Before you go back to work, read this!
A subtle reminder to all Christ Workers:
Pandemic restrictions are being lessened, and for some of us "essential" workers, that means going back to work with real adults and possibly working in an actual building. That is exciting, tremendous, and exhilarating all at once, especially if you have been working at home in cramped quarters.
Similar to when you drive off in a new car, busily wafting the smell as you drive down the road, the moment you step back at your desk will probably give you the same "high" feeling as you get back into the swing of things. Maybe that example is a bit strong, but some of you love that sort of thing. Regardless, I want to bring something to your attention:
Remember who you represent and ask for His help
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (BSB)
Before you begin your craft of data entry, accounting, sales, or whatever you do, take a minute to invite the Spirit of God to work with you while you work. After all, He is already there.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (BSB)
Despite what you may have heard, while the Spirit does attend church, He lives inside you full time. He is both with you and in you! Yes, God inhabits the praise of His people, but He also inhabits you.
While I'm sure you heard those scriptures before, it is time to start living them out like never before. Don't ignore the Spirit when you get back to work. Can you imagine being with someone all day, and they ignore you. Now realize that it is you that could be ignoring God Almighty! As terrible as that sounds, I have been guilty of that frequently.
From my repertoire of insights in living with God, I've learned that God takes this matter seriously. He wants us to take steps to involve Him in our daily activities at all points. Peter wrote it this way:
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 BSB
God has given us everything we need for our life and the art of being Godly. Let's break that down into bite-size nuggets; everything in life you need: Job, Spouse, Kids, etc. all originated from Him.
Among other things, He is the one that will be telling you what you need to know.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13 (BSB)
Just a point of clarification here. God's primary method of speaking to us is through the Word of God, and this should always be your primary go-to when it comes to God communicating with you.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and will bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you. John 14:26 (BSB)
For the occasions when specific info is not clearly outlined in the Bible, allow God to speak to your heart on the matter and also have some wise counsel to bounce off what you believe is being said to you in prayer. These types of matters involve topics like: which person to marry, or what should be done with a new job opportunity. In the case of going back to work, it may mean how you should lovingly communicate with a co-worker that is dealing with anxiety, fear, and loss of a loved one. Going to God's Word first and then talking it over with Godly people second is always a smart thing to do.
Upon your return, anticipate your co-worker's needs. They will want to be heard, affirmed, and some even consoled if they have lost a loved one to the COVID-19. Allow God to speak to your heart and guide you as you go back to your post. God loves each one of your co-workers, and we should embody that as well.
Being around co-workers again will be exciting, but realize things will be very different than they were before. Handshakes and hugging are out the window. For many of your co-workers, fear will be more apparent, and it will be demonstrated in excessive use of gloves, masks, and other PPE. They may also have "cleaning rituals" where hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes are used as security blankets. Remain kind to them; it is their way of staying safe in their mind. In time, this will pass.
Exaggerated and boisterous political leanings will be discussed like never before. Listen to your co-workers, hear their frustrations with the leadership but understand who holds the king's hearts and who changes the seasons. Politicians do not have all the power as many hold to in their beliefs. We, as Christ workers, are to pray for our leaders regardless of political affiliation and political decisions. While doing that, also pray for your co-worker's eyes to be open to these truths as well.
Although emotion and frustrations could be at an all-time high for many, you can still ask God to help you to embrace your co-workers for where they are spiritually and emotionally. You are still the salt of the earth. That did not change. Before going back into your vocation, ask God for an "open door" to share a testimony of God's goodness during the pandemic. In His time, God may provide you an opportunity to share the gospel with a co-worker. During the lockdown, a cubicle or office buddy of yours may have been experiencing the subtle work of God on their heart. As a result, God may want you to reap the harvest and bring that co-worker to Jesus.
With all the emotions that will come with going back to work, just remember you are not alone, God wants you to involve Him, and He will be your helper and strength.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
Isa 60:1