Matthew 5:13-16, "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
1 Peter 2:12, "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Proverbs 15:1, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
We spend more waking hours at work than any other place and probably have contact with a greater number of people through work. But what about outside of work? Jesus understood people and was a master of influence and he was always "on". He tried to retreat to the garden and hills to pray yet even then he was watch. We may not be watched as closely as He was, however we see in our news feeds every day that there is someone with a cell phone almost every place, and anything we say or do could be on the Net in a matter of seconds.
Apply at least one aspect of the VBM to the following discussion prompt:
Questions to Ponder and Respond to:
Is there a different standard of behavior at work vs not at work?
Full Answer Section
- Core Values Consistency: VBM promotes consistency in core values across all aspects of life. While specific work environments might have additional rules, the underlying values of honesty, respect, and integrity should remain constant. The behavior you exhibit at work should reflect the same positive qualities you embody outside the office.
From a Biblical perspective, this aligns with 1 Peter 2:12, which emphasizes maintaining "honorable conduct" regardless of circumstance. Your behavior, both at work and in personal life, reflects on your character and ultimately brings glory to God (your core value system).
- Positive Impact: VBM encourages maximizing positive impact on stakeholders. This extends beyond colleagues and clients. How you interact with people in everyday life (neighbors, family, strangers) also contributes to the overall value you create.
Proverbs 15:1 emphasizes a "soft answer" that turns away wrath. This principle of respectful communication translates well into both work and personal settings. By consistently striving for positive interactions, you contribute to a better environment for everyone around you.
- Long-Term Reputation: VBM focuses on long-term value creation. Your reputation is a valuable asset, and your actions, both at work and outside, contribute to how others perceive you.
The passage from Matthew 5 talks about being the "light of the world" and letting your "good works shine before others." This translates to consistently demonstrating positive values in all areas of life, building a foundation of trust and respect that benefits you in all your endeavors.
Conclusion:
While specific work environments may have additional rules of conduct, the core values of honesty, respect, and integrity should guide behavior both inside and outside the office. By aligning your actions with these principles and striving for positive impact on those around you, you can live a life consistent with VBM principles and the teachings of the Bible passages provided.