Leadership is always a glory and a ruin, a privilege and a torment. People look for leaders, who are in short supply, and they look to leaders, whose skills and achievements they often exaggerate.

Have you ever seen someone waste their God-given talents? It’s brutal to see someone who is full of potential and possibility not use their talents, gifts, and opportunities. Do you ever wonder how you can use your own gifts and talents in more meaningful ways? We were made to use what we have been given. Each person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), fearfully and wonderfully made as they were knit together by their Creator (Psalm 139:13-14), with gifts and talents to serve the world and glorify the One who made them (Isaiah 43:7).

We know the coronavirus pandemic has deprived more than 30 million workers of their jobs. Many of the employed work far less than before as businesses stay open, but only marginally. On the other hand, millions work far longer or under tougher conditions. Consider the drivers, IT experts, teachers, nurses, pastors, and counselors who work harder than ever before: you need to rest, especially if you are the type—like many pastors—who acts as if rest were for other people.

Too much Christian instruction on work urges disciples to be faithful in the work assigned to them. Not enough considers, "Should we do this work?"

Douglas Merkey, a pastor/theologian/artist/entrepreneur, shares his journey from “performance junkie” to open handed recipient of God’s good pleasure, and shares his practices that help him let the gospel flow through his heart in everything he does..

20% of the Fortune 100 companies have established faith-oriented Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as part of their workplace diversity initiatives. And the number of companies embracing faith-based ERGs is growing... They provide places where people can find community and encouragement to live out their faith in their daily work. They also offer the opportunity to engage in healthy discussions between people of different faiths--discussions that foster understanding and trust among or colleagues.

We often fear that they labor in vain, and rightly so. Fine art fades into oblivion, great inventions fail for lack of proper marketing or manufacturing, and sterling policy proposals never gain a hearing. Despair tempts us when we have noble goals, but fail, or fear we will fail, to achieve them. We know faith drives out despair, but how does it operate? First, by giving us worthy goals. Second, by assuring us that our work is fruitful, even if we never see those fruits.

Solomon says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil… and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken." A band of allies can accomplish what no individual can (Eccles. 4:9-12). Because Western culture tilts toward individualism, we affirm the corporate or communal thrust of Israel's law as it touches work.