Living the Gospel at Work

uh God has a vision for our work and uh God has a vision for our work and it's not just uh a profile. It is a it's not just uh a profile. It is a it's not just uh a profile. It is a relationship. There's a partnership relationship. There's a partnership relationship. There's a partnership between us and God in our workplace between us and God in our workplace between us and God in our workplace vocations. We see that very powerfully vocations. We see that very powerfully vocations. We see that very powerfully in Genesis chapter 2 when we see God's in Genesis chapter 2 when we see God's in Genesis chapter 2 when we see God's creation work actually seems to go creation work actually seems to go creation work actually seems to go through developmental phases as he does through developmental phases as he does through developmental phases as he does some things and some things are waiting some things and some things are waiting some things and some things are waiting or pending a worker. And uh of course or pending a worker. And uh of course or pending a worker. And uh of course when God gets that worker then things when God gets that worker then things when God gets that worker then things begin to happen uh more richly and more begin to happen uh more richly and more begin to happen uh more richly and more deeply. So we are partners with God in deeply. So we are partners with God in deeply. So we are partners with God in our our our marketplace vocations. So we're going to marketplace vocations. So we're going to marketplace vocations. So we're going to we're going to talk about that. Um I am we're going to talk about that. Um I am we're going to talk about that. Um I am going to pray for us and then then we'll going to pray for us and then then we'll going to pray for us and then then we'll do some introductions. We'll have each do some introductions. We'll have each do some introductions. We'll have each person introduce themselves here in just person introduce themselves here in just person introduce themselves here in just a moment. But let's just invite the a moment. But let's just invite the a moment. But let's just invite the spirit of God in and ask him to guide spirit of God in and ask him to guide spirit of God in and ask him to guide our conversation, incline our hearts our conversation, incline our hearts our conversation, incline our hearts toward his vision for work. Father God, we thank you, Lord, work. Father God, we thank you, Lord, for this moment, this for this moment, this for this moment, this space. Work is your idea. God, we know space. Work is your idea. God, we know space. Work is your idea. God, we know that work is not curse. It's cursed, but that work is not curse. It's cursed, but that work is not curse. It's cursed, but it is not a curse. And so God, we thank it is not a curse. And so God, we thank it is not a curse. And so God, we thank you, Lord, that we can have this you, Lord, that we can have this you, Lord, that we can have this conversation, Father, about what you see conversation, Father, about what you see conversation, Father, about what you see for us in work. And so God, would you for us in work. And so God, would you for us in work. And so God, would you open our minds and hearts? God, would open our minds and hearts? God, would open our minds and hearts? God, would you be with the panelists as they talk you be with the panelists as they talk you be with the panelists as they talk about and discuss their own convictions about and discuss their own convictions about and discuss their own convictions about what you're saying to them and to about what you're saying to them and to about what you're saying to them and to all of us about what you're trying to do

all of us about what you're trying to do all of us about what you're trying to do in the world through our labors, God, in the world through our labors, God, in the world through our labors, God, whether they are jobs or businesses, whether they are jobs or businesses, whether they are jobs or businesses, Father, what we do in our volunteer uh Father, what we do in our volunteer uh Father, what we do in our volunteer uh activities, God, whatever we are doing activities, God, whatever we are doing activities, God, whatever we are doing in your name, Jesus, you're looking to in your name, Jesus, you're looking to in your name, Jesus, you're looking to show yourself that way. So would you show yourself that way. So would you show yourself that way. So would you help us now by your presence give this help us now by your presence give this help us now by your presence give this conversation uncction and conviction. We conversation uncction and conviction. We conversation uncction and conviction. We love you Jesus. It's in your precious love you Jesus. It's in your precious love you Jesus. It's in your precious name we pray. Amen. Amen. God bless you. name we pray. Amen. Amen. God bless you. name we pray. Amen. Amen. God bless you. So let's just kind of we'll just start So let's just kind of we'll just start So let's just kind of we'll just start here with Bob and just kind of work our here with Bob and just kind of work our here with Bob and just kind of work our way over to Alex. We just introduce way over to Alex. We just introduce way over to Alex. We just introduce yourself. Tell us what you do and why yourself. Tell us what you do and why yourself. Tell us what you do and why you're excited to be a part of this you're excited to be a part of this you're excited to be a part of this conversation. Hi everybody. Bob Dah. I'm conversation. Hi everybody. Bob Dah. I'm conversation. Hi everybody. Bob Dah. I'm in the investment management business. in the investment management business. in the investment management business. uh been there for a few decades and uh uh been there for a few decades and uh uh been there for a few decades and uh working at a firm called Crossmark. It's working at a firm called Crossmark. It's working at a firm called Crossmark. It's a faith-based money management firm. We a faith-based money management firm. We a faith-based money management firm. We help people line up their investments help people line up their investments help people line up their investments with their faith. Uh so it's a whole lot with their faith. Uh so it's a whole lot with their faith. Uh so it's a whole lot of fun. It's yes work, but it's also a of fun. It's yes work, but it's also a of fun. It's yes work, but it's also a ministry. Um my interest in this panel ministry. Um my interest in this panel ministry. Um my interest in this panel and this subject goes way back. Um uh I and this subject goes way back. Um uh I and this subject goes way back. Um uh I observe that God is a worker. He's observe that God is a worker. He's observe that God is a worker. He's pretty good at what he does. Look out pretty good at what he does. Look out pretty good at what he does. Look out the window. And we are made in his the window. And we are made in his the window. And we are made in his image. And so we are workers as well and image. And so we are workers as well and image. And so we are workers as well and we're to be excellent at what we do. And we're to be excellent at what we do. And we're to be excellent at what we do. And I better stop the introduction otherwise I better stop the introduction otherwise I better stop the introduction otherwise I'll preach a I'll preach a I'll preach a sermon. Great. I love it. Um hi sermon. Great. I love it. Um hi sermon. Great. I love it. Um hi everyone. I'm Jessica Challi. I um I everyone. I'm Jessica Challi. I um I everyone. I'm Jessica Challi. I um I actually live on both sides of the actually live on both sides of the actually live on both sides of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania right now.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania right now. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania right now. Um born and raised in the Philly area Um born and raised in the Philly area Um born and raised in the Philly area and just moved to Pittsburgh for my and just moved to Pittsburgh for my and just moved to Pittsburgh for my executive job um at a global executive job um at a global executive job um at a global infrastructure company. Um my husband infrastructure company. Um my husband infrastructure company. Um my husband and I my husband's here too. We have and I my husband's here too. We have and I my husband's here too. We have five children. Um they range from seven five children. Um they range from seven five children. Um they range from seven to almost 23. And our middle daughter to almost 23. And our middle daughter to almost 23. And our middle daughter does not speak. Um she's 15. She was does not speak. Um she's 15. She was does not speak. Um she's 15. She was born with a rare genetic disorder. Um so born with a rare genetic disorder. Um so born with a rare genetic disorder. Um so we haven't had we haven't had it easy, we haven't had we haven't had it easy, we haven't had we haven't had it easy, right? Like people say raising kids is right? Like people say raising kids is right? Like people say raising kids is like building a boat while you're like building a boat while you're like building a boat while you're already at sea. Um I think we were doing already at sea. Um I think we were doing already at sea. Um I think we were doing that like kind of before I was born or that like kind of before I was born or that like kind of before I was born or something. It just feels like we just something. It just feels like we just something. It just feels like we just came into this storm and this chaos. Um came into this storm and this chaos. Um came into this storm and this chaos. Um but God has been so faithful and this but God has been so faithful and this but God has been so faithful and this topic um for me is something I'm deeply topic um for me is something I'm deeply topic um for me is something I'm deeply passionate about. Um I've always been passionate about. Um I've always been passionate about. Um I've always been sort of guided into the workplace um for sort of guided into the workplace um for sort of guided into the workplace um for you know obvious reasons like to provide you know obvious reasons like to provide you know obvious reasons like to provide for our many mouths that we have to for our many mouths that we have to for our many mouths that we have to feed. Um and also because I'm uh it's feed. Um and also because I'm uh it's feed. Um and also because I'm uh it's how I'm wired. Um, so I've been looking how I'm wired. Um, so I've been looking how I'm wired. Um, so I've been looking for over two decades for resources, um, for over two decades for resources, um, for over two decades for resources, um, to really equip and support those of us to really equip and support those of us to really equip and support those of us who are out there trying to shine for who are out there trying to shine for who are out there trying to shine for God. Um, and so it's such a blessing to God. Um, and so it's such a blessing to God. Um, and so it's such a blessing to be here to have this conversation with be here to have this conversation with be here to have this conversation with all of you. Thanks. I'm going to tell my all of you. Thanks. I'm going to tell my all of you. Thanks. I'm going to tell my kids tonight that John Piper uh, kids tonight that John Piper uh, kids tonight that John Piper uh, introduced us like he was the opening introduced us like he was the opening introduced us like he was the opening act for this group. Not that we followed act for this group. Not that we followed act for this group. Not that we followed him. That was amazing. Uh, you guys him. That was amazing. Uh, you guys him. That was amazing. Uh, you guys chose well. Congratulations. This is a chose well. Congratulations. This is a chose well. Congratulations. This is a fantastic topic. Um, can't wait to learn fantastic topic. Um, can't wait to learn fantastic topic. Um, can't wait to learn from you guys. My name is Chris from you guys. My name is Chris from you guys. My name is Chris Carneell. I live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Carneell. I live in Atlanta, Georgia. Carneell. I live in Atlanta, Georgia. Four kids as well. College down to 12. Four kids as well. College down to 12. Four kids as well. College down to 12. Uh in college as a religion major and Uh in college as a religion major and Uh in college as a religion major and then later went to seminary at Southern then later went to seminary at Southern then later went to seminary at Southern in Louisville, Kentucky. I was wrestling in Louisville, Kentucky. I was wrestling in Louisville, Kentucky. I was wrestling big time with the sacred secular divide big time with the sacred secular divide big time with the sacred secular divide that doesn't exist. Uh for about a that doesn't exist. Uh for about a that doesn't exist. Uh for about a decade and started a business in decade and started a business in decade and started a business in college, religion major, went to college, religion major, went to college, religion major, went to seminary, started another business and seminary, started another business and seminary, started another business and kind of back and forth wondering what, kind of back and forth wondering what, kind of back and forth wondering what, you know, what am I going to do? The you know, what am I going to do? The you know, what am I going to do? The business I started and now am CEO of business I started and now am CEO of business I started and now am CEO of still 23 years later is called still 23 years later is called still 23 years later is called Boosterthon Fun Run. It's a Boosterthon Fun Run. It's a Boosterthon Fun Run. It's a fitness-based fundraiser. If you have fitness-based fundraiser. If you have fitness-based fundraiser. If you have kids or grandkids, you maybe have made a kids or grandkids, you maybe have made a kids or grandkids, you maybe have made a pledge for a fun run at some school pledge for a fun run at some school pledge for a fun run at some school across the country. Uh we have about a across the country. Uh we have about a across the country. Uh we have about a thousand employees. We work with about thousand employees. We work with about thousand employees. We work with about 6,500 schools and three and a half 6,500 schools and three and a half 6,500 schools and three and a half million students uh elementary kids. 15% million students uh elementary kids. 15% million students uh elementary kids. 15% of the country uh runs in our program. of the country uh runs in our program. of the country uh runs in our program. We teach character lessons that are We teach character lessons that are We teach character lessons that are virtues, values-based in public schools. virtues, values-based in public schools. virtues, values-based in public schools. So, I never would have thought when I So, I never would have thought when I So, I never would have thought when I was leaving or giving up ministry that was leaving or giving up ministry that was leaving or giving up ministry that my for-profit work would be as my for-profit work would be as my for-profit work would be as missional, impactful, and fulfilling as missional, impactful, and fulfilling as missional, impactful, and fulfilling as the Lord has made it to be.

