Who Is The King of the Kingdom?

Last Sunday was just another day in many ways. The day started with me missing church due to work. Not something I enjoy, but part unfortunately part of today's world sometimes. I spent my time driving to work asking for God to give me the strength and courage to face the challenges of the day. I asked for the strength to lead by God's principles and to allow God to help me with the things of the day that are really out of my hands. I got to work and had a relatively uneventful day and tried to plan for a Holiday dinner for my employees. I have many Christian employees who are truly thankful that we have done this the past two years. Christmas parties are no longer part of the direction of my company.

Not long ago, we used company funds to have parties, picnics etc. Unfortunately, being part of such a large company does have it's drawbacks. There is always a person or group of people who ruin it for everyone. Needless to say, when you have 150,000 employees and their families off of company property with alcohol involved; things tend to happen. Six years ago, the company made the decision to stop using company funds for events such as this. Many managers, including myself have kept the tradition going over the past few years and have allowed employees to get pot-luck dinners together and bring their families in for the holidays.I had no thoughts about this causing such an uproar. It just seemed like the Godly thing to due for a group of people under my leadership.

My boss got wind of the dinner that afternoon and called me in an uproar. His concerns were about liability of people in the building that are not on the clock. "Someone might get hurt, or a fight might break out!" These were just some of his very vocal concerns. I was barely able to contain some of the words and thoughts I had at that moment, but was able to get off of the phone and put some thought into the situation. The first thought that came to mind was that this was no different than other celebrations that are held under company direction where employees come in on their own time to join in and eat. Would my boss have been concerned about safety and a fight breaking out in other stores in better neighborhoods?????

The true tragedy in the whole thing was that Tracy overheard the entire conversation. I personally am used to these kinds of things because it is part of my job. I am regularly persecuted for standing up for what I feel is the right thing to due in line with God's principles and my thoughts of my company's core values. Tracy, on the other hand, had never seen or heard the way things really tend to be at times and was very shaken up. We spent some time talking about the situation, and I made the decision that the best thing to do for my family, employees, and myself was to immediately go back to work by myself and ensure that everything went smoothly and everyone was out at the time employees normally leave the building on a Sunday night. I knew that with all of the chaos and last minute changes, it was the right decision to keep my family at home in order for me to handle the situation. The sad part was that Macy was extremely excited about going up to the store. She really looks forward to it every year. She even came into the bathroom before I left to show me the Christmas cards she had made for my "managers." I had to explain to her that Daddy had to go back to work and she would be going to Home Group. Fortunately, that is always a popular destination.

I was able to get back to work and take care of everything. I did feel very good seeing my employees come in with their families and all being dressed for the event. I could see the pride they had in going as well as the appreciation to have this to go to. Especially in South Dallas, this is the only event many of these people had to attend and enjoy. You should see all of the "Doggy" bags going out at the end of the night. I really took comfort in knowing I had done the right thing regardless of any outcomes.

It's really funny how God provides us the direction and courage to handle challenging situations if we are only receptive to hear him. While this situation at work was not too different from others I have faced in the past, I was able to handle it much easier than in previous times. I also was able to maintain priorities at home and ensure my immediate concerns lied with the welfare of my family first and then work obligations. In a difficult 24 hours period with work as well as things going on around us that were out of our control as well, I had made decisions and had acted in line with God's principles. The outcomes were truly amazing to see!

It was a wonderful feeling to know that I had acted as a true Christian leader to both my family and employees. What a great feeling to know that your spouse was truly proud of your actions! As far as work, it was interesting as well. I spent the day taking care of business as usual, but there was some apprehension wondering what conversation I might have with my boss. By late afternoon, the phone rang and it was him. The entire conversations was about some trivial matters with work. At the end of the call, I informed him of the time all of my employees had left the building to go home from the dinner. His only response was to say, "Good. How did it go? These kind of things are really good for employees." What a change of heart! Maybe this is proof that praying for those we are having problems with truly is the answer!!!!! The rest of my week went extremely well and I was able to leave for vacation with no concerns about what might be happening at work.

We all as Christians have a true battle each day to be leaders for Christ in everything we do. This is definitely a difficult challenge we all face with everything that goes on in an unGodly world. What better way to make it through the life we all trudge along than to make a commitment as Christians to keep God's priorities at the forefront of our decisions? I struggle every day with my personal priorities of putting God first in my life and then family. It's really tough to do in this world with work and things we like to sometimes do like watch a football game on TV. I would just like some prayers and support from everyone to continue to help me be a good Christian leader. It is really tough to keep God as the King of my Kingdom at times, whether it's my Kingdom at home or work. Maybe together we can all help one another to be examples to the world around us for others to see and feel that this is a life they would like to have. A life with God at the forefront and family not far behind.

Gregg