When I first became VP for Academic Affairs at Criswell College, I made a little list of priorities, first of which was: “Promote a Christian workplace and learning environment.” You would think such a specific reminder would be unnecessary in a college for ministry-minded people. But it’s not.
The obvious reason it’s needed is the straightforward fact as true for some others as it is for me: that it is sometimes very hard for me to stay focused on spirituality; that is, I sometimes plan and administrate better than I trust and pray. So part of my intention is simply to remind us that we are first believers—followers of Jesus—with spiritual needs met only by our Lord and a spiritual purpose satisfied only by knowing, loving, and following Him.
But there is another reason.
I may not be as avid as some, but I enjoy a baseball game on occasion. And I was blessed a couple of decades ago to become friends with the person who oversaw food service at the Ballpark at Arlington. So when I wanted to go to a game, he would give me and a group of friends a luxury suite. The weird thing is that I wasn’t really looking for that experience: air conditioning, an unobstructed view of the field, multiple video feeds—shrimp platters for crying out loud! What I was looking for, oddly enough, was something more like what I grew up with: unassigned seating on a bench in the outfield staring at the sun with sweat stung eyes. Ah, good times.
Sometimes we might be tempted to identify with what look like the earthier tendencies of those we know and serve. But I think it’s important to remember that we don’t need to be other than what we are to be exactly what they need—or at least to fulfill the purpose for which God has us serving them. I’m not suggesting we are outfield benches. I am suggesting that what the in-the-crowd experience of baseball is for a fan, we can be for anyone seeking God’s purpose in their life.
So take advantage of opportunities to pray with someone, to encourage them with a specific scripture, to share the testimony of your own faith, or to encourage them in the development of their own walk with God. Even more simply, include things like prayer, reading, fasting, giving, and meditating in the growth of your own faith.
In short, don’t forget to be a Christian this week.