Explore how to transform the workplace by living a transformed life. Discover strategies to embody Christian beliefs in culture, face fear and risk as a Christian, and stand up for Christ. Learn about submission and fear in the public square and the roots of the abolitionist movement. Hear stories of overcoming challenges in the workplace and making a difference through righteous living and serving others.
Submitting to existing structures and embracing a third way is essential for transforming a culture.
Christians should excel at their common values in the workplace, even in the face of opposition and injustice.
Enduring suffering for doing what is good and entrusting oneself to God's judgment can positively impact coworkers and society.
Deep dives
Submitting to Existing Structures with Respect
In this podcast episode, Pastor Ben Stewart discusses the importance of submitting to existing structures, even in the face of injustice. He emphasizes that embracing a third way, rather than attacking or retreating, is essential. He uses the example of Daniel LaRusso from 'The Karate Kid' to illustrate the idea of excelling in shared values and enduring suffering to transform a culture. The goal is not to overthrow existing structures, but to lead supernatural lives within them and ultimately turn enemies into friends.
Embodying Higher Values in the Workplace
The podcast explores how believers can apply Peter's teachings about submission and fear to the workplace. It encourages Christians to excel at their common values with their coworkers, even when faced with opposition or injustice. Drawing from personal anecdotes and movie examples, the speaker emphasizes the importance of doing good and suffering unjustly for the sake of showing Christ-like behavior. The goal is to transform the culture through a transformed life.
Trusting in God's Judgment and Vindication
The episode highlights the need for Christians to trust in God's judgment and to endure suffering for doing what is good. By following the example of Jesus, who suffered and endured without retaliating, believers can show grace and integrity in the workplace. The speaker emphasizes the importance of fearing God above all else, rather than fearing human authorities. He encourages listeners to entrust themselves to God, believing that He will reward and vindicate their righteous actions.
The Power of Graceful Suffering
The podcast underscores the transformational impact of suffering for the sake of righteousness. It challenges listeners to consider the graciousness and beauty of suffering unjustly, rather than seeking revenge or retaliation. By willingly enduring hardship and exemplifying Christ-like love and compassion, Christians have the opportunity to positively influence their coworkers and society. The speaker highlights historical evidence of missionaries' influence, demonstrating how embodying transformed lives can profoundly impact culture.
Personalizing Jesus' Example
In this episode, Pastor Ben Stewart encourages listeners to personalize Jesus' example of suffering for others. He emphasizes that Jesus bore the weight of their sins on the cross, and challenges believers to follow in His footsteps. By serving and suffering without retaliation, they can reflect the love and grace of Jesus in their workplaces. The goal is for coworkers to see Jesus in their actions and be drawn to Him.
We can transform the environment around us by living a transformed life.
Continuing in our Take Heart series, Pastor Ben Stuart shows us how the people of Jesus are meant to conduct ourselves in the workplace by doing good and learning how to suffer hardships well.
Key Verses // 1 Peter 2:18-25, 1 Corinthians 7:20-24, Luke 6:27-36
— Do you feel frustrated by a pattern of personal failures, overwhelmed by a chaotic culture, or disillusioned by a lack of meaning in everyday life? Your struggles do not mean you’re doomed. They’re actually a sign that you are alive. Now it’s a question of whether you will struggle well.
Pastor Ben's new book, Rest & War, is a field guide designed to equip you to walk elegantly through the battlefield of life.
Rest & War is out now, order your copy today!
https://www.restandwar.com/ — Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: https://passioncitychurch.com/give-online — With Passion City Online you can join us every Sunday for gatherings at 9:30a + 11:30a! Join us at https://passioncitychurch.com/dc Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages https://www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc — At Passion City Church, we believe that because God has displayed the ultimate sacrifice in Jesus, our response to that in worship must be extravagant. It is our privilege, and our created purpose, to reflect God’s Glory to Him through our praise, our sacrifice, and our song.