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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
The final three things that are listed in Proverbs six are what God hates will likely have you saying, no way! Not me. I surely do not do any of these things. Not at work. Not at all.
Devising wicked plans, shedding innocent blood, and running to evil. All of these remind me of an old AC/DC song with the refrain; “I’m on a highway to hell.” Words like wicked, blood ,and evil should not ever belong at work or in our life. And they remind us the wicked surely do not display integrity!
Devising wicked plans. Another way to think of this is scheming. Proverbs 24:8: Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. Have you ever been part of a conversation about getting someone fired or removed from a department when it wasn’t your job to do so? This is an example of colleagues scheming about another. Maybe this person has impacted you in some way, but scheming is not how to address the situation. Most companies will have a process for appropriately addressing concerns. Perhaps choosing to address the person directly about your concerns would be the kindest thing to do. God hates when we scheme. Be up front and honest when addressing the issue.
You may be thinking you don’t shed innocent blood, but do you? If you are working in supply chain and manufacturing, there is a movement to look at how every part of the process is impacting human flourishing. From fair treatment of workers in the form of wages and conditions to preventing human trafficking. Companies and laws are taking a deeper look at how our goods reaching consumers are impacting people. Are you aligned with a company that cares for people in a way that honors God’s requirements of you? While you may not be making the decisions that are impacting these larger issues, it is important that you ask questions as you consider where you are working.
What about running to evil? As a follower of Jesus, we can assume any sin is evil. Are you quick to walk in ways contrary to your new life in Christ? Do you look different or the same as all your colleagues? If you don’t walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fulling pleasing him and bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, what are you running to (Colossians 1:10)?
