Moses and the Burning Water Cooler

Moses was a common man whose relationships distinguished him as a man of God in the eyes of his followers. An obedient and humble servant of the Lord, he accepted his 40-year assignment to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. This "job offer" wasn't his first choice, but he wasn't about to cross God.

The organization Moses led was more than twice the size of Wal-Mart, which currently leads the list of Fortune 100 companies. Moses knew he did not have all the training and experience needed for such a big job. He constantly petitioned God for advice and direction, and he freely surrendered to God's will. I recently heard someone say, "God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called." Moses was about to learn that lesson.

This organization, called the nation of Israel, lacked a strategic plan, direction, and specific goals—for more than 40 years! Moses had to repeatedly restate the "vision" God had given him, sell and resell that vision, then ultimately ask the people to have faith and trust in God's plan. He spent much of his life dealing with those who just couldn't catch the vision, but he was always a living example of faith and obedience to God—and he required that of others.

All that time in the desert, Moses held the people accountable to follow acceptable behavior, goals, and objectives, and helped them become a nation under the laws of God. Ultimately, he led this organization to the point of a strategic acquisition of the Promised Land.

As Christians in the workplace, we follow a "high calling" to live out God's purpose for our lives. On God's scales, success is not measured in riches and power, but in relationships and service to others. And often there's a personal cost associated with turning from "earthly values" to "godly values."

Relationships at work can be difficult, but God chooses to work with and through people. It is through our own relationship with God that he provides direction in our work. It is through our relationships with others we can accomplish great things and glorify God. God wants to use every person at work, regardless of level, position, or title.

It's how we let God work through us in relationship with others that distinguishes us as followers of Jesus.

As Moses knew, people can be difficult to work with. But without relationships, how will they see our good deeds? Without relationships, how will we build the bridge across which we may one day share our faith? Next time you visit the office water cooler, remember to build a relationship or two. Remember Moses.