Mortality
A friend of mine passed away last week. He died in his sleep. He did have a few health problems but was taking care of them the best that he could. It’s always hard for me to imagine people dying that I know, even when they actually do pass away. When we are young we of course think we will live forever, but when someone you know that is close to your age dies, no matter what stage of life you are in, it really makes you think.
My friend that passed away was a friend of mine from my college days. He was a little older than I was, was a fraternity brother of mine, and was part of the marching band with me as well. I remember he was always one of those friends that you wanted to be around. He wasn’t one that cut you down or spoke badly about others. It was said several times at his funeral that he didn’t have one enemy! He was the type of person that could talk to anyone – from the CEO to a new employee. I remember as a “newbie” to the marching band at college he wasn’t one of those that had something to prove by putting me down, but actually showed me what I needed to do and how to act within the organization by his kindness and his example he gave to me and to others.
It made me start to think – am I like this in my workplace?
Would others think of me as an encourager – someone they could speak to without being put down?
If a new employee starts at my office, am I one to welcome them and help show them the ropes, or do I just get in my own little world and hope that they can figure everything out on their own?
As a Real Christian Businessman, we need to use this example of my friend’s life to renew our commitment to others at work.
Be an encourager to others.
Be a person with an attitude others want to be around.
Give a hand to the new person.
Not only will we be honoring my friend’s legacy but we will also be displaying a true example of what Christ wants us to be in our workplace.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted…” Eph 4:32a (ESV)
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 (NIV)