the Lord has made it to be. the Lord has made it to be. Alex. Hey, everybody. I'm Alex Harris. Alex. Hey, everybody. I'm Alex Harris. Alex. Hey, everybody. I'm Alex Harris. Uh, I'm married to my wife Courtney. We Uh, I'm married to my wife Courtney. We Uh, I'm married to my wife Courtney. We have a 13-year-old daughter. We live in have a 13-year-old daughter. We live in have a 13-year-old daughter. We live in Denver, Colorado. And my background on Denver, Colorado. And my background on Denver, Colorado. And my background on this topic and just in general is I grew this topic and just in general is I grew this topic and just in general is I grew up in a a ministry entrepreneurial up in a a ministry entrepreneurial up in a a ministry entrepreneurial family. My parents, Greg and Sono family. My parents, Greg and Sono family. My parents, Greg and Sono Harris, were pioneers of the Christian Harris, were pioneers of the Christian Harris, were pioneers of the Christian homeschooling movement in the 1980s and homeschooling movement in the 1980s and homeschooling movement in the 1980s and 1990s. My oldest brother, Josh Harris, 1990s. My oldest brother, Josh Harris, 1990s. My oldest brother, Josh Harris, was a well-known pastor and Christian was a well-known pastor and Christian was a well-known pastor and Christian writer. My twin brother, Brett and I, we writer. My twin brother, Brett and I, we writer. My twin brother, Brett and I, we kind of followed in our parents and kind of followed in our parents and kind of followed in our parents and older brother's footsteps and started a older brother's footsteps and started a older brother's footsteps and started a nonprofit ministry organization when we nonprofit ministry organization when we nonprofit ministry organization when we were 16 years old. Put on conferences, were 16 years old. Put on conferences, were 16 years old. Put on conferences, wrote a couple of books, including one wrote a couple of books, including one wrote a couple of books, including one called Do Hard Things. And then God took called Do Hard Things. And then God took called Do Hard Things. And then God took me on a totally different direction, an me on a totally different direction, an me on a totally different direction, an unexpected one. I went to college at unexpected one. I went to college at unexpected one. I went to college at Patrick Henry College in Virginia with a Patrick Henry College in Virginia with a Patrick Henry College in Virginia with a goal of going into politics. That then goal of going into politics. That then goal of going into politics. That then took me to Harvard Law School where I took me to Harvard Law School where I took me to Harvard Law School where I still thought I was going to go into still thought I was going to go into still thought I was going to go into politics. And if I really had to, I politics. And if I really had to, I politics. And if I really had to, I could always practice law. God had could always practice law. God had could always practice law. God had different plans. And for the last seven different plans. And for the last seven different plans. And for the last seven years, I have been an attorney years, I have been an attorney years, I have been an attorney practicing law at a law firm in Denver, practicing law at a law firm in Denver, practicing law at a law firm in Denver, Colorado. So this this topic uh is Colorado. So this this topic uh is Colorado. So this this topic uh is something I'm passionate about. But not something I'm passionate about. But not something I'm passionate about. But not not just the topic of you know the not just the topic of you know the not just the topic of you know the workplace and vocation but specifically workplace and vocation but specifically workplace and vocation but specifically the title of this panel the gospel in the title of this panel the gospel in the title of this panel the gospel in the workplace and how as Christians are the workplace and how as Christians are the workplace and how as Christians are we faithful in our workplace whatever we faithful in our workplace whatever we faithful in our workplace whatever that workplace looks like. That's that workplace looks like. That's that workplace looks like. That's fantastic. Yeah this is going to be a fantastic. Yeah this is going to be a fantastic. Yeah this is going to be a very compelling conversation. That's very compelling conversation. That's very compelling conversation. That's exactly what this is. just as they talk

exactly what this is. just as they talk exactly what this is. just as they talk together and uh so so let's just um together and uh so so let's just um together and uh so so let's just um let's start with um let's just call it let's start with um let's just call it let's start with um let's just call it some basics and so we often discuss the some basics and so we often discuss the some basics and so we often discuss the cultural mandate that God has a vision cultural mandate that God has a vision cultural mandate that God has a vision for us to be his imagebearers and so for us to be his imagebearers and so for us to be his imagebearers and so Alex brother if you wouldn't mind just Alex brother if you wouldn't mind just Alex brother if you wouldn't mind just kind of kicking us off just just kind of kind of kicking us off just just kind of kind of kicking us off just just kind of tell us okay what do we mean by that tell us okay what do we mean by that tell us okay what do we mean by that when we say the cultural mandate what is when we say the cultural mandate what is when we say the cultural mandate what is God calling us to with that well I want God calling us to with that well I want God calling us to with that well I want all these other guys to talk about this all these other guys to talk about this all these other guys to talk about this too because this is such a rich uh and too because this is such a rich uh and too because this is such a rich uh and deep biblical truth uh but biblical deep biblical truth uh but biblical deep biblical truth uh but biblical truth for the the stuff of of daily truth for the the stuff of of daily truth for the the stuff of of daily life, right? So in in Genesis 1, God life, right? So in in Genesis 1, God life, right? So in in Genesis 1, God creates man and women uh woman in in his creates man and women uh woman in in his creates man and women uh woman in in his image, in the image of God, he created image, in the image of God, he created image, in the image of God, he created them, male and female. And that means them, male and female. And that means them, male and female. And that means that we are made to reflect who God is that we are made to reflect who God is that we are made to reflect who God is and what he's like. And one of the ways and what he's like. And one of the ways and what he's like. And one of the ways we do that and a command that follows we do that and a command that follows we do that and a command that follows just after that proclamation that man just after that proclamation that man just after that proclamation that man and woman are made in God's image is and woman are made in God's image is and woman are made in God's image is what is known as the cultural mandate what is known as the cultural mandate what is known as the cultural mandate that we are to go into all the world be that we are to go into all the world be that we are to go into all the world be fruitful and multiply fill the world and fruitful and multiply fill the world and fruitful and multiply fill the world and subdue it and exercise dominion over all subdue it and exercise dominion over all subdue it and exercise dominion over all of the living things in the world. And of the living things in the world. And of the living things in the world. And and what that tells me and what that has and what that tells me and what that has and what that tells me and what that has built and the theology of work that built and the theology of work that built and the theology of work that comes out of the cultural mandate is comes out of the cultural mandate is comes out of the cultural mandate is this idea that one of the ways that we this idea that one of the ways that we this idea that one of the ways that we reflect who God is as reflect who God is as reflect who God is as mankind is in the incredible diversity mankind is in the incredible diversity mankind is in the incredible diversity and beauty of all of the different work and beauty of all of the different work and beauty of all of the different work and effort and cultivation and building and effort and cultivation and building and effort and cultivation and building and growing and creating that mankind

and growing and creating that mankind and growing and creating that mankind does throughout history across the does throughout history across the does throughout history across the world. And when we add to that the world. And when we add to that the world. And when we add to that the teaching of Colossians chapter 3, teaching of Colossians chapter 3, teaching of Colossians chapter 3, whatever you do, work heartily as unto whatever you do, work heartily as unto whatever you do, work heartily as unto the Lord and not for men. What we have the Lord and not for men. What we have the Lord and not for men. What we have is this really dignifying thing that no is this really dignifying thing that no is this really dignifying thing that no no job, no vocation, no effort, our no job, no vocation, no effort, our no job, no vocation, no effort, our labor, whatever it is, is for God and labor, whatever it is, is for God and labor, whatever it is, is for God and for his glory to reflect him to the for his glory to reflect him to the for his glory to reflect him to the world. and that just imbuss all of it world. and that just imbuss all of it world. and that just imbuss all of it with an incredible meaning and purpose, with an incredible meaning and purpose, with an incredible meaning and purpose, however menial or exalted, however uh however menial or exalted, however uh however menial or exalted, however uh prestigious or nonp prestigious it may prestigious or nonp prestigious it may prestigious or nonp prestigious it may be. That's really good that does anyone be. That's really good that does anyone be. That's really good that does anyone anyone else want to kind of weigh in on anyone else want to kind of weigh in on anyone else want to kind of weigh in on on that at all? To extend uh what you on that at all? To extend uh what you on that at all? To extend uh what you just said, obviously we're all going to just said, obviously we're all going to just said, obviously we're all going to those of us who know Jesus will end up those of us who know Jesus will end up those of us who know Jesus will end up in heaven and we know what that's going in heaven and we know what that's going in heaven and we know what that's going to look like to some degree. We're going to look like to some degree. We're going to look like to some degree. We're going to be working. We're going to be to be working. We're going to be to be working. We're going to be plucking a harp. We'll be working on the plucking a harp. We'll be working on the plucking a harp. We'll be working on the conditions that God started in Genesis conditions that God started in Genesis conditions that God started in Genesis until we messed it up. Uh so it'll be until we messed it up. Uh so it'll be until we messed it up. Uh so it'll be even more glorious than it is now even more glorious than it is now even more glorious than it is now because well, as you said in your because well, as you said in your because well, as you said in your prayer, work is not a curse, but it is prayer, work is not a curse, but it is prayer, work is not a curse, but it is cursed. Um and that makes it uh thorns cursed. Um and that makes it uh thorns cursed. Um and that makes it uh thorns and thistles as so much said. You know, and thistles as so much said. You know, and thistles as so much said. You know, the book of Proverbs is just full of the book of Proverbs is just full of the book of Proverbs is just full of exciting things about work and the exciting things about work and the exciting things about work and the opposite of work, laziness. You know, we opposite of work, laziness. You know, we opposite of work, laziness. You know, we talk about work, but we don't talk about talk about work, but we don't talk about talk about work, but we don't talk about the other side. Laziness is not the other side. Laziness is not the other side. Laziness is not acceptable to our Lord. We ought to be acceptable to our Lord. We ought to be acceptable to our Lord. We ought to be doing something. Even if you can't move, doing something. Even if you can't move, doing something. Even if you can't move, you can pray, assuming your brain's

you can pray, assuming your brain's you can pray, assuming your brain's functioning. And I know some old people functioning. And I know some old people functioning. And I know some old people who can't move, but boy, do they pray. who can't move, but boy, do they pray. who can't move, but boy, do they pray. So, whatever your work is, do it hardily So, whatever your work is, do it hardily So, whatever your work is, do it hardily to the Lord, as you just said. Um, I'll to the Lord, as you just said. Um, I'll to the Lord, as you just said. Um, I'll I'll stop there. I could preach another I'll stop there. I could preach another I'll stop there. I could preach another sermon. Amen, brother. Amen. Yeah, Darl, sermon. Amen, brother. Amen. Yeah, Darl, sermon. Amen, brother. Amen. Yeah, Darl, could I jump in? Um, as well I think I could I jump in? Um, as well I think I could I jump in? Um, as well I think I love how Alex started with um, just love how Alex started with um, just love how Alex started with um, just pointing out that, you know, both men pointing out that, you know, both men pointing out that, you know, both men and women are needed to fulfill the and women are needed to fulfill the and women are needed to fulfill the cultural mandate. Um, just like a garden cultural mandate. Um, just like a garden cultural mandate. Um, just like a garden does not grow without light and water, does not grow without light and water, does not grow without light and water, um, so too we cannot promote human um, so too we cannot promote human um, so too we cannot promote human flourishing and reflect God's image on flourishing and reflect God's image on flourishing and reflect God's image on this earth without working together. Um, this earth without working together. Um, this earth without working together. Um, collaboration is by God's good design. collaboration is by God's good design. collaboration is by God's good design. And I love how you mentioned the book of And I love how you mentioned the book of And I love how you mentioned the book of Proverbs because as I was praying about Proverbs because as I was praying about Proverbs because as I was praying about this, um, God through many different this, um, God through many different this, um, God through many different sources and friends just kept like sort sources and friends just kept like sort sources and friends just kept like sort of pointing me back to what is a passage of pointing me back to what is a passage of pointing me back to what is a passage of scripture that we're probably overly of scripture that we're probably overly of scripture that we're probably overly familiar with. So, who here has not familiar with. So, who here has not familiar with. So, who here has not heard of Proverbs 31 woman? Um, it's heard of Proverbs 31 woman? Um, it's heard of Proverbs 31 woman? Um, it's almost like I don't even want to hear almost like I don't even want to hear almost like I don't even want to hear about it anymore. Like, get her out of about it anymore. Like, get her out of about it anymore. Like, get her out of here. But here's the thing. Here's the here. But here's the thing. Here's the here. But here's the thing. Here's the thing. It's so rich. So, I'm learning thing. It's so rich. So, I'm learning thing. It's so rich. So, I'm learning Hebrew as one of my hobbies and um and I Hebrew as one of my hobbies and um and I Hebrew as one of my hobbies and um and I do work with a lot of Hebrew speakers, do work with a lot of Hebrew speakers, do work with a lot of Hebrew speakers, so it's it's helpful at work. Um the w so it's it's helpful at work. Um the w so it's it's helpful at work. Um the w the woman that's described in Proverbs the woman that's described in Proverbs the woman that's described in Proverbs 31 is actually the woman of valor. The 31 is actually the woman of valor. The 31 is actually the woman of valor. The Hebrew word Hebrew word Hebrew word is I'm working on my butil is the the is I'm working on my butil is the the is I'm working on my butil is the the word and that word throughout the word and that word throughout the word and that word throughout the ancient world was always praising women ancient world was always praising women ancient world was always praising women for their industriousness and their

