Career Manifesto 2002

CAREER MANIFESTO – Bill Sanders – December 21, 2002

HIS WORK/MY MOTIVE AT WORK:

My work matters to God. His will is to develop in me the character of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to impact others and draw them to him. That is my ambition, to enjoy him and bring him the glory he deserves. To do this, I must live a succession of Christ-centered days.

I have the best job in the world as a slave to Jesus Christ, who is an infinitely kind and generous Master. My work is for him, my wages from him, and my position appointed by him. I serve at his pleasure, and he has the right to change my appointment when and how it suits his good purposes. The circumstances of my situation are also appointed by the Lord to accomplish his character work in me, and the people with whom I interact are my mission field. Like him, I am to meet the needs – physical, emotional, and spiritual – of the set of people in my work, customers and coworkers, as he loves them.

HIS WAY/MY WORKSTYLE:

With the Lord Jesus as my model, I am to exemplify servant leadership in my workplace. I must be thoughtful and sincere with a teachable attitude, quick to forgive and apologize, and respond under control when insulted or mistreated. I will seek through guidance by his scriptures, my conscience, and other people, to have God’s mind in decisions and to hold my career with a light touch. I will seek opportunities to share my faith.

Integrity is my most important asset, and I want Jesus to reign over my character and to develop in me an undivided heart; I will therefore be HONEST to him:

  • Honor God with my mouth – edifying, Christlike, character-driven, gracious
  • Obey authority
  • No deception – lying or stealing
  • Encourage good relationships – forgive, apologize, peaceable with others
  • Sexual fidelity – high moral standard, respect women, have my wife “on my team”
  • Trustworthy – perform my responsibilities faithfully and keep my word

HIS RESULTS/MY OUTLOOK:

  • Joy in work is more about my character than my circumstances. I will therefore pursue these five attitudes:
  • Attitude of gratitude – the root of joy
  • Attitude of enjoying God
  • Attitude of a sincere learner
  • Attitude of expectancy – each day brings new opportunities to grow and glorify him
  • Attitude of trusting God – his results may take time, but they are good and sure