SALT AND LIGHT IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL WORLD

Ask any working woman.  How difficult is it being a Christian in the Marketplace?  And you will need more than a few minutes to hear her out!  With the onslaught of civil and religious lawsuits; layoffs, and media storms over politically correct language; it makes one almost afraid to say they KNOW JESUS!  Yet, there is a way  to be both Christian and Professional no matter what your career or where you work. It begins with embracing the message of empowerment and inspiration boldly taught by Christ in Matthew 5:13-16, being Salt and Light in the World.

Lorraine Blackman, PhD, LCSW and Family Life Educator is a member of my church and responded to last week's blog: The Power of Your Influence, with a presentation she gave to the Annual Conference of North American Christian Social Workers. I believe her comments are critical to the discussion of influence in our public life.  Although she is speaking to those in the field of social work, her words are poignant reminders to all Christians beginning with what she calls, The Core Values of a Social Worker. (The italicized scripture references were added).  Here is an excerpt from her powerful message:

*CORE VALUES OF A SOCIAL WORKER

• Service  (Ephesians 2:10)

• Social Justice  (Luke 4:18-19)

• Dignity and Worth   (Psalm 139:14-16)

• Human Relationships  (John 15:13)

• Integrity  (Prov. 10:9)

• Competency (Coloss. 3:23)

*BE SALT AND LIGHT AS YOU GO ABOUT YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Know the difference between your job description and that of the Holy Spirit.

(Preserve, Enhance and Keep all safe. Shine His Light into all Dark Places.)

2. Be sure of your primary spiritual gifts  and operate in them.  (Equip others for Service)

3. Follow the pattern that Christ set for us.

(Agape Love)

"So it is important to be clear about the boundaries as well as common ground between our Christianity and our profession...Enhance human well-being, provide for basic needs and BE a tool for the Holy Spirit to reconcile people to each other and to God."

Thank you, Dr. Blackman, I think you said it well!