I have been working in retail for many years in a wide variety of sectors and positions. Every company has drawn up a mission statement, an orientation or instruction for its employees, which sets out what is expected. The new colleagues are instructed in training courses and are allowed to learn to adapt their behavior in accordance with the mission statement.

The management then expects compliance and obedience.

Consistent non-compliance may result in a warning or termination of employment. In contrast, implementation, compliance or efforts to improve lead to positive results.

Praise, recognition and, ideally, a pay rise or change of position are the result of subordination and a sense of duty as well as hard work. Who doesn’t want that!

We are all on the way from rebels to the way of Jesus Christ. The Bible instructs, corrects, encourages and admonishes us. By choosing a worldly employer, we have committed ourselves to submission through an employment contract. The same applies to our decision to follow Jesus Christ, neither will force us, it is and was our agreement.

2 Timothy 3 verses 16 and 17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,

17 that the man of God may be fully prepared, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We all may and should learn and change as beloved children of God with a lot of grace, undeserved help.

Some processes are very painful because when we have gone astray, whether knowingly or unknowingly, God allows humiliation. see Psalm 119 verse 67

Probably much of this suffering can be avoided if we have learned to humble ourselves. Humility begins with the realization that we need forgiveness, God’s help and guidance. This results in seeking HIM, praying to HIM – taking time to listen and read the Bible. Either our own leisure activities – and there are so many distractions that the world offers us – or time with and for GOD.

Here are a few of many divine mission statements… please read Romans 12, verses 9-21 and Romans 13, verses 8-14

Father, I realize again and again how incapable I am of obeying your instructions. Please forgive me, for it makes me very sad that I have not yet become more like your Son Jesus. Holy Spirit, I invite and allow You to gradually show me behaviors that are not pleasing to You and I trust that You will enable me to walk through the open door of change.

sincerely Sabine Hagel