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How can I rise above office politics?
Don't overrate the in-crowd.
James 3:5-18
Think back to your high school days. Remember how hard it was to stand apart from the crowd, to be your own person? The rule in most schools seemed to be "fit in or get out." There wasn't much room for individuals.
Unfortunately, the workplace can be strangely similar to high school. Everyone wants to be liked, everyone wants to please, and everyone wants to fit in. And while you're not likely to become an outcast for being your own person at the office, there's still not much room for individuals. Especially when it comes to office politics.
Like high school, the office atmosphere often encourages you to be ruthless, backstabbing, or cruel to get ahead. But God's way is to treat others with kindness, gentleness, and respect. You may not become CEO by following God's path, but your eternal reward will be well worth the sacrifice. (See also Deuteronomy 5:20, 21; Esther 7:1-6; Matthew 20:20-28; Galatians 5:13-16; Colossians 3:22-4:1.)
Good Words to Remember:
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17, 18
Today's Challenge:
How do you handle the pressure to fit in?
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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