As I (Clara) write this blog article, my mind switches through four distinct experiences in my professional life: my university education, the first workplace I served at, maturing in my identity in Christ, and my work now as a consultant, counsellor and mediator. Those present two different versions of me, versions I will use throughout this piece to explain the purpose-exchange perspective of being authentic at work, on the premise of the word of God as our truth and identity. Let’s get into it.
The Kenyan education system has been designed to train us all to grow in the direction of being employable and compliant with the existing professional system. That is a good thing for a developing country, especially one in the industrialisation phase. From that perspective, I am grateful for my country’s focus on standard education for all and an emphasis on equality throughout the system. I believe that this education system was heavily dependent on a functional family unit that would teach children growth mindsets, model risk-taking, train them on managing losses and getting back up, help children develop their personalities and expose these same children to different cultures, ideas, socialisations and career paths. Great, just one problem. With what money? If your upbringing was anything like mine, my parents almost spent all they had educating us. They didn’t have the surplus to spend on exposure, but what they lacked in finances, they made up for ten-fold in character development in the home. I recognise this privilege, because many Kenyans have developed by the grace of God, and I honour each person that has had to figure the basics of everything on their own; you’re a resilient star! Most of us didn’t quite understand how the fullness of who we are could fit into the job role or profession that we are trained for. That’s why we had this conversation. In the longest way possible, I have introduced this topic so that we can shortly talk about bringing the fullness of who we are to the work we do.
You are God’s Original Design
Before you were formed, God knew you. In that knowing, God then made you beautifully and wonderfully. See, you are God’s handiwork (He made you by His own hand; God’s own hand made you! Your body, mind, soul, spirit, quirks, contours, reflexes, tendencies, personality, and everything really were made by God himself. Now, when we were born again, the flesh died (our old selves), and we were born again into Christ. The truth is that God has created you and me in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ‘What does this have to do with authenticity?’ you may ask. Everything (Ephesians 2:10).
Your identity changed when you were born again, so your authentic self is in Christ. Showing up authentically means showing up as the new creation you are, walking in love and obedience as is your nature in Christ. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:22-24 to put off the old self and to be made new in the attitude of our minds, to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This means that how you define yourself and the aspects of you that you hold as authentic must be in alignment with God’s word. Let us differentiate between our true selves and our old selves, and then we will know who we truly are. On this note, I recommend a wonderful and simple book by Kenneth E. Hagin called ‘In Him’, which is attached to this post. Before I started maturing in the things of God, I used to hold my experiences as gospel truth. It was always about me, how I fit in, how I saw things, how I was, how the other person was ‘to me’; me, me, and ultimately, me. When I think back to those days, I see clearly why I was so unhappy and discontent; I was my own god. It was my ways, my experiences, my truths, my perspective and everything else that challenged that was not for (wait for it…) me. Ha! Thank God for sanctification, because now I live in the truth. Christ is my Lord. It is always about Him, and in Him, I am. So now, I define myself through Him. Nothing comes above my knowledge of God, not my feelings, experiences, situations or expectations. I have come to always bring these things to God in prayer and ask Him to refine me into who He wants me to be in that specific scenario. I bring the fruits of the spirit to my workplace, my colleagues, and my clients. Every day, they eat of God’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. Do I sometimes struggle? YES! I bring those struggles to God, and I remind myself who I am in Him, even as I pray.
Here’s a very recent example: “Jesus, I feel very critical of person Y. It’s like I stopped listening, and I started criticizing. I can even feel it in my heart right now as I speak to you about this person. What’s happening, Lord? This is not who you have made me to be. I have zero compassion or empathy for this person, but I love this person. Lord, I know because I am in you and your word is in me that I have your compassion and empathy. Please help me use it. This is an opportunity for me to work your word into my life. I want this work relationship to grow deeper, but Lord, I cannot go any further without compassion and empathy. Help me walk in love in this partnership. Help me be who you want me to be in this person’s life. I receive the compassion of Christ through this prayer. Amen.” Then, I did a little song and dance to appreciate the love of my soul.
Wisdom
Doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, with the right people and at the right place requires wisdom from God. Remember that you are the child of God; you have your father’s DNA, mind, and heart in you; that’s who you are. Now, your father formed the earth and all that is within it; He also commanded you to be fruitful and multiply. For us in the workplace that means developing civilizations and advancing in technology, science, and everything that improves the quality of life for people. Please, do not lean on your own understanding. Store the word of God in your heart, build intimacy with God and consult him on ALL things (including how you show up at work, how you’re relating with colleagues, how to manage issues that pop up and every other thing that happens as you trade. God predestined this work for you; he knows you’re going to face challenges, and he has prepared a way through them. Will you consult him, or will you figure it out on your own? Will you do things God’s way, or is it ‘your way or the highway’? You choose.
However, there is one choice that has a promise.
‘Keep this book of the law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it, and then you will be prosperous and successful.’
Joshua 1:8
Praying Continually
Create a habit of praying through all things in the ways that are natural to you. Talk to God about your day, your concerns, your plans, how you perceive things or conversations and everything in between. Choose to present the truth about your thoughts, feelings, disappointments, joys, extremities, oddities and life experiences to God as they happen. Pray in all ways and through all experiences, vocally and quietly in the heart, depending on the situation; pray.
Train yourself to pray continually. Here’s an example of a conversation I had with God this morning. “Lord, I usually work in sprints where I go hard a couple of days and have downtime after that, but I feel like some things are falling through the cracks. You’ve given me so many ideas; I wrote them down on Monday, but today is Wednesday; I haven’t even touched one. Surely, where am I missing it? Where is my energy going? I need your help. Thank you, Jesus.”
By Clara Rincuni
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