Last week, we took a close look at 7 attributes in Colossians 3:12 which as Christian women at work, we should be “wearing” in the workplace.
This week, we examine the remaining 3 to round out the series, based upon the two following verses.
“Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” (Colossians 3:13-14 MSG)
Top 10 List of Attributes to Wear at Work
8. EVEN TEMPERED: Being able to keep one’s cool under duress and keep your temper in check at work is a very desirable quality to have on display at work, which reminds me of putting on the correct “top” at work in every season and situation.
9. CONTENT WITH SECOND PLACE - similar to HUMILITY, both are rooted in not seeking popularity or position, but instead serve others without a secret agenda. As this is also an attitude which is walked out, a pair of “pants” would remind us as we pull them on one leg at a time to wear this attribute in our work place.
10. QUICK TO FORGIVE - Just as Jesus forgives us, we are to offer forgiveness quickly and 100% completely to those around us at work. Regardless of who has done what, just as Jesus does. To me, this represents our “purse” - that we would be quick to open it when we have need of what is inside, namely grace & mercy in the shape of forgiveness.
And this verse closes with a specific reminder of #2 of last week’s attributes, the most important one:
LOVE - As mentioned last week, we each get a fresh new start when we become God’s children, the foundation of which is love. This love is to visibly “coat” us wherever we are. Colossians 3:14 reminds us that love is our basic, all purpose garment which we are never to be without. Just as God is love, we are meant to display and express love wherever we are, especially when in the workplace.
TAKING THIS TO GOD IN PRAYER:
God, it is really hard to remember to put on all these attributes on a daily basis. Thank You that You are the one who equips us with everything we need when we invite you to strengthen us within. Build these attributes into us, that we would wear them wherever we go. Help me to put others first and not seek the spotlight. Give me the skill to be even tempered and keep my cool when anger or stress seek to disrupt my day. Enable me to be quick to forgive, and release all offense as soon as I can. Not only do these attributes attract others to You, but they also help me to weigh less by not carrying what I am not meant to around the workplace. May all my motivation, like Yours, be truly grounded and rooted out of love. The kind of love which changes lives for the better. In Jesus’ Mighty Name and with Holy’s Spirit empowerment, thank You Father for Your ever present love for me. Amen.
May God continue to equip us and clothe us in the wardrobe He provides, as we turn to Him to be clothed anew each day!
Blessings,
Karla Lees
Guest Blogger, Christian Women at Work