for their industriousness and their for their industriousness and their moral fortitude. The word is like a moral fortitude. The word is like a moral fortitude. The word is like a warrior woman. She's a woman who warrior woman. She's a woman who warrior woman. She's a woman who continually rises in the face of continually rises in the face of continually rises in the face of adversity. She wraps herself in God's adversity. She wraps herself in God's adversity. She wraps herself in God's strength. She keeps the fire, which is strength. She keeps the fire, which is strength. She keeps the fire, which is the presence of God, burning in her in the presence of God, burning in her in the presence of God, burning in her in the darkest of nights. Um and and she's the darkest of nights. Um and and she's the darkest of nights. Um and and she's a person whose husband trusts and relies a person whose husband trusts and relies a person whose husband trusts and relies on her. And that very morning when it on her. And that very morning when it on her. And that very morning when it was like this was like blowing up for me was like this was like blowing up for me was like this was like blowing up for me spiritually, I went to church and in spiritually, I went to church and in spiritually, I went to church and in front of me there was a there was a front of me there was a there was a front of me there was a there was a husband and a wife. the husband could husband and a wife. the husband could husband and a wife. the husband could not see. Um, and we go we go up to like not see. Um, and we go we go up to like not see. Um, and we go we go up to like have communion uh at these little have communion uh at these little have communion uh at these little stations at our church. So that husband stations at our church. So that husband stations at our church. So that husband um was led by his wife, put his hands on um was led by his wife, put his hands on um was led by his wife, put his hands on on her and trusted her, right, to walk, on her and trusted her, right, to walk, on her and trusted her, right, to walk, to partake in the Lord's supper. And to partake in the Lord's supper. And to partake in the Lord's supper. And that was just such a beautiful picture that was just such a beautiful picture that was just such a beautiful picture of like, let's be these women. Um, let's of like, let's be these women. Um, let's of like, let's be these women. Um, let's encourage these women. Let's support encourage these women. Let's support encourage these women. Let's support these women. and let's see God advance these women. and let's see God advance these women. and let's see God advance his kingdom in the most beautiful way on his kingdom in the most beautiful way on his kingdom in the most beautiful way on earth through through both of us all of earth through through both of us all of earth through through both of us all of us. That's so good. Since we're talking us. That's so good. Since we're talking us. That's so good. Since we're talking Hebrew words, I only know one, but it's Hebrew words, I only know one, but it's Hebrew words, I only know one, but it's my favorite. Uh and it's avda. I don't my favorite. Uh and it's avda. I don't my favorite. Uh and it's avda. I don't know if you know the word avida or have know if you know the word avida or have know if you know the word avida or have heard that before. And it means really heard that before. And it means really heard that before. And it means really three things. Uh work, worship, and three things. Uh work, worship, and three things. Uh work, worship, and service to man. And I think we have service to man. And I think we have service to man. And I think we have three different compartments of our three different compartments of our three different compartments of our brain. And uh God doesn't. He created us brain. And uh God doesn't. He created us brain. And uh God doesn't. He created us to work, which is worship. and it is to work, which is worship. and it is to work, which is worship. and it is creating uh flourishing for others.

creating uh flourishing for others. creating uh flourishing for others. This brings up another couple of points This brings up another couple of points This brings up another couple of points that I I'd like to make. Um work is not that I I'd like to make. Um work is not that I I'd like to make. Um work is not a necessary evil. A lot of people view a necessary evil. A lot of people view a necessary evil. A lot of people view it that way. You know, I can't wait for it that way. You know, I can't wait for it that way. You know, I can't wait for the weekend. I can't wait for vacation. the weekend. I can't wait for vacation. the weekend. I can't wait for vacation. I can't wait to retire. Not that those I can't wait to retire. Not that those I can't wait to retire. Not that those things are bad, but work, look, we spend things are bad, but work, look, we spend things are bad, but work, look, we spend half our waking hours at work. Let's half our waking hours at work. Let's half our waking hours at work. Let's make something of it. And let's bring make something of it. And let's bring make something of it. And let's bring God into the picture. Do you think he God into the picture. Do you think he God into the picture. Do you think he doesn't care about where we spend 50% of doesn't care about where we spend 50% of doesn't care about where we spend 50% of our waking hours? Of course he our waking hours? Of course he our waking hours? Of course he does. And that's why I pick up what what does. And that's why I pick up what what does. And that's why I pick up what what you said there. Work is worship just you said there. Work is worship just you said there. Work is worship just like all of life is worship. And by the like all of life is worship. And by the like all of life is worship. And by the way, there are no secondass workers. I I way, there are no secondass workers. I I way, there are no secondass workers. I I grew grew grew up understanding that if I wasn't called up understanding that if I wasn't called up understanding that if I wasn't called to be a pastor or a missionary, I was a to be a pastor or a missionary, I was a to be a pastor or a missionary, I was a secondass citizen. Oh, there was a secondass citizen. Oh, there was a secondass citizen. Oh, there was a hierarchy. It's the missionary and the hierarchy. It's the missionary and the hierarchy. It's the missionary and the pastor and and and then there are the, pastor and and and then there are the, pastor and and and then there are the, you know, the the the uh uh teachers and you know, the the the uh uh teachers and you know, the the the uh uh teachers and and the doctors and the nurses, people and the doctors and the nurses, people and the doctors and the nurses, people that really help other people. Then you that really help other people. Then you that really help other people. Then you go down the list and down the bottom, go down the list and down the bottom, go down the list and down the bottom, depending on the environment, was either depending on the environment, was either depending on the environment, was either the the the Well, we got two of them. The lawyer, Well, we got two of them. The lawyer, Well, we got two of them. The lawyer, the politician, the business guy who's the politician, the business guy who's the politician, the business guy who's greedy. No, no, no. That's a lie from greedy. No, no, no. That's a lie from greedy. No, no, no. That's a lie from the pit of hell. We are all called to the pit of hell. We are all called to the pit of hell. We are all called to many things in life. called to be many things in life. called to be many things in life. called to be spouses as an example, but we're also spouses as an example, but we're also spouses as an example, but we're also called to our work. So figure out what called to our work. So figure out what called to our work. So figure out what your calling is. Not the calling of work your calling is. Not the calling of work your calling is. Not the calling of work can't change. It certainly can, but it's

can't change. It certainly can, but it's can't change. It certainly can, but it's a holy calling and we're to treat it a holy calling and we're to treat it a holy calling and we're to treat it that way. Amen. That's um that's really that way. Amen. That's um that's really that way. Amen. That's um that's really good. And and we often feel like work is good. And and we often feel like work is good. And and we often feel like work is a necessary evil. And I want to come a necessary evil. And I want to come a necessary evil. And I want to come back to that in just a moment. But I'd back to that in just a moment. But I'd back to that in just a moment. But I'd like to for us uh Bob, if you're okay, like to for us uh Bob, if you're okay, like to for us uh Bob, if you're okay, let's let's unpack calling a little bit. let's let's unpack calling a little bit. let's let's unpack calling a little bit. uh because you you work in the uh because you you work in the uh because you you work in the marketplace, you work in in finance and marketplace, you work in in finance and marketplace, you work in in finance and doing some really compelling things doing some really compelling things doing some really compelling things there and reaching into kind of like there and reaching into kind of like there and reaching into kind of like more common kingdom spaces from there. more common kingdom spaces from there. more common kingdom spaces from there. Can you talk about your calling, how you Can you talk about your calling, how you Can you talk about your calling, how you recognize God's calling you into your recognize God's calling you into your recognize God's calling you into your vocation? If others want also just to vocation? If others want also just to vocation? If others want also just to think about your own particular calling think about your own particular calling think about your own particular calling movements in your life, how you movements in your life, how you movements in your life, how you recognize that God was inclining you in recognize that God was inclining you in recognize that God was inclining you in that direction. So a particular calling that direction. So a particular calling that direction. So a particular calling into my field along with all the other into my field along with all the other into my field along with all the other callings in life uh came um I forgotten callings in life uh came um I forgotten callings in life uh came um I forgotten if I said this in our our little prep if I said this in our our little prep if I said this in our our little prep call between undergraduate and graduate call between undergraduate and graduate call between undergraduate and graduate school I was dating a girl and I like to school I was dating a girl and I like to school I was dating a girl and I like to say I did not fall in love with her but say I did not fall in love with her but say I did not fall in love with her but I fell in love with what her father did I fell in love with what her father did I fell in love with what her father did for a living. He was an investor and I for a living. He was an investor and I for a living. He was an investor and I investigated it and I said this is kind investigated it and I said this is kind investigated it and I said this is kind of cool. And as time went by, not too of cool. And as time went by, not too of cool. And as time went by, not too much time, I felt this is what much time, I felt this is what much time, I felt this is what professionally I am called to. And the professionally I am called to. And the professionally I am called to. And the excitement was it's new every day. The excitement was it's new every day. The excitement was it's new every day. The minute you think you got it figured out, minute you think you got it figured out, minute you think you got it figured out, the market slaps you in the face. Um the market slaps you in the face. Um the market slaps you in the face. Um there's psychology and finance and there's psychology and finance and there's psychology and finance and economics and psychology, if I didn't economics and psychology, if I didn't economics and psychology, if I didn't say that already, and mathematics. It's say that already, and mathematics. It's say that already, and mathematics. It's just a a intramural kind of sport. Um,

just a a intramural kind of sport. Um, just a a intramural kind of sport. Um, and so as the years have gone by and and so as the years have gone by and and so as the years have gone by and obviously tempted perhaps to do other obviously tempted perhaps to do other obviously tempted perhaps to do other things or called by somebody, would you things or called by somebody, would you things or called by somebody, would you consider this? I lost my job once and consider this? I lost my job once and consider this? I lost my job once and the first call that came, would you be the first call that came, would you be the first call that came, would you be president of a college, a Christian president of a college, a Christian president of a college, a Christian university? I got all university? I got all university? I got all excited. And then the five men that I excited. And then the five men that I excited. And then the five men that I was leaning on to help keep me get from was leaning on to help keep me get from was leaning on to help keep me get from where I was to where I was going say, where I was to where I was going say, where I was to where I was going say, "No, no, no. What's your calling?" "No, no, no. What's your calling?" "No, no, no. What's your calling?" and they reinforced and quickly I came and they reinforced and quickly I came and they reinforced and quickly I came back on track and say no, God's called back on track and say no, God's called back on track and say no, God's called me to the investment management business me to the investment management business me to the investment management business and I've been done it done it ever and I've been done it done it ever and I've been done it done it ever since. That doesn't mean you'll always since. That doesn't mean you'll always since. That doesn't mean you'll always do the job you're doing now. I'm not do the job you're doing now. I'm not do the job you're doing now. I'm not trying to suggest that. Um but for me trying to suggest that. Um but for me trying to suggest that. Um but for me that's been the calling is God has that's been the calling is God has that's been the calling is God has reinforced over and over. That's reinforced over and over. That's reinforced over and over. That's excellent. Mothers, Jessica, excellent. Mothers, Jessica, excellent. Mothers, Jessica, gosh, that's good. Um I So here here's gosh, that's good. Um I So here here's gosh, that's good. Um I So here here's what I want to be when I grow up. Um what I want to be when I grow up. Um what I want to be when I grow up. Um I've gone I've gone through this. So I I've gone I've gone through this. So I I've gone I've gone through this. So I am a lawyer. I don't usually admit it am a lawyer. I don't usually admit it am a lawyer. I don't usually admit it when I first meet people which is why when I first meet people which is why when I first meet people which is why and we're stuck with two of them up and we're stuck with two of them up and we're stuck with two of them up here. Notice you've been stuck with two here. Notice you've been stuck with two here. Notice you've been stuck with two of us. Um but I similarly went out um I of us. Um but I similarly went out um I of us. Um but I similarly went out um I we sold a company where I was an we sold a company where I was an we sold a company where I was an executive and so I went into a bit of a executive and so I went into a bit of a executive and so I went into a bit of a sbatical and wilderness um and I sbatical and wilderness um and I sbatical and wilderness um and I remember thinking you know what is it?

