When you just want to quit!

Have you ever had such a bad day at work, that you just want to quit your job and walk out? You know, just pack up your stuff and leave? What is the root of that kind of frustration? I really think it’s a misunderstanding of our true role at work. So many of us grew up in households, churches or communities where we were told that true ministry work is done within the four walls of the church or overseas in some foreign country. It wasn’t until I was 40 years old that I finally understood that my workplace was my place of ministry. Well if that’s the case, then quitting my job, means quitting my ministry. 

I think it boils down to realizing that you are called to your work. The people that you work with and the job that you do – none of that is by chance. The people that you work with need to meet Jesus and you may be their only chance.  You have been placed at your workplace by God. It is your primary place of ministry outside of your home.  You spend more time there than any other place than home.

Step back and think about it. Why is it you want to quit? Is it deep frustration or a problem with a co-worker or boss?  Is it an unsafe or harassing workplace?  If it is, then it may be time to find another job if you aren’t able to impact the culture.  But what if it is a relationship issue or  boredom with a job?  When we look at our workplace as ” just a job”, then we fail to see the significance of our work. We fail to see the significance of God placing us among a bunch of His image bearers that don’t know Him yet. He chose you to impact those people with your relationship, your excellence of work and your faith story.  If you quit, who is going to pick up that job when you leave.

There is no question that we will change jobs and sometimes we need to quit an unhealthy place but how we change jobs and how we quit, that can make a big difference, too. Burning and blowing up the bridges could cause someone to have toxic feelings towards Christianity. We can’t take that chance.

So, if you feel like quitting your job, remember, you were placed there just like Paul the apostle was placed on that prisoner ship to Rome. On purpose, on time. God wants to partner with you in your work. Why? Because it is your place of ministry.

Check out the iWork4Him Nation Covenant. It outlines the steps to turning your workplace mindset into one that is a ministry mindset. You are needed. You are important. You are loved. You are there on purpose, for a purpose. 

Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Monday Morning Missions Trip

Have you ever muttered the words:

“Lord, I need a new job!” 

So has Mike Henry, founder of Follower of One. But, instead of praying for a new job, he asked the Lord where He wanted him to be. Here’s what Mike found out: 

God didn’t save me to “take me out of there” (my awful job situation), He saved me to leave me IN THERE!  

How many times have we thought a new job situation IS the ANSWER to our “problems”. When really it’s our heart and spirit that are mis-aligned?  

“There are 5 things we can all do in our work: pray for people, appreciate people, know what we believe, serve others and speak of our faith personally.” ~ Mike Henry

Now let’s take this to the next step, have you ever said to yourself, “I wish I had time to go on a mission trip.” Well guess what, you DO!  Your workplace IS your mission field. Your daily commute is your mission travel. And your workplace has been crafted perfectly by God, specifically tailored to you, and your giftings. We don’t need a passport or to learn another language.  We can all begin to view our workplace and every co-worker as “the mission”. We can prepare, pray, plan and then serve our colleagues in the same way we would as if we hopped on a plane and flew to another country. 

Charles Spurgeon, one of the most influential Reformed preachers said “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.”  So which are you? 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us: 

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

What would it take for you to start tomorrow, to shift your mindset and intentionally serve your workplace as YOUR mission field?  Hear more about this amazingly effective and powerful idea that you can implement this week and even consider joining the next Marketplace Missions trip training, and go on mission.   See you there!

Jim and Martha Brangenberg