is not confined to spiritual settings but extends to all areas of life, including the workplace. By aligning our professional lives with Christ-like principles, we can experience greater wellness, engagement, and fulfillment in our work.
The phrase "come unto Christ" emphasizes a personal journey towards embodying Christ-like attributes. It encourages us to draw closer to Him through our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Offering "your whole souls as an offering unto him" suggests a commitment to live fully and authentically in accordance with His teachings. In the workplace, this means bringing our true selves—our values, ethics, and dedication—to our professional roles, not just as employees but as disciples of Christ.
Workplace wellness is often understood to include physical, emotional, and social wellness. However, spiritual wellness, grounded in our relationship with Christ, is an often overlooked but vital component. When we bring Christ into our workplace, we invite His peace, wisdom, and love into our daily tasks, which can transform our work environment and our approach to work in the following ways:
- Integrity and Ethics: Coming unto Christ means aligning our work with His teachings, which include honesty, fairness, and integrity. By making ethical decisions and treating others with respect, we create a trustworthy and positive work environment. This not only enhances our personal wellness by reducing stress and inner conflict but also fosters a culture of trust and engagement among colleagues.
- Service and Compassion: Christ's life was marked by service to others. Bringing this attitude into the workplace means looking for opportunities to help and uplift others, whether it’s mentoring a student, supporting a colleague, or going the extra mile for a client. Acts of service create a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which are key to both personal wellness and workplace engagement.
- Humility and Continuous Learning: Christ exemplified humility, a trait that is essential for growth and learning. In the workplace, humility allows us to accept feedback, learn from mistakes, and remain open to new ideas. This mindset not only enhances our skills and effectiveness but also contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Resilience and Peace: Workplaces can be stressful, with deadlines, conflicts, and challenges. By coming unto Christ, we can draw on His strength to remain resilient in the face of difficulties. His peace, which "passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7), can help us maintain calmness and clarity even in stressful situations, contributing to our overall wellness.
Practical Tips for Coming Unto Christ in the Workplace
- Start Your Day with Prayer: Begin each workday by inviting Christ to guide your actions, thoughts, and interactions. A simple prayer can set a positive tone for the day and remind you to keep Christ at the center of your work.
- Incorporate Christ-like Attributes in Your Work: Reflect on how Christ’s attributes—such as patience, charity, and humility—can be applied to your daily tasks. Whether it's in how you communicate with others or how you approach challenges, strive to emulate these qualities.
- Engage in Regular Scripture Study: Even a few minutes of daily scripture study can provide spiritual nourishment and guidance. Consider keeping a favorite verse or inspirational thought on your desk as a reminder of your commitment to living Christ’s teachings.
- Practice Gratitude: Regularly take time to thank God for your work and the opportunities it provides. Gratitude shifts your focus from stress and challenges to blessings and growth, enhancing your overall wellness and engagement.
By coming unto Christ and offering our whole souls—even in the workplace—we align ourselves with His will, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced professional life. This approach not only nurtures our spiritual wellness but also enhances our engagement and effectiveness in the work we do. Happy University Conference to all faculty, admin, and staff. May we continue striving to bring our best selves to work so we can make the biggest difference we can in our students' lives!