I have worked in many different corporate settings and have been fortunate to be mentored and encouraged by supremely intelligent and productive individuals. Yet, in every large company, there is always a special individual whose unique talents separate them from the rest.
These individuals often have several advanced degrees such as an M.B.A. or J.D. and could present an erudite discussion based upon their expertise that would make a full professor giddy with envy. They are very good at what they do. A recurring pattern of behavior is the ability to seem very busy and productive while manufacturing clever and plausible excuses for their lack of productivity and tangible results. They would cite legal regulatory delays or place the blame on suppliers, the customers, or their colleagues. They are also quite adept at getting others to do their work for them, cheerfully convincing middle managers to complete an urgent project for the good of the team. They establish key workplace relationships with other executives or board members who are able to furnish them with a glowing letter of recommendation. After about two years, they move on to their next company and the cycle would repeat, padding their resume with another impressive position at a prestigious company.
Yes, indeed. They are very good at what they do!
These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted;
Jude 12 (ESV)
When the Bible was written, the majority of industries were agrarian. Thus, it was easy to observe and measure the productivity of a worker. In today’s modern economies, our efforts may be masked by the virtual and often dispersed nature of workplace relationships. Especially within the context of a larger organization, one can more easily blend into the background and appear busy while leading an existence of slothfulness. With impressive titles and resumes, these clever individuals are nothing more than clouds without water. In the workplace, we must always be aware of such individuals. What should the Christian believer’s response be to such individuals?
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
Jude 20-23 (ESV)
In the same letter of Jude, God provides the answers. Our response is to always first turn to God through prayer and build our faith in Jesus Christ. By doing so, God gives us the strength to persevere and to pray for these individuals, extending the same mercy to them that God has given to us through faith and belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. We are to be wise to their schemes but always seeking God’s love and compassion for them.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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