As we re-calibrate mission, our core values begin with relationships.
Why? Because Jesus began with relationships. What is the greatest commandment?
Jesus replied:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
Jesus stresses that our relationship with God and our relationships with one another are central to all we do. Life and work are not about tasks, but love – loving God, loving others. Understanding the centrality of love in Jesus’ teachings, John points out, Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7).
God is love, placing love in the center of all we are and all we do. God is love, therefore love is the most powerful force in the world. Think about this, love is not something that can be done alone, love requires relationship.
Bernadine Healy M.D. writes,
As a physician who has been deeply privileged to share the most profound moments of people’s lives, including their final moments, let me tell you a secret. People facing death don’t think about what degrees they have earned, what positions they have held or how much wealth they have accumulated. At the end, what really matters and is a good measure of a past life is who you loved and who loved you. Love is everything.
Love requires a relationship—a who and you. And our Lord makes it clear that God and others are the “who.” So B4T starts with relationships. First with Jesus, then with our family, co-workers, friends, and strangers.
Always remember: our assignment is to love people, and it is God’s assignment is to change people.
As you consider your workplace today, who can you reach out to befriend, love, build a relationship with?
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
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.