Article June 28, 1999 Issue

When things at work aren't working

Start with God.

By Mark Swinney

"Isn't there something I can do besides quit?" Who hasn't wondered if that was the only choice in a bad situation at work? Friday finally arrives; the escape path is wide open—yes! But then Sunday evening comes around. Monday and everything that goes with work are only hours away. Here we go again.

In most jobs there is a nonstop demand to work well—both individually and with those around you. Anyone working with other people knows that unity of purpose, unselfishness, intelligence, and perseverance translate into increased productivity and job satisfaction, even joy. Yet personality conflicts, dishonesty, power struggles, disloyalty, even abuse, can sometimes make the demand to work productively with others too much of a challenge.

When things get tough, never underestimate the power and practicality of this simple message from the Bible: "Love one another" (John 15:12). On one level, that may be hard to swallow. When someone has been wronged or undermined by bad behavior, the response may be, "I'm sorry—but there's no way I can love such a so-and-so."