remember thinking you know what is it? remember thinking you know what is it? Do I get pulled into full-time Christian Do I get pulled into full-time Christian Do I get pulled into full-time Christian ministry? Do I do something totally ministry? Do I do something totally ministry? Do I do something totally different? Do I become an author? I different? Do I become an author? I different? Do I become an author? I tried to do all these things at once and tried to do all these things at once and tried to do all these things at once and um and I just realized the best thing is um and I just realized the best thing is um and I just realized the best thing is to just grow up to be fully yourself. to just grow up to be fully yourself. to just grow up to be fully yourself. Like I want to be fully Jessica. Um Like I want to be fully Jessica. Um Like I want to be fully Jessica. Um deploying my gifts and talents and deploying my gifts and talents and deploying my gifts and talents and skills and love for God anywhere in the skills and love for God anywhere in the skills and love for God anywhere in the world that he sends me. And I don't care world that he sends me. And I don't care world that he sends me. And I don't care what title I have when I'm doing that. I what title I have when I'm doing that. I what title I have when I'm doing that. I don't care necessarily what organization don't care necessarily what organization don't care necessarily what organization I'm attached to or if it's a hundred I'm attached to or if it's a hundred I'm attached to or if it's a hundred organizations. And I think that's what organizations. And I think that's what organizations. And I think that's what what's best for all of us. like know what's best for all of us. like know what's best for all of us. like know God, grow in God, and then be deployed. God, grow in God, and then be deployed. God, grow in God, and then be deployed. And don't hide don't hide your gifts. I And don't hide don't hide your gifts. I And don't hide don't hide your gifts. I think you can have like humble think you can have like humble think you can have like humble confidence in what you're good at. And confidence in what you're good at. And confidence in what you're good at. And please let other people do the things please let other people do the things please let other people do the things you're not good at as well. you're not good at as well. you're not good at as well. Yeah. Don't be discouraged if you don't Yeah. Don't be discouraged if you don't Yeah. Don't be discouraged if you don't know what your exact vocational calling know what your exact vocational calling know what your exact vocational calling is now or ever. I was not necessarily is now or ever. I was not necessarily is now or ever. I was not necessarily called to be a school fundraiser, but I called to be a school fundraiser, but I called to be a school fundraiser, but I knew I was well, I discovered over time. knew I was well, I discovered over time. knew I was well, I discovered over time. Now looking back it looks like calling Now looking back it looks like calling Now looking back it looks like calling in the moment. It looked like stumbling, in the moment. It looked like stumbling, in the moment. It looked like stumbling, failing, pursuing things I was excited failing, pursuing things I was excited failing, pursuing things I was excited about, having conversations. Uh but I about, having conversations. Uh but I about, having conversations. Uh but I knew I was a leader and I knew as an knew I was a leader and I knew as an knew I was a leader and I knew as an entrepreneur. Wow. So kind of a broad entrepreneur. Wow. So kind of a broad entrepreneur. Wow. So kind of a broad calling. And then when I step out of a calling. And then when I step out of a calling. And then when I step out of a daily work, I look and I think I'm daily work, I look and I think I'm daily work, I look and I think I'm starting things and I'm leading things starting things and I'm leading things starting things and I'm leading things almost in every aspect. So your calling almost in every aspect. So your calling almost in every aspect. So your calling might not just be a specific job. It might not just be a specific job. It might not just be a specific job. It might be what you're great at right now.

might be what you're great at right now. might be what you're great at right now. Serving, encouraging, you know, gifts of Serving, encouraging, you know, gifts of Serving, encouraging, you know, gifts of the spirit. the spirit. the spirit. Yeah. I I would say it's so important Yeah. I I would say it's so important Yeah. I I would say it's so important for us to both think more highly and for us to both think more highly and for us to both think more highly and maybe a little bit less uh absolutely maybe a little bit less uh absolutely maybe a little bit less uh absolutely about our jobs when it comes to vocation about our jobs when it comes to vocation about our jobs when it comes to vocation because uh we we've talked about why because uh we we've talked about why because uh we we've talked about why work is so important how we glorify God work is so important how we glorify God work is so important how we glorify God by working in whatever task he has given by working in whatever task he has given by working in whatever task he has given us no matter what it may be and and so us no matter what it may be and and so us no matter what it may be and and so that's that's the that's the dignity that's that's the that's the dignity that's that's the that's the dignity that's the the glory of of work as that's the the glory of of work as that's the the glory of of work as Christians but it's also not the sum Christians but it's also not the sum Christians but it's also not the sum total of our calling or our vocation. total of our calling or our vocation. total of our calling or our vocation. So, I love the word vocation because I So, I love the word vocation because I So, I love the word vocation because I think that captures more think that captures more think that captures more holistic understanding of of what it is holistic understanding of of what it is holistic understanding of of what it is we're doing. So, I would not say, you we're doing. So, I would not say, you we're doing. So, I would not say, you know, my calling or vocation is to be a know, my calling or vocation is to be a know, my calling or vocation is to be a partner at a law firm. But what I would partner at a law firm. But what I would partner at a law firm. But what I would say is that God has placed me in that say is that God has placed me in that say is that God has placed me in that role in this season to enable me to role in this season to enable me to role in this season to enable me to pursue what he's called me to do, which pursue what he's called me to do, which pursue what he's called me to do, which is a whole bunch of different things, is a whole bunch of different things, is a whole bunch of different things, including being here today to hopefully including being here today to hopefully including being here today to hopefully encourage uh my fellow brothers and encourage uh my fellow brothers and encourage uh my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to be faithful in in sisters in Christ to be faithful in in sisters in Christ to be faithful in in what God has called them to. I feel a what God has called them to. I feel a what God has called them to. I feel a calling to help uh the church engage calling to help uh the church engage calling to help uh the church engage more faithfully in the public square and more faithfully in the public square and more faithfully in the public square and and particularly in politics based on and particularly in politics based on and particularly in politics based on some of my background and involvement in some of my background and involvement in some of my background and involvement in politics. And some of my work at the politics. And some of my work at the politics. And some of my work at the moment feels like a righteous co cause.

moment feels like a righteous co cause. moment feels like a righteous co cause. I'm representing the state of Nebraska I'm representing the state of Nebraska I'm representing the state of Nebraska bringing a lawsuit against Tik Tok for bringing a lawsuit against Tik Tok for bringing a lawsuit against Tik Tok for lying about the appropriateness of their lying about the appropriateness of their lying about the appropriateness of their platform for young people. and and that platform for young people. and and that platform for young people. and and that feels like something that God has feels like something that God has feels like something that God has uniquely given me to do in my career at uniquely given me to do in my career at uniquely given me to do in my career at this moment. But it is so much bigger this moment. But it is so much bigger this moment. But it is so much bigger than that. And so we should both think, than that. And so we should both think, than that. And so we should both think, you know, we should view our work as you know, we should view our work as you know, we should view our work as dignified, but we also should think so dignified, but we also should think so dignified, but we also should think so much broader when it comes to what God much broader when it comes to what God much broader when it comes to what God is calling us to do. That includes every is calling us to do. That includes every is calling us to do. That includes every aspect of our lives, all our aspect of our lives, all our aspect of our lives, all our relationships, whatever platform we relationships, whatever platform we relationships, whatever platform we have, no matter how big or small. I have, no matter how big or small. I have, no matter how big or small. I that's that's excellent, brother. Uh so that's that's excellent, brother. Uh so that's that's excellent, brother. Uh so let me just kind of summarize where we let me just kind of summarize where we let me just kind of summarize where we are and then we're going to pivot into are and then we're going to pivot into are and then we're going to pivot into the workplace. Uh and so God has a the workplace. Uh and so God has a the workplace. Uh and so God has a vision for work. Uh he has a vision to vision for work. Uh he has a vision to vision for work. Uh he has a vision to do good things in the world through our do good things in the world through our do good things in the world through our work as we partner with him. Therefore work as we partner with him. Therefore work as we partner with him. Therefore work is dignified. Uh it is a part of work is dignified. Uh it is a part of work is dignified. Uh it is a part of our identity and being made as image our identity and being made as image our identity and being made as image bearsers of God. Uh and then there also bearsers of God. Uh and then there also bearsers of God. Uh and then there also are elements of calling in our life are elements of calling in our life are elements of calling in our life where God has particular our where God has particular our where God has particular our providential sovereign God has providential sovereign God has providential sovereign God has particular plans and purposes for our particular plans and purposes for our particular plans and purposes for our lives that we want to discern and lives that we want to discern and lives that we want to discern and faithfully and responsibly faithfully and responsibly faithfully and responsibly um act on. Um and now there's this um act on. Um and now there's this um act on. Um and now there's this workplace thing uh which I could have a workplace thing uh which I could have a workplace thing uh which I could have a job. I could have a business and and and job. I could have a business and and and job. I could have a business and and and Bob, you said something that I want to Bob, you said something that I want to Bob, you said something that I want to kind of turn into I want to I want to kind of turn into I want to I want to kind of turn into I want to I want to pitch this question Jessica to you if pitch this question Jessica to you if pitch this question Jessica to you if you're okay with this is that people do you're okay with this is that people do you're okay with this is that people do we all we all we all feel that work is often a necessary

feel that work is often a necessary feel that work is often a necessary evil. Work feels hard. The whole idea of evil. Work feels hard. The whole idea of evil. Work feels hard. The whole idea of TGIF has meaning. It resonates all of TGIF has meaning. It resonates all of TGIF has meaning. It resonates all of us. We all feel that way. We don't us. We all feel that way. We don't us. We all feel that way. We don't necessarily choose it. We just feel it necessarily choose it. We just feel it necessarily choose it. We just feel it and then we choose to dance out of the and then we choose to dance out of the and then we choose to dance out of the workplace at at the end of the day on workplace at at the end of the day on workplace at at the end of the day on Friday. Um, and so what we are Friday. Um, and so what we are Friday. Um, and so what we are describing there is a kind of describing there is a kind of describing there is a kind of brokenness. There's a brokenness that if brokenness. There's a brokenness that if brokenness. There's a brokenness that if we're going to be a witness in the we're going to be a witness in the we're going to be a witness in the workplace, we've got to somehow be a workplace, we've got to somehow be a workplace, we've got to somehow be a witness in a broken workplace. And so witness in a broken workplace. And so witness in a broken workplace. And so Jessica, could could you just kind of Jessica, could could you just kind of Jessica, could could you just kind of talk about that? Talk about how we talk about that? Talk about how we talk about that? Talk about how we recognize brokenness in the workplace. recognize brokenness in the workplace. recognize brokenness in the workplace. When we say that, what do we mean? And When we say that, what do we mean? And When we say that, what do we mean? And then how do we respond to that in a way then how do we respond to that in a way then how do we respond to that in a way that's redemptive and restorative? that's redemptive and restorative? that's redemptive and restorative? Wow, that's a lot. There's a lot there, Wow, that's a lot. There's a lot there, Wow, that's a lot. There's a lot there, obviously. Um, can we can we broaden the obviously. Um, can we can we broaden the obviously. Um, can we can we broaden the aperture just for a moment? Sure. Um, is aperture just for a moment? Sure. Um, is aperture just for a moment? Sure. Um, is there brokenness in the workplace? Yes, there brokenness in the workplace? Yes, there brokenness in the workplace? Yes, every single workplace has brokenness, every single workplace has brokenness, every single workplace has brokenness, but why is that? Um, because there's but why is that? Um, because there's but why is that? Um, because there's there's brokenness in the world, right?

