A Workplace Encourager

The Christian Working Woman Transcript

Monday, January 07, 2008 - Becoming a Workplace Encourager

I wonder, have you noticed that most working environments are flooded with discouragement? As Christians, we are called to be encouragers. Isaiah 35:3-4 tells us to Encourage the exhausted and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, Take courage, fear not. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we are told: Therefore encourage one another and build up one another...

I’ve come across a wonderful booklet called “Pass-Along Promises: Inspiration for the Workplace.” It’s a very helpful tool that can teach us to pass along some inspiration to our coworkers; to become very intentional about becoming a workplace encourager. In this booklet are 46 tear-out cards, very beautifully designed, each with a different message. So, you can choose the appropriate card for a coworker, and pass it along to that person in order to encourage her or him.

We’ve been able to purchase a quantity of these booklets, and I want to send one to you–but there’s a catch! No, you don’t have to pay for it, but I would ask you to promise that you will give away five cards every week. It should take you about six to seven weeks to give them all away. Obviously I won’t be able to check up on you, but I will trust that if you request this booklet, you are agreeing to give away these cards–five per week for the next six weeks.

Each day this week I am going to give you some examples of the cards and how you can use them. Each card has a quote or saying on one side, and a coordinating scripture verse on the other. One says “God created a marvelous, incredibly detailed work in you, and He’ll help you discover what to do with it.” The verse on the other side is Psalm 139:14: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well.

If you work with someone who is struggling with their significance, or who is feeling under-valued and unappreciated, don’t you think this card would brighten their day? You would need to pray for the right opening and the best way to present the card, but that means we’d be praying more for our coworkers. What an idea! At lunch you might say, “I know what it’s like to have bad days–or even bad weeks!–when everything seems dark. I thought of you when I read this card, and thought it might cheer you up.” You could even add that you’re praying for that person, if appropriate and if true.

I have a vision of hundreds of you becoming intentional about passing along encouragement where you work through the use of these cards, and watching how God will use it to improve relationships and change environments. God’s Word never returns void, so I challenge you to become a workplace encourager. If you’re willing to give it an honest effort, then contact us today for your copy of this helpful booklet, “Pass-Along Promises.”