Dog-Eat-Dog World
It’s the general mantra of our society
Reference: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2 NIV)
Explore: “It’s a dog-eat-dog world.” “You’ve got to fight your way to the top.” “Don’t let your competition see your weaknesses.”
While these may not be the exact phrases you hear, it’s the general mantra of our society. Our main desire is to work our way up the corporate ladder and do whatever needs to be done to get there.
Unfortunately, I hear too many stories of people moving jobs because their colleagues are nasty, their bosses don’t support them, and their work place is void of any encouragement.
Application: When I read Ephesians 4, the first verse speaks of living out your calling. I automatically thought of goal setters who were driven, focused and officious.
And yet the very next verse speaks of what God calls us to: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” That’s quite the contrast to the focus we have in the work force.
Unfortunately, in our society, we don’t often value such characteristics as humility and patience. Yet these are some of the traits that God encourages us in most.
As we strive for our goals and to fulfill our calling, let’s not lose sight of what God’s ultimate call is for us to be.
Prayer: Lord, may we strive for greatness through humility and love, rather than in pride and competitiveness. Amen.
How well are you going with your humility and love?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.