there's brokenness in the world, right? there's brokenness in the world, right? So in in a real sense every single So in in a real sense every single So in in a real sense every single person is called to be faithful in a person is called to be faithful in a person is called to be faithful in a corrupt system in a corrupt and fallen corrupt system in a corrupt and fallen corrupt system in a corrupt and fallen and broken system. So then when we zoom and broken system. So then when we zoom and broken system. So then when we zoom in you know from that reality that we in you know from that reality that we in you know from that reality that we are living this exilic you know um are living this exilic you know um are living this exilic you know um journey through through Babylon um you journey through through Babylon um you journey through through Babylon um you know there's a lot of idolatry all know there's a lot of idolatry all know there's a lot of idolatry all around us. There's a lot of greed. around us. There's a lot of greed. around us. There's a lot of greed. There's a lot of love of worldly systems There's a lot of love of worldly systems There's a lot of love of worldly systems and love of self everywhere we look. Um and love of self everywhere we look. Um and love of self everywhere we look. Um what are we called then to do in that what are we called then to do in that what are we called then to do in that reality? Every single one of us, no reality? Every single one of us, no reality? Every single one of us, no matter where you are in your Monday matter where you are in your Monday matter where you are in your Monday through Friday or on Sundays, um you through Friday or on Sundays, um you through Friday or on Sundays, um you know, I think of I think of Daniel um know, I think of I think of Daniel um know, I think of I think of Daniel um Daniel resolved um not to defile himself Daniel resolved um not to defile himself Daniel resolved um not to defile himself with the the worship of false gods. um with the the worship of false gods. um with the the worship of false gods. um he committed he he committed himself to he committed he he committed himself to he committed he he committed himself to God and to being faithful in that place. God and to being faithful in that place. God and to being faithful in that place. I also think of Moses um Moses would I also think of Moses um Moses would I also think of Moses um Moses would rather suffer with the people of God rather suffer with the people of God rather suffer with the people of God than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.

than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. So I I think it's a two-pronged approach So I I think it's a two-pronged approach So I I think it's a two-pronged approach just kind of big picture which is I do just kind of big picture which is I do just kind of big picture which is I do think it's important to pursue think it's important to pursue think it's important to pursue excellence in what you do. We have a God excellence in what you do. We have a God excellence in what you do. We have a God who's excellent at everything he does. who's excellent at everything he does. who's excellent at everything he does. He calls us to work as if we're working He calls us to work as if we're working He calls us to work as if we're working for him and not for human, you know, for him and not for human, you know, for him and not for human, you know, other humans. Um, but at the same time, other humans. Um, but at the same time, other humans. Um, but at the same time, we must remain spiritually faithful. Um, we must remain spiritually faithful. Um, we must remain spiritually faithful. Um, we are, you know, we're called to be we are, you know, we're called to be we are, you know, we're called to be holy. We're called to look different. holy. We're called to look different. holy. We're called to look different. We're called to be a light in all of We're called to be a light in all of We're called to be a light in all of this brokenness. And personally, just this brokenness. And personally, just this brokenness. And personally, just kind of zooming back into me personally, kind of zooming back into me personally, kind of zooming back into me personally, the brokenness I see everywhere every the brokenness I see everywhere every the brokenness I see everywhere every day is uh how people react in the face day is uh how people react in the face day is uh how people react in the face of uncertainty. So, we have shock waves of uncertainty. So, we have shock waves of uncertainty. So, we have shock waves right now. We have AI, we have tariffs, right now. We have AI, we have tariffs, right now. We have AI, we have tariffs, we have, you know, um just people are we have, you know, um just people are we have, you know, um just people are feeling like what new shock am I going feeling like what new shock am I going feeling like what new shock am I going to wake up to today. Um many of us also to wake up to today. Um many of us also to wake up to today. Um many of us also have that at home. Um many of us have have that at home. Um many of us have have that at home. Um many of us have that in our workplaces. So for me, I that in our workplaces. So for me, I that in our workplaces. So for me, I went through very violent storm like I I went through very violent storm like I I went through very violent storm like I I call it just sort of very stormy. I was call it just sort of very stormy. I was call it just sort of very stormy. I was walking around saying toxic things like walking around saying toxic things like walking around saying toxic things like um smooth seas don't make skillful um smooth seas don't make skillful um smooth seas don't make skillful sailors, you know, like I was just sailors, you know, like I was just sailors, you know, like I was just loving riding this wild storm. Um, and loving riding this wild storm. Um, and loving riding this wild storm. Um, and then I went into a wilderness and I then I went into a wilderness and I then I went into a wilderness and I would say that those those times were would say that those those times were would say that those those times were extremely challenging for me. It was extremely challenging for me. It was extremely challenging for me. It was extremely tempting to become anxious and extremely tempting to become anxious and extremely tempting to become anxious and stressed out and does God really have stressed out and does God really have stressed out and does God really have this? Do I really can I really trust God this? Do I really can I really trust God this? Do I really can I really trust God in these waves? And I think I probably in these waves? And I think I probably in these waves? And I think I probably failed the test multiple times, but I failed the test multiple times, but I failed the test multiple times, but I think through all of it, I did grow think through all of it, I did grow think through all of it, I did grow muscles of faith of learning to depend

muscles of faith of learning to depend muscles of faith of learning to depend on God. So now in this moment where I on God. So now in this moment where I on God. So now in this moment where I feel the whole world is spinning in feel the whole world is spinning in feel the whole world is spinning in anxiety and fear and lashing out at anxiety and fear and lashing out at anxiety and fear and lashing out at others and God um I can bring a calming, others and God um I can bring a calming, others and God um I can bring a calming, you know, I can bring a calming presence you know, I can bring a calming presence you know, I can bring a calming presence into the workplace. I I call myself into the workplace. I I call myself into the workplace. I I call myself chief psychologist sometimes. Um just chief psychologist sometimes. Um just chief psychologist sometimes. Um just help people. We're in a storm. help people. We're in a storm. help people. We're in a storm. Visibility is about one foot in front of Visibility is about one foot in front of Visibility is about one foot in front of us. Um and we know generally where we us. Um and we know generally where we us. Um and we know generally where we need to go. We need to stay on the road. need to go. We need to stay on the road. need to go. We need to stay on the road. Um and here's you know I'm a woman of Um and here's you know I'm a woman of Um and here's you know I'm a woman of faith. So I'm anchored in God and here's faith. So I'm anchored in God and here's faith. So I'm anchored in God and here's how I'm going to do it. So that does how I'm going to do it. So that does how I'm going to do it. So that does help. Um as a woman I know I mean I can help. Um as a woman I know I mean I can help. Um as a woman I know I mean I can only speak from a woman's perspective. only speak from a woman's perspective. only speak from a woman's perspective. So um in the workplace too I think um we So um in the workplace too I think um we So um in the workplace too I think um we have I I think we have a particular have I I think we have a particular have I I think we have a particular access to um talk about these deep access to um talk about these deep access to um talk about these deep things and things and things and um and so to use that wisely you know to um and so to use that wisely you know to um and so to use that wisely you know to be a source of encouragement and be a source of encouragement and be a source of encouragement and strengthening and comfort comfort for strengthening and comfort comfort for strengthening and comfort comfort for others can really be a way of bringing others can really be a way of bringing others can really be a way of bringing restoration in a troubled place.

restoration in a troubled place. restoration in a troubled place. I read Daniel one on the airplane today. I read Daniel one on the airplane today. I read Daniel one on the airplane today. Uh, and this verse was in my mind when Uh, and this verse was in my mind when Uh, and this verse was in my mind when you said that. And the and the Lord's you said that. And the and the Lord's you said that. And the and the Lord's favor was upon him. And some of y'all favor was upon him. And some of y'all favor was upon him. And some of y'all work in tough industries. Was talking to work in tough industries. Was talking to work in tough industries. Was talking to a gentleman a minute ago. Like, I mean, a gentleman a minute ago. Like, I mean, a gentleman a minute ago. Like, I mean, I'm I'm the only believer I know. I'm I'm I'm the only believer I know. I'm I'm I'm the only believer I know. I'm not I mean, I'm like so far. And I think not I mean, I'm like so far. And I think not I mean, I'm like so far. And I think that might be our maybe maybe our that might be our maybe maybe our that might be our maybe maybe our morning prayer. Lord, just would your morning prayer. Lord, just would your morning prayer. Lord, just would your favor be upon me today? And I think the favor be upon me today? And I think the favor be upon me today? And I think the Lord will will use that. You know, my Lord will will use that. You know, my Lord will will use that. You know, my favorite book um that I literally bought favorite book um that I literally bought favorite book um that I literally bought a thousand copies, gave it to every team a thousand copies, gave it to every team a thousand copies, gave it to every team member. give it's my most recommended. member. give it's my most recommended. member. give it's my most recommended. I've read it multiple times. It's tiny. I've read it multiple times. It's tiny. I've read it multiple times. It's tiny. It's called the redemptive business It's called the redemptive business It's called the redemptive business practis Andy Crouch and Lanchard and practis Andy Crouch and Lanchard and practis Andy Crouch and Lanchard and that crew wrote it and it differentiates that crew wrote it and it differentiates that crew wrote it and it differentiates between unethical, ethical, where the between unethical, ethical, where the between unethical, ethical, where the conversation usually stops and conversation usually stops and conversation usually stops and redemptive. redemptive. redemptive. So do no evil, evil, do no evil, bless So do no evil, evil, do no evil, bless So do no evil, evil, do no evil, bless others. And it's got like a whole grid others. And it's got like a whole grid others. And it's got like a whole grid to think through from marketing to to think through from marketing to to think through from marketing to strategy, people, HR, talent, culture. strategy, people, HR, talent, culture. strategy, people, HR, talent, culture. How do you not just go from unethical to How do you not just go from unethical to How do you not just go from unethical to ethical, but how do you go from ethical ethical, but how do you go from ethical ethical, but how do you go from ethical to redemptive? And uh it's convicting, to redemptive? And uh it's convicting, to redemptive? And uh it's convicting, it's challenging, but I feel like it's it's challenging, but I feel like it's it's challenging, but I feel like it's with the Lord's favor being upon us, with the Lord's favor being upon us, with the Lord's favor being upon us, that's what we're called to do, that's what we're called to do, that's what we're called to do, regardless of the environment we're in regardless of the environment we're in regardless of the environment we're in every day. Amen. That's really good. I every day. Amen. That's really good. I every day. Amen. That's really good. I like for us, if we could um to sit here like for us, if we could um to sit here like for us, if we could um to sit here for just another minute or two, um there for just another minute or two, um there for just another minute or two, um there there is a narrative right now about there is a narrative right now about there is a narrative right now about toxic workplaces.

toxic workplaces. toxic workplaces. a good friend of mine who's a wonderful a good friend of mine who's a wonderful a good friend of mine who's a wonderful friend uh who's worked in ministry in friend uh who's worked in ministry in friend uh who's worked in ministry in various contexts for a while has um like various contexts for a while has um like various contexts for a while has um like a social media platform talking about a social media platform talking about a social media platform talking about all the things wrong with your bosses all the things wrong with your bosses all the things wrong with your bosses and uh and that is a narrative and uh and uh and that is a narrative and uh and uh and that is a narrative and uh and so how are they treating you are and so how are they treating you are and so how are they treating you are these expectations are they too much is these expectations are they too much is these expectations are they too much is is you know how do you strike a balance is you know how do you strike a balance is you know how do you strike a balance can you text me at home and a whole can you text me at home and a whole can you text me at home and a whole variety of things like that uh and so I variety of things like that uh and so I variety of things like that uh and so I guess the a couple of questions I I what guess the a couple of questions I I what guess the a couple of questions I I what they're out there. One is we talk about they're out there. One is we talk about they're out there. One is we talk about toxicity. How do we recognize toxicity. How do we recognize toxicity. How do we recognize it? And then two, as it? And then two, as it? And then two, as believers, when do we know when to believers, when do we know when to believers, when do we know when to redeem or to run? Because there is a redeem or to run? Because there is a redeem or to run? Because there is a time when we need to dart out of there. time when we need to dart out of there. time when we need to dart out of there. We need to tell everybody to run. Uh um We need to tell everybody to run. Uh um We need to tell everybody to run. Uh um but but there is also a time to to but but there is also a time to to but but there is also a time to to remain. And maybe that remaining is remain. And maybe that remaining is remain. And maybe that remaining is something that that God is doing something that that God is doing something that that God is doing providentially. Maybe it's we are there providentially. Maybe it's we are there providentially. Maybe it's we are there redemptively until we can get out. Uh redemptively until we can get out. Uh redemptively until we can get out. Uh but can we just talk about that? And but can we just talk about that? And but can we just talk about that? And then I would love to use that to kind of then I would love to use that to kind of then I would love to use that to kind of hyperlink our way and talk about what it hyperlink our way and talk about what it hyperlink our way and talk about what it means to be a gospel witness there means to be a gospel witness there means to be a gospel witness there because it feels like that this kind of because it feels like that this kind of because it feels like that this kind of environment just like if you're going to environment just like if you're going to environment just like if you're going to be evangelistic, you got to do so in be evangelistic, you got to do so in be evangelistic, you got to do so in this world, right? You got to do it in this world, right? You got to do it in this world, right? You got to do it in this present evil age. It's also true this present evil age. It's also true this present evil age. It's also true that being a gospel witness at work that being a gospel witness at work that being a gospel witness at work means these kind of tough workplaces.

