Новые времена Go back to the homepage God's message for the global marketplace More than 26 years ago, Tim Philpot, then president of CBMC International, conceived of a weekly workplace reflection called "Manna for Monday." At first, the "manna" was faxed every Monday morning to those who requested the service, with the goal of inspiring readers to look at their roles and responsibilities in the marketplace from a biblical perspective. Since then, the impact of Manna for Monday has grown exponentially. Using modern technology, it is distributed worldwide primarily through e-mail and is available on the CBMC International website www.cbmcint.org (http://www.cbmcint.org/) (http://www.cbmcint.org/ (http://www.cbmcint.org/)). Thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteer translators around the world, Manna for Monday is now available in more than 20 languages and in dozens of countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. As we begin a new calendar, it is our hope that the use of Manna for Monday will continue to grow, serving as a weekly reminder of what it means to be "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14) in the global marketplace. You might say that the mission of Manna for Monday is summarized in Psalm 96:3, which says, "…proclaim in the nations His glory, in all tribes His wonders." Over the next 12 months, we plan to continue to address real, everyday issues in the business and professional world by demonstrating the practical relevance and application of biblical teachings on these issues. Here is a brief overview of what Scripture tells us about working in the 21st century marketplace, regardless of language or culture. It may be new information for some, and a helpful reminder for others. We are where we are supposed to serve God. Often we evaluate our work in terms of the expectations of our bosses, customers, or company stakeholders. But the Bible says we have an even higher calling: "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that as a recompense from the Lord you will receive an inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24). We are called to do our work together with God. When we wonder what God is doing in the world, Scripture reminds us that we are called to give of our time, talents, experience, and expertise to participate in His work. "For we are co-laborers with God, and you are God's field, God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9). We have a responsibility to represent God where we work. Just as someone can represent their country as an ambassador to another country, we are called to be ambassadors for God. "We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, and as though God himself were exhorting through us; in the name of Christ we ask, ‘Be reconciled to God'" (2 Corinthians 5:20). We must reflect the changes God is making in our lives. If God is transforming our lives, it must be manifested outwardly – both in our relationships and in our actions. We must be known as people in whom honesty, integrity, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control are seen-all virtues that God possesses: "Truth keeps the blameless in his way, but wickedness ruins the sinner" (Proverbs 13:6). © 2024. Robert J. Tamasi has written "Ambassadors of the Marketplace: CBMC's Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship"; "Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today's Workplace"; "Seeking Life with the Heart of a Shepherd," co-authored with Ken Johnson; and "The Heart of Mentoring," co-authored with David A. Stoddard. Bob's bi-weekly blog: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. Questions for reflection/discussion How long have you been reading Manna for Monday? What impact has it had on your life, on your desire to be a more faithful servant of God in the workplace? How would you compare or disassociate the teachings and principles presented in this weekly Manna for Monday workplace reflection with the principles and application that we see constantly in the 21st century marketplace? What does it mean to you to know or realize that you have been called to serve God at this moment? Do you believe this to be true? Why yes or why no? In Matthew 5, Jesus Christ told His followers that they were the "light of the world" and the "salt of the earth". In your opinion, what does this mean and what should it look like when performing daily tasks and responsibilities in the workplace? NOTES. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages from the Old Testament book of Proverbs: Proverbs 1:7, 4:23, 6:20-23, 13:9, 14:16, 16:3, 21:2,5, 22:4,29, 25:13. Difficult task Demonstrating faith in Jesus Christ is not easy, regardless of the environment in which we work and live. It is important to have one or more like-minded people in whom we can find support, encouragement and, if necessary, correction. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the eye of his friend." This week, pray about who this person (or people) might be for you. If you already have such a relationship, consider how they could serve even more effectively as "ambassadors for Christ."
