In my study of millennials, one of the more interesting articles I read was written by Stephen Greenwall; it’s titled “There will be blood, Millennial blood.”
Greenwall gives 7 reasons why employers are currently firing Millennials on a broader level. These reasons are:
- Cannot complete a task
- Attendance issues
- Interest always fizzles after the initial phases of projects, or when things get tough
- Performs well only “in fair weather”
- Isn’t jiving with the needs of the business
- Have difficulty dealing with management
- Coach-ability
These tendencies are mentioned by other writers and I’ve seen many of these characteristics in millennials myself. Yet, as B4Ters, the Word of God trumps our age, our generation, our desires even our personality and character. He who said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it,” meant it. (Luke 9:23-24)
So as a reminder to all but especially to millennial B4Ters, may I offer our Master’s rebuttal to Greenwall’s points.
- Cannot complete a task I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.(2 Timothy 4:7)> Work is worship, we don’t do tasks; but in our workmanship and our attitude we worship the King of Kings.
- Attendance issues If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two. (Matthew 5:41)
We are not only to show up on time, we are commanded to go the second mile. - Interest always fizzles after the initial phases of projects, or when things get tough Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24) Our life in Jesus is not about how we start, but how we finish.
- Performs well only “in fair weather” Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests…(Matthew 8:20) Comfort is not a priority for us, sacrifice, integrity, holiness, a life that models and reflects Jesus is.
- Isn’t jiving with the needs of the business I consider my life nothing to me…(Acts 20:24) A slave is not greater than his master – a man who is dead to himself has no needs.
- Have difficulty dealing with management The Son of Many did not come to be served, but to serve… (Mark 10:45) Respecting authority, learning from our elders, serving others – that’s who we want to be.
- Coach-ability Nearly 30 times Jesus tell His followers, “LISTEN”. We want input. Soft words, harsh words, corrective input helps us mature in Christ. Solomon adds …with many counsellors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
Paul summarizes, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:17-18) Life—it’s not about us, but about our Master.
PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for other 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.