means these kind of tough workplaces. means these kind of tough workplaces. So, how do we recognize this So, how do we recognize this So, how do we recognize this toxicity? When do we know when to redeem toxicity? When do we know when to redeem toxicity? When do we know when to redeem or run? Let's just kind of talk about or run? Let's just kind of talk about or run? Let's just kind of talk about that and then we'll navigate our way that and then we'll navigate our way that and then we'll navigate our way over to what that means for witnessing toxicity. Uh how do you know it? Um it's toxicity. Uh how do you know it? Um it's like pornography. Hard to define, but like pornography. Hard to define, but like pornography. Hard to define, but when you see it, you know it. It's the when you see it, you know it. It's the when you see it, you know it. It's the same thing. And we all have, you said same thing. And we all have, you said same thing. And we all have, you said this earlier, in our workplaces, we're this earlier, in our workplaces, we're this earlier, in our workplaces, we're all fallen. So we have various levels of all fallen. So we have various levels of all fallen. So we have various levels of toxicity everywhere. And so crossing toxicity everywhere. And so crossing toxicity everywhere. And so crossing that line is really difficult. I I find that line is really difficult. I I find that line is really difficult. I I find too many Christians up and run too too many Christians up and run too too many Christians up and run too quickly. They just give up. Um we need quickly. They just give up. Um we need quickly. They just give up. Um we need to be God's people wherever we are. You to be God's people wherever we are. You to be God's people wherever we are. You know, to a point, you're absolutely know, to a point, you're absolutely know, to a point, you're absolutely right. Um, I I uh what comes to mind right. Um, I I uh what comes to mind right. Um, I I uh what comes to mind personally is um I I went past the point personally is um I I went past the point personally is um I I went past the point and uh I got fired. Uh I got fired from and uh I got fired. Uh I got fired from and uh I got fired. Uh I got fired from my job for sharing my faith. Not on work my job for sharing my faith. Not on work my job for sharing my faith. Not on work time, not on company premises. It was time, not on company premises. It was time, not on company premises. It was they found videos of me like if this was they found videos of me like if this was they found videos of me like if this was being put up on the on they found four being put up on the on they found four being put up on the on they found four of them. We found you talking to your of them. We found you talking to your of them. We found you talking to your church people and you introduced as a church people and you introduced as a church people and you introduced as a senior mucky muck at the firm I was with senior mucky muck at the firm I was with senior mucky muck at the firm I was with and we don't do that here. You will and we don't do that here. You will and we don't do that here. You will resign.

resign. resign. Um, you know, a lot of spiritual lessons Um, you know, a lot of spiritual lessons Um, you know, a lot of spiritual lessons I learned that year. It won't repeat I learned that year. It won't repeat I learned that year. It won't repeat repeat that year, but it was it was repeat that year, but it was it was repeat that year, but it was it was great. So, um, and and I still have some great. So, um, and and I still have some great. So, um, and and I still have some friends at that place and they say the friends at that place and they say the friends at that place and they say the following almost unanimously. I have a following almost unanimously. I have a following almost unanimously. I have a good job. I work at a successful firm. good job. I work at a successful firm. good job. I work at a successful firm. They pay me well, but I hate going to They pay me well, but I hate going to They pay me well, but I hate going to work every day because it's toxic. work every day because it's toxic. work every day because it's toxic. And then it's probably time to leave. And then it's probably time to leave. And then it's probably time to leave. Wow, that's good. Anyone else? Wow, that's good. Anyone else? Wow, that's good. Anyone else? I think in terms of when when it's time I think in terms of when when it's time I think in terms of when when it's time to leave, you know, the God's word does to leave, you know, the God's word does to leave, you know, the God's word does not give us some clear command for our not give us some clear command for our not give us some clear command for our specific situation. It's a it's an specific situation. It's a it's an specific situation. It's a it's an exercise of discernment and wisdom. But exercise of discernment and wisdom. But exercise of discernment and wisdom. But what the Bible does give is some very what the Bible does give is some very what the Bible does give is some very clear commands in terms of other clear commands in terms of other clear commands in terms of other priorities, obligations we have. uh if priorities, obligations we have. uh if priorities, obligations we have. uh if you're married to your spouse, if you're you're married to your spouse, if you're you're married to your spouse, if you're a parent to your child, if you're a a parent to your child, if you're a a parent to your child, if you're a member of your local church uh as a member of your local church uh as a member of your local church uh as a member of your church, and ultimately to member of your church, and ultimately to member of your church, and ultimately to to follow God and to obey his commands to follow God and to obey his commands to follow God and to obey his commands on your life. And there are a lot of on your life. And there are a lot of on your life. And there are a lot of situations that may be toxic, and we'll situations that may be toxic, and we'll situations that may be toxic, and we'll get to the the gospel witness aspect, get to the the gospel witness aspect, get to the the gospel witness aspect, I'm sure, here shortly, where remaining I'm sure, here shortly, where remaining I'm sure, here shortly, where remaining and being faithful even to the point of and being faithful even to the point of and being faithful even to the point of of maybe suffering the consequences of of maybe suffering the consequences of of maybe suffering the consequences of that is what it means to follow Christ that is what it means to follow Christ that is what it means to follow Christ in that in that environment. But where in that in that environment. But where in that in that environment. But where we can no longer continue in that role we can no longer continue in that role we can no longer continue in that role and be faithful in the clear commands and be faithful in the clear commands and be faithful in the clear commands and obligations God has already given and obligations God has already given and obligations God has already given us, that's that's the moment when we us, that's that's the moment when we us, that's that's the moment when we have to leave. It's good, brother. PS,

have to leave. It's good, brother. PS, have to leave. It's good, brother. PS, to my story that fits what you just to my story that fits what you just to my story that fits what you just said. Prior to losing my job for sharing said. Prior to losing my job for sharing said. Prior to losing my job for sharing my faith, we had a financial crisis um my faith, we had a financial crisis um my faith, we had a financial crisis um that you would all remember and uh I that you would all remember and uh I that you would all remember and uh I received a call from the president of received a call from the president of received a call from the president of the organization asking me to invest in the organization asking me to invest in the organization asking me to invest in one of the people we did business with, one of the people we did business with, one of the people we did business with, one of the firms we did business with one of the firms we did business with one of the firms we did business with and that firm was clearly failing. We and that firm was clearly failing. We and that firm was clearly failing. We wanted to help our friends and put our wanted to help our friends and put our wanted to help our friends and put our clients money subject to that. And I clients money subject to that. And I clients money subject to that. And I said, "On investment merits, I I I can't said, "On investment merits, I I I can't said, "On investment merits, I I I can't do that." A week later, he called again. do that." A week later, he called again. do that." A week later, he called again. He said, 'Well, everybody else is He said, 'Well, everybody else is He said, 'Well, everybody else is putting some of that paper in their putting some of that paper in their putting some of that paper in their portfolios. How much are you putting in? portfolios. How much are you putting in? portfolios. How much are you putting in? Said, "Zero." Now, thankfully, the firm Said, "Zero." Now, thankfully, the firm Said, "Zero." Now, thankfully, the firm Thankfully firm did go bankrupt. So, in Thankfully firm did go bankrupt. So, in Thankfully firm did go bankrupt. So, in the end, the judgment was right from a the end, the judgment was right from a the end, the judgment was right from a secular perspective. But I secular perspective. But I secular perspective. But I imagine if that went straight back up, imagine if that went straight back up, imagine if that went straight back up, what consequences I would have fa But what consequences I would have fa But what consequences I would have fa But that was the beginning of the end. And that was the beginning of the end. And that was the beginning of the end. And they were looking for an excuse. and they were looking for an excuse. and they were looking for an excuse. and they found those videos. Wow. Wow.

they found those videos. Wow. Wow. they found those videos. Wow. Wow. That's good. Run verse remain is That's good. Run verse remain is That's good. Run verse remain is probably a modern luxury. We get to even probably a modern luxury. We get to even probably a modern luxury. We get to even talk about this. It's really good. I talk about this. It's really good. I talk about this. It's really good. I mean, you're a farmer. You're living in mean, you're a farmer. You're living in mean, you're a farmer. You're living in 1200. You're a you're a mason. I mean, 1200. You're a you're a mason. I mean, 1200. You're a you're a mason. I mean, where are you going to run? So, praise where are you going to run? So, praise where are you going to run? So, praise God we have the opportunity through his God we have the opportunity through his God we have the opportunity through his common grace to even have a conversation common grace to even have a conversation common grace to even have a conversation about options of careers and vocations. about options of careers and vocations. about options of careers and vocations. Um, but if you have a stirring that Um, but if you have a stirring that Um, but if you have a stirring that you're in a culture, maybe the Lord's you're in a culture, maybe the Lord's you're in a culture, maybe the Lord's showing you uh a culture the opposite of showing you uh a culture the opposite of showing you uh a culture the opposite of what maybe he's calling you to create. what maybe he's calling you to create. what maybe he's calling you to create. Maybe there's an entrepreneurial Maybe there's an entrepreneurial Maybe there's an entrepreneurial stirring and I I feel as a entrepreneur stirring and I I feel as a entrepreneur stirring and I I feel as a entrepreneur leader that creating culture is uh my leader that creating culture is uh my leader that creating culture is uh my greatest form of worship vocationally. greatest form of worship vocationally. greatest form of worship vocationally. So what do I not like? You just saw the So what do I not like? You just saw the So what do I not like? You just saw the non-examples. non-examples. non-examples. start that business, firm, consulting start that business, firm, consulting start that business, firm, consulting thing on your own and then hire, thing on your own and then hire, thing on your own and then hire, celebrate, create joy, welcome, all the celebrate, create joy, welcome, all the celebrate, create joy, welcome, all the things you feel like should exist in a things you feel like should exist in a things you feel like should exist in a culture. Entrepreneurs have the culture. Entrepreneurs have the culture. Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to do that and it's super opportunity to do that and it's super opportunity to do that and it's super rewarding when you get to see that. rewarding when you get to see that. rewarding when you get to see that. That's really good. Um there was a That's really good. Um there was a That's really good. Um there was a sister in our church who um who did not sister in our church who um who did not sister in our church who um who did not like her job and uh we um began to do like her job and uh we um began to do like her job and uh we um began to do some study together of Tom Nelson's book some study together of Tom Nelson's book some study together of Tom Nelson's book Work Matters and and she was greatly Work Matters and and she was greatly Work Matters and and she was greatly impacted by that book and and it caused impacted by that book and and it caused impacted by that book and and it caused her to begin to go to work with a whole her to begin to go to work with a whole her to begin to go to work with a whole different kind of attitude and she different kind of attitude and she different kind of attitude and she started giving herself to her job. She started giving herself to her job. She started giving herself to her job. She was managing her time better. she was was managing her time better. she was was managing her time better. she was getting things delivered more quickly getting things delivered more quickly getting things delivered more quickly and uh and so her her teammates began to and uh and so her her teammates began to and uh and so her her teammates began to notice this and her her her supervisor notice this and her her her supervisor notice this and her her her supervisor noticed it as well. And then she began

