SecondIron's Blog

Sharpening Iron to Live Second

Faith at Work in Progress

  Is it a challenge to be a Christian in the workplace? Many people hide their faith and beliefs at work as they are terrified of being ostracized, picked on or possibly even fired.  Why should we be ashamed of the one thing that gets many of us through the day? Now I am not saying that we need to be Bible beating witnesses that preach to our co-workers and have a crucifix on our desk.  We all need to be sensitive to the religion and beliefs of others that may differ than ours.  I am sure it would probably bother you if someone adorned their desk with fish, peace signs and Stars of David as well. However, our actions can be a reflection of our faith even if our cross is hidden beneath the collar of our shirt. Personally, I have found if you treat others with humble generosity, and are polite and polite, faith will shine through.  Whether it is through simple gestures that many associate with being chivalrous such as opening doors for others, waiting for others to enter or exit a room or elevator.  Maybe you quietly bow your head and bless your food before you eat in the cafeteria, a potluck even when you eat alone at your desk. You know what you believe and you can be the mirror that shines and brightens someone else’s day without saying a word.  Do you say ‘Bless you’ if a co-worker sneezes?  What if they are an atheist do you still bless them?  Of […]

Man in the Mirror

In today’s lifestyle it is difficult for anyone to walk past a mirror without taking a moment for self-absorption or self-loathing.  We have become a society that is focused on the way we look to the rest of the world. “Sometimes I hate the man in the mirror.” – Lecrae Instead of being consumed by what is wrong with that guy in the mirror, we should focus on the gifts within. Public opinion makes the assumption that the psychological disorder of vanity is mainly a female problem. Yet I am sure you like myself know many a man who spends more time in front of the mirror than is healthy, maybe even it is you. Rather than dwelling on how skinny or young we should be; or how we need the abs we used to have back in our hay-day.  If we focus on God’s grace in the gifts that we have to share to others, all the rest will come naturally. Focus on making yourself into the reflection where others see Christ when they look at you. If your actions speak volumes it will not matter what the man in the mirror may look like to you. “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.” – Psalms 94:11 We look into the mirror and see ourselves big and mighty strong as a lion. Yet many of us are with scars of hurts and pain of sin that we carry unable to forget our past.  Unlike the women in our lives, we […]

Leading is a Humbling Gift

Everyone wants to be a leader or do they? Most of us go through our days wanting to hide in the shadows and complain about those that lead.  We are quick to judge and criticize but slow to step up or recognize.  We allow fear to paralyze our ambition and rather than lead we rather be submissive. Leaders have to be strong … right? Well that guy is just more confident than me. He must be a born leader destined to win.  I don’t want all that responsibility, they can have it.  Strength comes through weakness, a true leader must humbly serve or they can never lead. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3 A true leader sets aside his ego, does not focus on what he can gain, turns his attention to those he leads. Take a moment, reflect, is there a leader in you? Every man is born a leader, as we all are born into a humble beginning, it is our decisions that determine how we will be.  There are more leaders in the followers than in the leaders that forcefully lead.  Put the needs of your fellow-man before your own.  Turn your eye towards God’s word.  You too can be a leader others will see as worth following. “He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30 Blessings, CJ