“Have you lost weight?” It was the third time that week someone had asked me the same question. When I tried to say I hadn’t, she insisted on telling me how good I looked without the weight. I wasn’t able to argue with her. I walked away smiling to myself and wondering why so many people felt compelled to comment on how well I looked when the answer dawned on me.
A spiritual heaviness had recently been lifted from me. The difference was in my countenance. My step was lighter, my smile was brighter, and a real spiritual oppression was gone. People were seeing something different—they just didn’t understand it; therefore, they put a label on the change that they could grasp.
While I needed to lose a few pounds, I had not lost any. My scale measures my weight quite objectively, leaving no room for doubt.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” Matthew 11: 28-30.
When I don’t give my burdens to the Lord they become very heavy to carry, even visually weighing me down. Add negative coworkers to the load and my shoulders sag even more. My chin nearly touches the ground, and there is little or no discernable difference between me and my coworkers who do not have faith.
I had been carrying burdens that did not belong to me for far too long—long enough that the “weight” I was bearing had become noticeable.
There is plenty of negativity in the workplace today. The economic climate is putting additional demands on organizations and employees are feeling it.
A conscious effort is required to fight the battle and to keep the negativity others are wishing to share from creeping into our souls. The enemy is making a bid for our peace and he is doing it through the workplace.
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” Ephesians 6: 11-12.
Shed some spiritual weight by giving your burdens to God and by taking your stand today. See if your coworkers comment on your weight loss.
Shari is currently serving as a Hospice Chaplain at Olive Grove Hospice. Shari is a certified coach who lends a blend of business and ministry experience to her every endeavor. God has given her a passion to encourage people to integrate work and faith. You can learn more about her book, Walking in Faith: Stories of Hope and Encouragement on her website: www.sharjharris.com and contact her at sharijharris@comcast.net
Great post!