noticed it as well. And then she began noticed it as well. And then she began to prompt him about things that she to prompt him about things that she to prompt him about things that she needed that he needed her to do after needed that he needed her to do after needed that he needed her to do after she'd gotten done with the stuff that she'd gotten done with the stuff that she'd gotten done with the stuff that she was required to do. And so her she was required to do. And so her she was required to do. And so her productivity began to open um avenues productivity began to open um avenues productivity began to open um avenues for witnessing. She was literally asked for witnessing. She was literally asked for witnessing. She was literally asked by both her boss and her co-workers what by both her boss and her co-workers what by both her boss and her co-workers what changed. So what is the relationship changed. So what is the relationship changed. So what is the relationship between how we between how we between how we work and how that opens avenues for work and how that opens avenues for work and how that opens avenues for gospel witness? Um, I mentioned this earlier, so I'll Um, I mentioned this earlier, so I'll repeat it. We are made in God's image, repeat it. We are made in God's image, repeat it. We are made in God's image, and God's a good worker. So, we we're to and God's a good worker. So, we we're to and God's a good worker. So, we we're to be really good at our work. And can you be really good at our work. And can you be really good at our work. And can you imagine, I'm thinking of this woman, if imagine, I'm thinking of this woman, if imagine, I'm thinking of this woman, if she were a C minus at work, she were a C minus at work, she were a C minus at work, who wants to imitate the rest of her who wants to imitate the rest of her who wants to imitate the rest of her life or find out what makes her tick? life or find out what makes her tick? life or find out what makes her tick? But she became an A+. And now all of a But she became an A+. And now all of a But she became an A+. And now all of a sudden, everybody, well, what makes this sudden, everybody, well, what makes this sudden, everybody, well, what makes this gal tick? And they ask questions when gal tick? And they ask questions when gal tick? And they ask questions when you're with people all the time. They you're with people all the time. They you're with people all the time. They want to know who you are. Especially if want to know who you are. Especially if want to know who you are. Especially if you're really excellent and that woman, you're really excellent and that woman, you're really excellent and that woman, how many people surrounded her? Say, how many people surrounded her? Say, how many people surrounded her? Say, "What's the change about?" It's a "What's the change about?" It's a "What's the change about?" It's a beautiful thing. We're to be excellent beautiful thing. We're to be excellent beautiful thing. We're to be excellent in our work. That's the first. But you in our work. That's the first. But you in our work. That's the first. But you know, the the stranger out on the know, the the stranger out on the know, the the stranger out on the street, the only way you can tell them street, the only way you can tell them street, the only way you can tell them about Jesus is opening your mouth and about Jesus is opening your mouth and about Jesus is opening your mouth and tell them about Jesus. They're they're tell them about Jesus. They're they're tell them about Jesus. They're they're not going to witness your life and your not going to witness your life and your not going to witness your life and your behavior. But at work, you're living behavior. But at work, you're living behavior. But at work, you're living together.

together. together. That's good. That's good. Anyone else? That's good. That's good. Anyone else? That's good. That's good. Anyone else? Yeah, I I would just add um I think the Yeah, I I would just add um I think the Yeah, I I would just add um I think the only thing I could add to all of these only thing I could add to all of these only thing I could add to all of these amazing comments so far is just remember amazing comments so far is just remember amazing comments so far is just remember to to be steeped in prayer. Um it's it to to be steeped in prayer. Um it's it to to be steeped in prayer. Um it's it because again back to Alex's point, it because again back to Alex's point, it because again back to Alex's point, it takes so much discernment to know what takes so much discernment to know what takes so much discernment to know what to do, what are your options, what open to do, what are your options, what open to do, what are your options, what open doors do you have? One, just on the stay doors do you have? One, just on the stay doors do you have? One, just on the stay or run um dilemma, you know, do what or run um dilemma, you know, do what or run um dilemma, you know, do what Daniel did. Pray pray to God like all Daniel did. Pray pray to God like all Daniel did. Pray pray to God like all the time. God will fight your battles. the time. God will fight your battles. the time. God will fight your battles. um God will move mountains for you. And um God will move mountains for you. And um God will move mountains for you. And when he's not, when he's saying, "Wait, when he's not, when he's saying, "Wait, when he's not, when he's saying, "Wait, trust, and stay, you're getting trust, and stay, you're getting trust, and stay, you're getting stronger. You're building faith muscles stronger. You're building faith muscles stronger. You're building faith muscles that you're going to need later." Um so that you're going to need later." Um so that you're going to need later." Um so being in that stuck place is actually being in that stuck place is actually being in that stuck place is actually very fruitful sometimes. Um that you very fruitful sometimes. Um that you very fruitful sometimes. Um that you don't you may not see it until later. Um don't you may not see it until later. Um don't you may not see it until later. Um but back to, you know, Bob's point and but back to, you know, Bob's point and but back to, you know, Bob's point and about opening doors for witnessing. Um about opening doors for witnessing. Um about opening doors for witnessing. Um I'm a very strategic person. I like to I'm a very strategic person. I like to I'm a very strategic person. I like to take life by the reins. I like to think take life by the reins. I like to think take life by the reins. I like to think that I can order everything around me.

that I can order everything around me. that I can order everything around me. Um, sadly, we all know that's not true. Um, sadly, we all know that's not true. Um, sadly, we all know that's not true. But it really isn't true when it comes But it really isn't true when it comes But it really isn't true when it comes to when it comes to um God doing his to when it comes to um God doing his to when it comes to um God doing his work of redeeming humankind in and work of redeeming humankind in and work of redeeming humankind in and through us, right? Like I can't decide through us, right? Like I can't decide through us, right? Like I can't decide to give somebody spiritual rebirth. Um, to give somebody spiritual rebirth. Um, to give somebody spiritual rebirth. Um, so what I need to do is follow God's so what I need to do is follow God's so what I need to do is follow God's instructions, pray for the people around instructions, pray for the people around instructions, pray for the people around me, be discerning about what it is, you me, be discerning about what it is, you me, be discerning about what it is, you know, what it is I might be called to know, what it is I might be called to know, what it is I might be called to say, water, uh, plant, scatter seeds. say, water, uh, plant, scatter seeds. say, water, uh, plant, scatter seeds. You've got to be really discerning. Like You've got to be really discerning. Like You've got to be really discerning. Like our job, we don't have to take it all on our job, we don't have to take it all on our job, we don't have to take it all on our shoulders. We've got to walk with our shoulders. We've got to walk with our shoulders. We've got to walk with God, abide in him. You know, he's the God, abide in him. You know, he's the God, abide in him. You know, he's the vine, we are the branches. We we need to vine, we are the branches. We we need to vine, we are the branches. We we need to abide and we will bear fruit. So, I've abide and we will bear fruit. So, I've abide and we will bear fruit. So, I've toned it down, I feel like, actually, toned it down, I feel like, actually, toned it down, I feel like, actually, over time, and that's become very over time, and that's become very over time, and that's become very effective. The other thing I think is effective. The other thing I think is effective. The other thing I think is super important, super super important. super important, super super important. super important, super super important. People can can sense if you're just out People can can sense if you're just out People can can sense if you're just out to convert them. So, like I I don't I'm to convert them. So, like I I don't I'm to convert them. So, like I I don't I'm not out to convert anyone. I'm out to not out to convert anyone. I'm out to not out to convert anyone. I'm out to love them with the unfailing, love them with the unfailing, love them with the unfailing, unconditional love of God and watch God unconditional love of God and watch God unconditional love of God and watch God work in their lives. and I will be work in their lives. and I will be work in their lives. and I will be friends with them for the rest of my friends with them for the rest of my friends with them for the rest of my life whether or not they ever come to life whether or not they ever come to life whether or not they ever come to share our faith. And I think that's share our faith. And I think that's share our faith. And I think that's really important like really being there really important like really being there really important like really being there for people in a real true way. Really for people in a real true way. Really for people in a real true way. Really seeing them with the love and grace of seeing them with the love and grace of seeing them with the love and grace of God. That's really good. Chris, Alex, God. That's really good. Chris, Alex, God. That's really good. Chris, Alex, what are your thoughts about sharing the what are your thoughts about sharing the what are your thoughts about sharing the gospel in the workplace? Yeah, I have I gospel in the workplace? Yeah, I have I gospel in the workplace? Yeah, I have I have a couple of thoughts. I mean, I have a couple of thoughts. I mean, I have a couple of thoughts. I mean, I think on the one hand, we all know the

think on the one hand, we all know the think on the one hand, we all know the simple answer. You know, what do we need simple answer. You know, what do we need simple answer. You know, what do we need to to better share the gospel at work? to to better share the gospel at work? to to better share the gospel at work? boldness and and boldness in the sense boldness and and boldness in the sense boldness and and boldness in the sense of just kind of a a faithful willingness of just kind of a a faithful willingness of just kind of a a faithful willingness to to speak when given the opportunity. to to speak when given the opportunity. to to speak when given the opportunity. Um, but I think the more complex answer Um, but I think the more complex answer Um, but I think the more complex answer is that typically speaking, boldness is is that typically speaking, boldness is is that typically speaking, boldness is not actually what we're lacking when it not actually what we're lacking when it not actually what we're lacking when it comes to sharing the gospel in the comes to sharing the gospel in the comes to sharing the gospel in the workplace. So, if you'll indulge me with workplace. So, if you'll indulge me with workplace. So, if you'll indulge me with a a quick story time, uh when I went to a a quick story time, uh when I went to a a quick story time, uh when I went to Harvard Law School, I kind of expected Harvard Law School, I kind of expected Harvard Law School, I kind of expected to be persecuted for my evangelical to be persecuted for my evangelical to be persecuted for my evangelical Christian faith. That was my mentality Christian faith. That was my mentality Christian faith. That was my mentality going in. I'd grown up homeschooled. I'd going in. I'd grown up homeschooled. I'd going in. I'd grown up homeschooled. I'd gone to a tiny private conservative gone to a tiny private conservative gone to a tiny private conservative Christian college, which was a great Christian college, which was a great Christian college, which was a great experience for my faith. But now, I was experience for my faith. But now, I was experience for my faith. But now, I was going to, you know, big scary Harvard going to, you know, big scary Harvard going to, you know, big scary Harvard Law School where I knew I'd be in the Law School where I knew I'd be in the Law School where I knew I'd be in the minority. I kind of went in with my hard minority. I kind of went in with my hard minority. I kind of went in with my hard hat on. I was like, I got to be faithful hat on. I was like, I got to be faithful hat on. I was like, I got to be faithful to God. So, I've got to be open about to God. So, I've got to be open about to God. So, I've got to be open about being a Christian, but I'm gonna being a Christian, but I'm gonna being a Christian, but I'm gonna experience experience experience persecution. And the the crazy thing I I persecution. And the the crazy thing I I persecution. And the the crazy thing I I I experienced is and and maybe a I experienced is and and maybe a I experienced is and and maybe a counterpoint to to Bob's story where counterpoint to to Bob's story where counterpoint to to Bob's story where yes, sometimes you do that and lightning yes, sometimes you do that and lightning yes, sometimes you do that and lightning does strike does strike does strike you. I found that all the people who you. I found that all the people who you. I found that all the people who talked about tolerance were actually talked about tolerance were actually talked about tolerance were actually reasonably tolerant. And and as I proved reasonably tolerant. And and as I proved reasonably tolerant. And and as I proved myself as a student and as a friend to myself as a student and as a friend to myself as a student and as a friend to people and was open about my faith, they people and was open about my faith, they people and was open about my faith, they went out of their way to engage with me, went out of their way to engage with me, went out of their way to engage with me, to ask questions, to share. Hey, I was to ask questions, to share. Hey, I was to ask questions, to share. Hey, I was in youth group in high school and kind in youth group in high school and kind in youth group in high school and kind of left religion behind ever since. But

