Work can either make us or break us; it is the place where authentic Christianity can be displayed. Whether paid, voluntary, fulltime or part time, we can reflect the beauty and glory of Father God in our work.
If we are super pious on a Sunday morning, yet living a life of rebellion and disobedience during the week, that’s hypocrisy, which is what Jesus challenged the Pharisees about. The premise of Mark Greene’s classic book Thank God It’s Monday, is that we are in Christ and we are serving Him, for He is our all in all. Therefore, work can be our place of ministry where we transform society with Kingdom values and witness to our work colleagues. We can be a blessing to those around us, sharing Jesus and making Him known to all.
The book is divided into easily readable chapters. Chapters include: A theology of work, How to avoid a split personality, Building relationships in love, Getting the message out, The power of a ‘no’, A whiff of excellence is worth more than a ton of mediocrity, Relating to your boss, No hard feelings, Peace in the maelstrom, Too good to be true.
Each chapter is helpful by quoting relevant portions of scripture, providing practical suggestions, humorous incidents, case studies, illustrations, questions and answers. The book also has a final tiny section entitled Resources, with a further reading list, ethics, group work and discussions.
I would certainly recommend “Thank God It’s Monday” to any Christian whether they hate or love their work. The book is a highly influential classic, which should still challenge all of us to see our work, our co-workers, and our bosses through God’s eyes.
So this Monday morning, let’s echo this prayer at our kitchen/office/factory/ laboratory/school/ hospital door, with a resounding “GOOD MORNING LORD!!!” May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
May we keep in step with the Holy Spirit, pouring out blessings and following in Christ’s footsteps to advance His Kingdom.
- Martin Griffin
Gateway Church Ashford, is a church in Ashford, Kent, and is part of the New Frontiers movement and within the Catalyst Network sphere.