What comes to your mind when you think of Colossians?

I think of work and God when I flip and read about Colossians, especially in times when you are reminded there is a higher calling above whose weight and strength is marvellously amazing and good to lean on. The foundation is stable, not weak. The foundation is established, not poorly built.

This week has been tough. I am not going to lie and say that work is easy. This is my first time that I am left in the care of other members in the team whom I have never worked with nor yet familiar with how they conduct themselves in their professional capacity day by day. I used to see challenges as depressing hurdles, like a deep pit of agony that I almost found myself falling into. It feels very easy to give up and pack up whenever life is hard.

I am glad that I did not fall into the deep pit. Instead, I took some time during lunch to have my alone time to gather my thoughts, enjoyed Ippudo ramen and then proceeded to walk from Marina Bay Sands to my workplace to enjoy the thrill of the freedom for a little while.

I think I had been hard on myself. I sometimes feel bad that I do not have the information to help out in the project that is beyond my control. I had a vis-a-vis conversation with one of my colleagues who kept pushing me beyond my limits and I think it was very helpful because I get to see their expectations of me and the project. I used to dread getting such conversation with colleagues because it is either they want me to lower my expectations of work or demand something from me like I was supposed to know. Difficult conversations used to make me feel demoralised, but amazingly – I did not succumb to pressure that people are putting on me. I thought I did well in handling my composure, particularly dealing with people with cultural differences and different hats (technical vs management thinking) without my manager’s supervision since she is on block leave.

It all goes back to one thing when I think of work and God – trusting in the process that all things are possible through Him, be it work or personal life. I have been feeling hazy about how I am living my life as a corporate worker, only to realise how much I neglected enjoying what is present in my life outside of the planning and playing chess internally within my mind. Work is good. Work has always been to biblically talk about God’s intrinsic design of the world and to create good functionality to run the world in His creation and His good order. Sin came after the Fall and thus work is prescribed with struggles instead of enjoying the fruits of good order.

So back to this question – What comes to your mind when you think of Colossians?

My answer: I am reminded of God’s love for humans regardless of circumstances. I believe in the God who has placed me in His design that things in workplace happened and that the challenges I am facing, must be leading to something beautiful that only He would know. My job is to continue working with all my heart and understanding to please Him, not for men. I pray that I am continuously guided and not boxed up that hinders my growth in my workplace. More importantly, I pray for peace and understanding to accept whatever may come, so I do all in glory to respectfully handle situations with grace.

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. – Colossians 3:22-25 NIV