of left religion behind ever since. But of left religion behind ever since. But they would go out of their way to find they would go out of their way to find they would go out of their way to find commonality and it just opened so many commonality and it just opened so many commonality and it just opened so many conversations and and I wasn't being conversations and and I wasn't being conversations and and I wasn't being obnoxious and I wasn't being, you know, obnoxious and I wasn't being, you know, obnoxious and I wasn't being, you know, a jerk about it. I was just honest that, a jerk about it. I was just honest that, a jerk about it. I was just honest that, hey, no, I can't do something on Sunday hey, no, I can't do something on Sunday hey, no, I can't do something on Sunday morning. my family and I always go to morning. my family and I always go to morning. my family and I always go to church on Sunday mornings, but when's church on Sunday mornings, but when's church on Sunday mornings, but when's another time that would be convenient another time that would be convenient another time that would be convenient for you? That type of thing? And and for you? That type of thing? And and for you? That type of thing? And and what I've learned ever since law school what I've learned ever since law school what I've learned ever since law school and throughout my career now as an and throughout my career now as an and throughout my career now as an attorney is that same approach has attorney is that same approach has attorney is that same approach has opened doors time after time after time opened doors time after time after time opened doors time after time after time to have a conversation. And so, you to have a conversation. And so, you to have a conversation. And so, you know, going to Bob, your your great know, going to Bob, your your great know, going to Bob, your your great example, you know, if a random stranger example, you know, if a random stranger example, you know, if a random stranger came up to you in the street and said, came up to you in the street and said, came up to you in the street and said, "Can you tell me about Jesus?" "Can you tell me about Jesus?" "Can you tell me about Jesus?" every single one of us in this room, every single one of us in this room, every single one of us in this room, we'd be, you know, prepared to to answer we'd be, you know, prepared to to answer we'd be, you know, prepared to to answer that question. We'd do our best. God that question. We'd do our best. God that question. We'd do our best. God would give us the words. The Holy Spirit would give us the words. The Holy Spirit would give us the words. The Holy Spirit would be with us. The problem is, you would be with us. The problem is, you would be with us. The problem is, you know, people don't just randomly come up know, people don't just randomly come up know, people don't just randomly come up to you out on the street and ask you to you out on the street and ask you to you out on the street and ask you about Jesus because for one, they they about Jesus because for one, they they about Jesus because for one, they they just don't even know that you're the just don't even know that you're the just don't even know that you're the right person to ask. Uh and and and so, right person to ask. Uh and and and so, right person to ask. Uh and and and so, especially in the workplace, you know, especially in the workplace, you know, especially in the workplace, you know, if if people don't know you're a if if people don't know you're a if if people don't know you're a Christian, they're never going to ask.

Christian, they're never going to ask. Christian, they're never going to ask. So, you have to be a known Christian. So, you have to be a known Christian. So, you have to be a known Christian. The second uh and this is the other The second uh and this is the other The second uh and this is the other problem in the workplace as opposed to problem in the workplace as opposed to problem in the workplace as opposed to the stranger on the street is they're the stranger on the street is they're the stranger on the street is they're not strangers. not strangers. not strangers. They know you. You live together, right? They know you. You live together, right? They know you. You live together, right? And so maybe they have seen you cut And so maybe they have seen you cut And so maybe they have seen you cut corners. Maybe they've seen you act out corners. Maybe they've seen you act out corners. Maybe they've seen you act out of greed and self-interest. Maybe of greed and self-interest. Maybe of greed and self-interest. Maybe they've seen you lose your temper and they've seen you lose your temper and they've seen you lose your temper and speak harshly to them or to a coworker. speak harshly to them or to a coworker. speak harshly to them or to a coworker. Maybe they've seen you have one too many Maybe they've seen you have one too many Maybe they've seen you have one too many drinks during happy hour after work. drinks during happy hour after work. drinks during happy hour after work. Maybe they've seen you do a whole host Maybe they've seen you do a whole host Maybe they've seen you do a whole host of things which if they actually knew of things which if they actually knew of things which if they actually knew you were a Christian, you'd be ashamed you were a Christian, you'd be ashamed you were a Christian, you'd be ashamed of. And so that stops us, I think, more of. And so that stops us, I think, more of. And so that stops us, I think, more often than anything else. And so going often than anything else. And so going often than anything else. And so going into work uh with excellence, like we into work uh with excellence, like we into work uh with excellence, like we talked about, but also being a known talked about, but also being a known talked about, but also being a known Christian who then acts consistently Christian who then acts consistently Christian who then acts consistently with the witness that we are called to with the witness that we are called to with the witness that we are called to have. That I believe is is what most have. That I believe is is what most have. That I believe is is what most effectively opens the door for those effectively opens the door for those effectively opens the door for those types of conversations. That's types of conversations. That's types of conversations. That's fantastic. Excellent. I I just add two fantastic. Excellent. I I just add two fantastic. Excellent. I I just add two things that follow up. You I I remember things that follow up. You I I remember things that follow up. You I I remember times when I would pray, God, could I times when I would pray, God, could I times when I would pray, God, could I give me a chance to share my faith with give me a chance to share my faith with give me a chance to share my faith with this one or that one or the other? And this one or that one or the other? And this one or that one or the other? And the it never came up. So I said, I'm the it never came up. So I said, I'm the it never came up. So I said, I'm trying to make it something separate as trying to make it something separate as trying to make it something separate as opposed to just part of life. So I did opposed to just part of life. So I did opposed to just part of life. So I did two things that really mattered. May not two things that really mattered. May not two things that really mattered. May not work for you, but they're the two things work for you, but they're the two things work for you, but they're the two things I did. Simple. When somebody asked me on I did. Simple. When somebody asked me on I did. Simple. When somebody asked me on Monday morning, "How was your weekend?

Monday morning, "How was your weekend? Monday morning, "How was your weekend? What' you do?" Which is very common What' you do?" Which is very common What' you do?" Which is very common question on Monday morning, I would question on Monday morning, I would question on Monday morning, I would always tell them the things I did that always tell them the things I did that always tell them the things I did that weekend that were unique to that weekend that were unique to that weekend that were unique to that weekend. And I purposely say, I would do weekend. And I purposely say, I would do weekend. And I purposely say, I would do that and I went to church, assuming I that and I went to church, assuming I that and I went to church, assuming I did, which like most of you I do every did, which like most of you I do every did, which like most of you I do every Sunday. I'll never forget when one guy Sunday. I'll never forget when one guy Sunday. I'll never forget when one guy said to me, "Two weeks in a row, how was said to me, "Two weeks in a row, how was said to me, "Two weeks in a row, how was your weekend?" And I answered and I went your weekend?" And I answered and I went your weekend?" And I answered and I went to church. Did you go to church last to church. Did you go to church last to church. Did you go to church last weekend? You went this weekend, too? weekend? You went this weekend, too? weekend? You went this weekend, too? Total openness. Why do you go to church Total openness. Why do you go to church Total openness. Why do you go to church every week? Great. And he was one of the every week? Great. And he was one of the every week? Great. And he was one of the guys I was praying for. God, give me a guys I was praying for. God, give me a guys I was praying for. God, give me a chance. The other thing I did was chance. The other thing I did was chance. The other thing I did was particularly when I was CEO a couple of particularly when I was CEO a couple of particularly when I was CEO a couple of business people come with their business people come with their business people come with their problems, professional ones, but problems, professional ones, but problems, professional ones, but personal ones, too. And as they would personal ones, too. And as they would personal ones, too. And as they would leave, I would say, "May I pray for leave, I would say, "May I pray for leave, I would say, "May I pray for you?" And I'd write it down. If they you?" And I'd write it down. If they you?" And I'd write it down. If they dared to come back a second time, can I dared to come back a second time, can I dared to come back a second time, can I pray for you right now? No one ever said pray for you right now? No one ever said pray for you right now? No one ever said no. And some of the very people I said, no. And some of the very people I said, no. And some of the very people I said, "Lord, give me a chance to share my "Lord, give me a chance to share my "Lord, give me a chance to share my faith with Joey." Let's say Joey was faith with Joey." Let's say Joey was faith with Joey." Let's say Joey was sitting there with his problem. Now I sitting there with his problem. Now I sitting there with his problem. Now I can talk to my God in front of Joey, the can talk to my God in front of Joey, the can talk to my God in front of Joey, the same God I want to introduce him to. So same God I want to introduce him to. So same God I want to introduce him to. So simple things, find things that just fit simple things, find things that just fit simple things, find things that just fit into your life normally. That's my into your life normally. That's my into your life normally. That's my advice. That's fantastic. Excellent.

advice. That's fantastic. Excellent. advice. That's fantastic. Excellent. This has been fantastic. Uh Jessica, This has been fantastic. Uh Jessica, This has been fantastic. Uh Jessica, would you just kind of tie everything would you just kind of tie everything would you just kind of tie everything together for us? Just just a closing together for us? Just just a closing together for us? Just just a closing thought from my sister. Closing thought from my sister. Closing thought from my sister. Closing argument. Wow. A lawyer closing argument. Wow. A lawyer closing argument. Wow. A lawyer closing argument. That's exactly right. An argument. That's exactly right. An argument. That's exactly right. An alliteration. I think there are some alliteration. I think there are some alliteration. I think there are some pastors in the room that like that. Um, pastors in the room that like that. Um, pastors in the room that like that. Um, uh, I'd say reflect, restore, and uh, I'd say reflect, restore, and uh, I'd say reflect, restore, and rejoice. Um, so we're called to reflect rejoice. Um, so we're called to reflect rejoice. Um, so we're called to reflect the image of God to a lost and dying the image of God to a lost and dying the image of God to a lost and dying world. Uh, we're called to restore, world. Uh, we're called to restore, world. Uh, we're called to restore, right, through the through working with right, through the through working with right, through the through working with excellence and integrity and spiritual excellence and integrity and spiritual excellence and integrity and spiritual faithfulness. But don't forget to faithfulness. But don't forget to faithfulness. But don't forget to rejoice. We're part of a new humanity. rejoice. We're part of a new humanity. rejoice. We're part of a new humanity. We are people of the future. I don't We are people of the future. I don't We are people of the future. I don't remember who said that, but I love remember who said that, but I love remember who said that, but I love saying that. Like, we are people of the saying that. Like, we are people of the saying that. Like, we are people of the future. This world will be entirely future. This world will be entirely future. This world will be entirely redeemed and restored. There will be no redeemed and restored. There will be no redeemed and restored. There will be no more sin, sorrow, sickness, pain, or more sin, sorrow, sickness, pain, or more sin, sorrow, sickness, pain, or death and no more effects of it. And we death and no more effects of it. And we death and no more effects of it. And we are people that belong to that world. are people that belong to that world. are people that belong to that world. So, let's bring that world here. Um, and So, let's bring that world here. Um, and So, let's bring that world here. Um, and that's that's go forth. I think that's that's that's go forth. I think that's that's that's go forth. I think that's it. Well done. Amen. Amen. Can we give it. Well done. Amen. Amen. Can we give it. Well done. Amen. Amen. Can we give it up for our panelists?

it up for our panelists? it up for our panelists? Amen. Hey, if it's okay, I'm just going to Hey, if it's okay, I'm just going to close us in prayer before before we're close us in prayer before before we're close us in prayer before before we're done. Uh, Father God, thank you. Thank done. Uh, Father God, thank you. Thank done. Uh, Father God, thank you. Thank you, Lord, for just uh letting us fill you, Lord, for just uh letting us fill you, Lord, for just uh letting us fill your heart, uh, for our work, for our your heart, uh, for our work, for our your heart, uh, for our work, for our vocation, God, for every aspect of our vocation, God, for every aspect of our vocation, God, for every aspect of our lives. God, would you would you just lives. God, would you would you just lives. God, would you would you just continue to stir us, Lord, to incline us continue to stir us, Lord, to incline us continue to stir us, Lord, to incline us to show who you are in our to show who you are in our to show who you are in our attitude, in everything we put our hands attitude, in everything we put our hands attitude, in everything we put our hands to, God, that we do it with full to, God, that we do it with full to, God, that we do it with full commitment, energy, excellence. God commitment, energy, excellence. God commitment, energy, excellence. God would help us to be your witnesses, your would help us to be your witnesses, your would help us to be your witnesses, your ambassadors in every domain of our ambassadors in every domain of our ambassadors in every domain of our lives. So God, we thank you, Jesus, and lives. So God, we thank you, Jesus, and lives. So God, we thank you, Jesus, and we love you. It's in your name we pray. we love you. It's in your name we pray. we love you. It's in your name we pray. Amen. Amen. God bless you.