Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Romans 13:7
Romans 13:7
Clint has stuck with his job even when it was unpleasant. He did not job hop like many peers because he was told by a wise, older, Christian man that frequent job hopping often causes more loss than gain. Clint gave up things he wanted (humility, sacrifice), and kept plugging away (dedication, diligence, persistence), and trusted God (walked in faith) to take care of him while he worked for us. Some parts were particularly challenging, but reward came.
For a few years, Clint had to work for a man he did not particularly like very much. The man was a micromanager, a womanizer who used his office for that pursuit, and a vindictive troublemaker. The man was in authority over Clint, but he did not understand the job well. The poor decisions this man made caused Clint's job to be harder. The strife he caused in the place of business made things even more difficult. The man put marks against Clint that were unwarranted and undeserved, and it kept him from getting a raise that year. He did this against many of the workers there. The job often took Clint to his limits. Clint did not like job very much in those years, but he was too wise to let feelings dictate his decisions.
The job paid well, had good insurance and other benefits, offered opportunities to move up, and was stable even when the economy tanked. Clint knew he'd be foolish to walk away from a door God had opened to for him to provide for our family. So, he stayed because of his dedication to his family.
Our family spent a lot of time praying for the man and Clint. God allowed the situation to go on for a few years before He changed the circumstances. It turned into a good lesson to our children and others about sticking it out even when it isn't fun. It taught them the godly characters of praying for our enemies, doing good to our enemies, enduring, patience, bearing with others, controlling our emotions, sacrifice, steadfastness, etc.
Clint had to endure through that period. He often prayed God would open another door. He always felt God wanted him to stick with it. So he kept showing up every day and did his job to the best of his ability.
It paid off in a big way! God blessed Clint for seeking and following Him.
The man was eventually removed. The next boss Clint had went through the employee records and REMOVED all of the negative remarks the bad boss had left for ALL of the men. He told Clint he knew the mark against him was fabricated. He even gave Clint the page in his file to destroy. Clint got a good raise that year!
For the last few years, Clint has made a six figure income and has become recognized as an expert in his field. He leads a team in maintaining two industrial plants, has an office, a company card, business expenses, six weeks paid leave, and is set to move up if he desires. He is one of the highest paid people in the company. If he had quit when it was hard or boring or frustrating, he would not be where he is today.
Clint is currently being highly sought after by other companies and has been offered positions all around the world. For the last two years, headhunters contact him almost weekly and sometimes daily trying to lure him from the Christian company where he is employed. So far, no one is able to offer enough incentive to disrupt our current lives or leave the employer he loves and respects.
I love seeing how far my humble, hardworking husband has come! I am proud of him, his hard work, and his commitment to honor the Lord by working with integrity for his employer. Clint's needs often came last, but now he is recognized first among his peers. God, who sees the heart, rewards accordingly. It is an honor to stand beside a man who is admired, held in great respect, is eagerly sought after, and has achieved so much.
Young people, it is rare someone can get ahead in life with frequent job hopping. You won't go far by reacting with anger, throwing things around, cursing people, striking things, and then storming off of the job. Giving up a good paying job with great benefits is not often considered a wise choice. Likewise, believing your job should revolve around your life (self first) is unrealistic if you want to provide well for your family (others first). It is a mark of maturity to be able to interact peacefully with people and situations we don't necessarily like. Self control is a godly characteristic we should all work towards. Ultimately we should seek the Lord every step of the way in every area of our lives.
