I Am Here on the Job

In some cultures, it is common at funeral services to call the name of the deceased three times. Because the dead person cannot respond, others declare, "I am here." Those are not idle words. Those responding vow to take on the burden, the debts, the liabilities, but also the dreams and plans of the deceased.

I believe in taking vows. Jesus is not dead, but I believe that occasionally in church the leader should three times call for the presence of Jesus and that those in the congregation, with full understanding of what they are pledging, should respond, "I am here."

It couldn’t and probably shouldn’t be publicly done in the workplace. However, managers usually are on the job before they appear at the job site, already working on the hangover problems of yesterday, the necessities of today, the hopes for tomorrow. That is the time for Christian managers to say, "Jesus is here in me."

Workers are also "on the job" before they reach the workplace, preparing their attitude for the day and the job. Sometimes they bring disappointment, discouragement, resentment, frustration with them. That is the time for Christian workers to say, "I am going to work as a representative of Jesus Christ."

When the name of our Lord is used inappropriately, it would be appropriate to whisper, "Jesus is here." When someone you are trying to help is rude, offensive, or insulting, and you ask yourself what Jesus would do, that’s a good time to think, "I am here in Jesus’ name."

Rethinking yesterday to improve today and plan tomorrow, reporting for duty, punching the time clock, facing responsibility, shouldering accountability are optimum times for those who believe in Jesus to hear in their minds the roll call for Jesus Christ and from their hearts answer, "Jesus is here."

What greater reward can a worker have than knowing she has done good work? What greater punishment can a worker have than seeing the result of his shoddy work?

Questions for personal reflection, online discussion, or small groups:

• Who do you represent on the job? Your prideful self, demanding respect, determined to rise above others, or do you represent the One you claim as Lord?
• How do you treat coworkers, supervisors, clients, those you supervise? As annoyances, nuisances, inferiors, or those whom Jesus loves?
• For more about representing God in the workplace, read Cutting Your Coworkers Some Slack; Butterflies, Caterpillars, and Coworkers; or watch our video feature about a New York City teacher who shares God’s love in the Bronx.