Provide an Articulate response to another persons Discussion Board Post

Please articulate a strong response to another students Discussion Board. Here is the students post that you are responding too:

The five concepts that Keller & Alsdorf (2016) describe that resonated with me the most from the text are the following: (1) work as cultivation, (2) work reveals our idols, (3) the gospel and business, (4) the power of being in the palace, and (5) work under work. Work as cultivation describes our role in the world and how we will cultivate God’s creation (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). Our purpose in the concept of cultivation means that we are serving both God and others through our gifts; this is part of his design (Warren, 2002). “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4, New King James Version). However, we should also recognize that we are inclined to conduct work that does not serve God’s intended purpose and this is most evident when we work for idolatry (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). In today’s modern world, the secular thought process for work is that work and worship are on separate planes and that work is only associated with the pursuit of a paycheck and a status (Kim et. Al, 2012). The reality is that money and power are the idols that we are tempted to chase after, and the common misconception is that we will experience happiness and validate our self-worth (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). If you are driven solely on these idols, you are not serving God and others as intended and there is no true sense of happiness and fulfillment (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). “Yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches” (Ecclesiastes, 4:8, New King James Version). When we take a closer look at the gospel and other worldviews, there are still ways that we can serve others in a business setting both for profit or non-profit, especially when there is an effort made to balance the success of the business and serving a greater social good (Keller & Alsdorf). Kim, McCalman & Fisher (2012) explore this balance and examine whether there is a true distinction between secular and spiritual ethics. In the modern world, expressing a Christian moral viewpoint is publically and professionally frowned upon, however, corporate and Christian ethics in the workplace are not easily separate and distinct, as there are many commonalities (Kim et. al, 2012). Christian and corporate ethics still have a moral thread as we are all, at a basic level, familiar with what we believe to be right and wrong (Kim et. al, 2012). We see examples of this with both Christians and non-Christians; just as a non-Christian could recognize and follow a basic moral code, a Christian’s moral compass leads him or her to similar decision-making that may be at a great personal cost but greater public gain (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). This is the personal dilemma that all of God’s people will encounter when faced with moments that challenge our integrity and demonstrate our “alternate vision of life in the palace” (Keller & Alsdorf, pg. 113, 2016). “…But glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. (Romans 12:2, New King James Version). Keller and Alsdorf (2016) remind us again, that we are often distracted by chasing after the material outcomes of work that we end up physically and emotionally depleted; this is described as work under work which proves to be pointless and without purpose. We need to keep in mind the bigger picture, our work should serve God and others, otherwise, we will continue to chase a continuous cycle of meaningless things that inhabit our lives and do not benefit anyone (Warren, 2002).

There are not any concepts I disagree with in the text. The common theme in the book is how we as Christians can serve others. As Kim, McCalman & Fisher (2012) have described, there are so many various ways that we can all serve others in our secular work while not limiting ourselves to bible study and other solely Christian activities. We can do small things that would result in us being a positive force in the workplace for others. We limit ourselves in sharing His message if we feel as though we can only act like Christians with other Christians and within deliberate Christian forums, events, or religious institutions. Alsdorf & Keller (2016) illustrate multiple examples of how we can continue to share our testimonies through our actions and our vocations. Covey (2004) mentions in his 7 habits of highly effective people, that our habits shape our character. If this is the case, our character is ultimately how we conduct ourselves at all times, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16, New King James Version).

Adding a biblical worldview would not change my research design. I also think that the five concepts I have described may even be good biblical references that align well with the problem and purpose of my study. Doctoral students are already contributing to God’s work and serving others through our research. The aspirations of any doctoral student are that we make significant contributions to our field and we are hopeful that our work is fruitful and beneficial for everyone affected. To add, most of us are passionate about solving these problems because they directly and indirectly effect our ability to be of service to others. Aside from the research, many doctoral students will move on and mentor new doctoral students through the tenure route, others may work as consultants helping to continue to improve business practices, and even more will be business leaders with a Christian worldview and hopefully exercise God’s plan with the way they improve the quality of products, practices and the lives of people in their workplaces (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016).

References

Covey, S. R. (2004). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Restoring the character ethic ([Rev. ed.].). New York: Free Press.

Keller, T., & Alsdorf, K.L. (2016). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God’s work. New York, NY: Penguin Random House LLC.

Kim, D., McCalman, D., & Fisher, D. (2012). The sacred/secular divide and the Christian worldview. Journal of Business Ethics, 109(2), 203 208. doi: 10.1007/s10551-011-1119-z. Retrieved

from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257541721_The_SacredSecular_Divide_and_the_Christian_Worldview.

NKJV. (1982). The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Warren, R. (2002). The purpose-driven life: What on earth am I here for? Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.