…that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:10b
It’s amazing the lengths we’ll go to condition our physical bodies. There are gyms on every corner and greenways galore…and, even the streets are filled with runners, cross-fit trainers and bikers. Yes indeed, we go to great lengths to improve our physical health and appearance. Of course, generally speaking, this is all good because the Bible says our body is a temple (I Cor. 6:19) and we should take care of it. But, shouldn’t believers give equal effort to mind and soul, and also be vigilant about conditioning our spiritual lives? I ask you…what good is it to be strong physically but weak spiritually? A strong spiritual life will help us to endure when adversity comes (which it will); just as significantly, it will allow Christ to be exhibited in us.
Growing spiritually isn’t easy on our own but we have the Holy Spirit to help us:
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus Christ, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body (II Cor. 4:7-10).
You see, workplace believers are not exempted from adversity! The question is, how will we respond when it comes? Our response will either manifest the life of Christ or it will not. Will we give way to self-pity and be miserable? Or, will we be strong in the Lord? Perhaps today you are feeling hard-pressed, persecuted and even struck down by the circumstances in your workplace. Maybe you feel left out or all alone because you are the only believer where you work. Perhaps you didn’t get the promotion or it’s been five years since you’ve gotten a raise. Even worse, you’ve been asked to do something unethical or immoral. Whatever the case, you are facing difficulty of some kind. It is during these times that soul conditioning matters. It is the Word of God living and active in you that will help you endure it with joy, a strong witness and a right perspective.
Your workplace challenge is to get in spiritual shape so that when adversity comes Christ will shine forth from you…no matter the circumstance. Discipline your heart and mind and make soul conditioning a priority every day so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in you (vs. 10). Make today count for His Glory.