沒有完美的工作

一家知名的製藥廠生產了一種直腸溫度計。在包裝裡面有一張使用說明書，上面印著: 每支直腸溫度計都經過人體測試和消毒。把你的工作跟這家藥廠的直腸溫度計檢測員相比，你覺得如何?

你也許會想: 我的工作雖然不是直腸溫度計測試員，但是也差不多一樣糟糕了。當我們在工作中間遇到困難或令人惱怒的事情時(我的朋友形容倒不如去吃蟲)，該如何去面對呢?

這個問題的答案有很多，但我想沒有比聖經中的例子更實用的了。我們常在聖經裡看到一個人被呼召去做他們不喜歡的工作。例如: 挪亞花了很多年建造方舟，必須忍受他那些鄰居無理的取笑。或是先知耶利米必須持續地傳達那些令人不快和失望的訊息給一點也不想悔改的以色列人。

使徒保羅寫信給歌羅西教會時提到：「 無論做甚麼，或說話或行事，都要奉主耶穌的名，藉皀他感謝父上帝。」 (歌羅西書3章17節)。即使是做一些令人不悅的工作像是在馬廄裡鏟馬糞或是直腸溫度計檢查員一樣。

如何面對艱難工作最好的榜樣就是耶穌基督自己。「因為人子來，並不是要受人的服事，乃是要服事人，並且要捨命作多人的贖價。」(馬可福音10章45節)　這裡指的是祂甘願忍受被釘十字架，不僅僅是肉體的忍耐更是用愛忍耐。在他被捉的那一夜， 他禱告說：「阿爸！父啊！在你凡事都能；求你將這杯撤去。然而，不要從我的意思，只要從你的意思。」(馬可福音14章36節)

所以當我們在職場上遇到困難的時候，應該如何反應？

知道我們不是孤獨的。 我們總以為自己是孤單一人，沒有人能夠了解我們的難處或幫助我們。但是事實是，無論環境如何艱難，我們都能向神求助。「我靠皀那加給我力量的，凡事都能做。」 (腓立比書4章13節)

相信即使是沒人想做的工作也會得到注意 。如果我們在小事上面忠心，機會就會向著我們打開，使我們能做更多的事情。「你見過辦事敏捷的人嗎？他不跟等閒之輩為伍；他將侍立在君王面前。」(箴言22章29節)

有長遠的眼光 。如果我們只是看現在的處境，就會覺得似乎是沒有指望的。但是忍耐和毅力可以帶來許多好處：「無論做甚麼，都要從心裏做，像是給主做的，不是給人做的， 因你們知道從主那裏必得基業為賞賜；你們所事奉的乃是主基督。」(歌羅西書3章23-24節)

A name-brand pharmaceutical company manufactures a rectal thermometer. Inside the box are included directions for use, and small print on the instructions sheet states, “Every rectal thermometer is personally tested and then sanitized.” How would you like to have the job of thermometer quality control inspector at that company? How does your job seem now, in comparison?

You might be thinking, “Well, I”m not a thermometer tester, but sometimes it seems as if what I have to do is nearly as bad.” How should we handle hard times at work, those vexing moments when, as a friend of mine liked to say, “I would rather eat a bug”?

There are many opinions that could be offered on that question, but I think there is no better source for practical advice than the Scriptures. We often see key individuals of the Bible called to perform distasteful tasks they would have preferred to avoid. Noah, for instance, devoted many years to building an ark, no doubt having to endure the ridicule of his neighbors. The prophet Jeremiah continually gave messages of gloom and doom to the rebellious, disobedient Israelites that had no interest in his calls for repentance.

Writing to followers of Jesus in the city of Colossae, the apostle Paul urged them, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). These people in many cases were required to perform unpleasant tasks, even shoveling horse manure in stables. Perhaps they would have preferred being thermometer inspectors!

The ultimate example of dealing with a hard job is Jesus Himself: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This refers to His crucifixion, which He willingly endured. Not that Jesus looked forward to the physical suffering He would have to endure with enthusiasm. Apart from His disciples the night before, He prayed, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).

So when confronted with difficulties of our own in the workplace, how should we respond?

We do not have to do it alone. We are tempted to think we are on our own, that no one understands our misery or can offer any help. But we can turn to God for the resources we need to continue despite the adversity. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Trust that even undesirable work will receive notice. If we are faithful in doing the little things, Jesus promised, opportunities will be opened for doing much more. “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29).

Take a long-term approach. If we focus on the present, sometimes circumstances seem hopeless. But perseverance often brings many benefits. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (Colossians 3:23-24).

© 2015. Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.