About 100 Madison pastors and business leaders gathered for breakfast at The Upper|House on Thursday, March 3, 2016, to consider lessons from the Bible on how to succeed in the work world.
As a follow-up to a similar meeting last November attendees were challenged with lessons from the life of the biblical Joseph, whose career path from shepherd to second-in-charge for the whole country of Egypt included periods of slavery and time in prison.
Al Erisman, a former Boeing executive, who now serves as Executive in Residence at Seattle Pacific University and co-chair of the Theology of Work Project, gave a presentation based on his recent book, The Accidental Executive, which is about the career of Joseph.
“There’s a lot about our work in the Bible,” Erisman said, mentioning a 5-volume commentary that The Theology of Work Project has published. The most relevant advice seems to address what happens when unexpected changes happen. “If you’re in a tough situation, we should ask, ‘What is God doing here?'” Erisman suggested. “God uses our work to shape our character.”
In the question and answer session at the end of the talk, attendees wanted to know about:
1) work/life balance
2)how to serve God in their present position
3) whether capitalism is Christian
4) how to handle difficult times on the job.
Erisman advised:
1) Work is a part of life, no matter what our job we can focus on service and by that honor the Kingdom of God.
2) God has something for each of us wherever we are at, and we should look for opportunities to serve as long as God gives us strenth. To the students present he said don’t use the excuse, “When I get out in the real world.” He told them they’re already in the real world.
3) About capitalism he said free markets are not godly, constraints are necessary. How to maintain accountability in an age of globalization is going to be a continual struggle.
4) When difficult times come remember to react in a way that honors God, and don’t be self-righteous. Recounting one of the incidents from his own life, when he endured a demotion, he acknowledged “I probably complained too much, I would react differently today.”
Erisman emphasized that the stories in the Bible have a lot to teach about the work world. More events sponsored by Upper|House, High Point Church, and Madison Marketplace Christians are anticipated in the months ahead.