The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity

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The art of steering

At the beginning of a new year, I find myself asking God for one thing: wisdom – specifically godly wisdom to navigate all the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. All of us can think of situations with family, friends, finance and faith that fall into these two categories.  

For many of us, work presents us with our greatest opportunities and challenges. We try to be graceful with people around us. We seek to understand and mould the culture at work. We work with bosses who sometimes get things wrong. We endeavour to find a balance between work and rest to avoid burnout. We deal with conflict and disagreement. And it all requires godly wisdom.  

As I begin to read the Bible again this year, I’m reminded afresh that wisdom is a hot topic in the Scriptures. In the book of Proverbs, I’m encouraged by the exhortation to ‘to steer [my] course rightly’ (1:5, AMP). A few chapters later, we read that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ (Proverbs 9:10). Because ultimately, the posture that leads us to wisdom is holy reverence before God – a dependence on God in every decision we make, every challenge we face, and every opportunity that arises. Then, as we move into the New Testament, we read that ‘Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God’ (1 Corinthians 1:24) and that ‘we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory’ (1 Corinthians 2:7).

So, how do we get wisdom from God?  

Firstly, we find it in Scripture – ‘the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7). Recommit to reading the Bible this year, asking God to reveal his wisdom to you and be encouraged because the Bible is full of people at work, as architects, builders, artists, farmers, soldiers. What’s more, God himself is at work, creating, redeeming, and restoring. Allow God to speak to you, equipping you for work and for life.  

Secondly, pray and ask God for wisdom. James writes ‘if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you’ (James 1:5). Be still before God and lift to him the specific opportunities and challenges you face at work. Pray for your colleagues, your boss, the conflict at work, and ask God to grow you in wisdom at work.  

Finally, walk with the wise. Proverbs 13:20 says, ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.’ You were never meant to be alone at work, but this is how many Christians feel. You are not alone – there are many people who have lots of godly wisdom to offer. The second series of the Thank God it’s Monday podcast is now available. Tune in to hear hosts Mark Greene and his daughter Anna-Marie Greene as they chat with fellow workers about their experiences and learned wisdom on conflict, boundaries and burnout, calling, diversity, and witness at work. Each episode promises to inform, guide, amuse and inspire. Even if you’re not currently working, you can listen to this podcast to help encourage and equip friends and family around you. Walk with the wise and join the conversation. 

Not only will godly wisdom help us as we seek to steer our way through work situations, but it is also a powerful witness to those around us. I pray that God equips you with all wisdom to steer your way through 2025 at work.  

Revd David Walker
Work Champion

 

New season | Thank God It's Monday podcast

Listen to brand new episodes of our podcast on work, as Mark and Anna-Marie Greene host experts to discuss workplace issues like difficult bosses, hard meetings, and setting boundaries.

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