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Tom Addington grew up in Hong Kong as a medical missionary's son. With a doctorate in communication, he has taught at the University of Alabama-Huntsville and the University of Arkansas. But Tom also spent a number of years driving 18-wheelers. He has partnered with Steve Graves for more than 15 years. To integrate biblical wisdom and business excellence, they together founded Cornerstone Group Consulting.

Okay, admit it. There's someone in your office who just drives you crazy. Perhaps it's the coworker who noses into every conversation you have, offering her opinion on subjects that don't involve her. Or maybe it's your boss, the man who gives you an assignment—and then takes it back three days later to rethink the direction of the project.

Have you ever thought that God uses these people to knock the rough edges off you, like sandpaper? I know that in every irritating relationship I've had, God has used those people to soften my character and bring some shine and luster to my life. God has wired us for good, healthy, relational dynamics. So when we find ourselves in a healthy environment but getting rubbed raw, we must see this as sandpaper in the hands of God.

This week's "Weekend Wrap-Up" works through God's instructions, in Romans 12, on how to respond to conflict at work, or any place else, in ways that smooth us instead of tearing us ragged.

Adapted from Deep Focus (Jossey-Bass, 2004) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Teach me, Lord, to respond to the people you thrust into my life in ways that mature me, honor You, and build Your kingdom.

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