Subscription Lists
Quiet Time
by Kasia Kedzia
At work I am often put in situations where the expectation is for me to lie. No one ever says point blank, “Kasia lie.” But I can get directions to, “Just say …” When I was put in yet another one of these politically sticky situations I really had to fight to tell the truth and not be deceptive, or coy, or even play on words to give a sense of falsehood. It is possible to be honest and tell the truth and not be manipulative and still reap beneficial results. After all God is so much bigger then the situation and I must trust that he will bring about a victory if I strive to obey his commands. This also means that I need to really be diligent in my work so that when I do make a mistake or “drop the ball” (as I am human and will do) I can take responsibility for it knowing that I have many more success then mistakes behind me. Most importantly that I have God with me.
Being honest and a woman of integrity was difficult during a project I working on a short while ago. Yet, with a little extra effort, I was able to use discernment and be diplomatic, build someone up, and challenge them without resorting to lying or "playing dirty.” The first few times I was placed in these types of situations, I failed. I gave into fear and did not stand up for integrity. This led me to study out wisdom and Lordship.
Every day I am faced with decisions and have to ask ‘Who am I going to make Lord of my life?’ If I lie, I am making my boss Lord. If I tell the truth I am making Jesus Lord and taking up my cross.
In order to apply this Lordship I need wisdom. These situations are not always so cut and dry and I must be able to respect my superiors and those around me as well as hold to my convictions. This requires much wisdom.
Matt 10:37-39 (The Message) 37 If you prefer father or mother over me, you don't deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don't deserve me. 38 "If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. 39 If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.
The most important words I can speak are ones that explain my faith to anyone who asks or will listen. Stormie Omartian put it best when she wrote, “When a wise woman speaks she gives a reason for the hope that is within her.”
1Peter3:15-16 (NIV)15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (note tone- with gentleness and respect)
If the love of God and the testimony of His goodness are not in my heart, then they will not come out of my mouth. And what I say will not draw people to God. It may in fact do the exact opposite.
James3:5a (The Message) A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything-- or destry it!
If I am not acting as a woman of integrity and principle, am deceitful in any way, or even let others come to their own conclusions, I am nullifying God in my heart. In my grumbling or complaining also in my conduct at work in some of these difficult situations, its not being shrewd if I'm being ungodly.
I can be more on guard with people I don't know but with people I'm comfortable with I can totally let loose. In situations where I have more “power” or “freedom” so to speak then the other person- its like I make excuses for my sinful thoughts. I act as if my thoughts are ok because "I'm just venting" or I make excuses because, "they didn't do what they were supposed to." It shows my lack of trust in God in the moment, that God will take care of me and work the situation out. After all, the largest way I share my faith is through my example and life. I can give an answer, be gentle, and have a clear conscious it just takes me being more in tune and equipped through God’s word and trusting Him.
Matt12:36 36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
If I want to make Jesus Lord of my life at work I know I need to be a woman of wisdom and tell the truth, not talk to much, and my words should be filled with grace remembering always that when I speak I should be giving a reason for the hope that is within me. Ultimately, my words do count and not only for me as Matt 12:36 indicates but for those who I want so desperately to help to know God as 1Peter 3:15 expounds on.
Rate it:
Since those first days, I have made it out of the Projects, finished my Masters degree in International Development, and moved to DC to work in my field. As a young single Christian woman my struggles today are a little different than they were when I first came to know God, but who am I kidding, not much. It's the every day battle for my heart to be pure before God, to strive to please him, and help others to seek and know Him.
Over my years of a faithful walk with God I have received much grace and compassion and have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Through out it all one thing has stayed consistent: God's word. Through His word I have been inspired and it has kept me faithful even when faith seemed like a foreign concept and God seemed deaf to my prayers. I started emailing my Quiet Times which helped me stay accountable as I shared my struggles and fought for understanding. Some wrote back and said they too were inspired and could relate. I hope some of my times can help inspire others who are seeking and fighting just like I am, to get to heaven and take as many as possible with me along the way.
Like what your read? Check out my blog: http://stronggirlforlife.wordpress.com/
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Quiet Time" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.