The Daily Devotional
Friday, September 13, 2024
Kingdom Principles in the Workplace
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
Introduction
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verse 10, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, saying, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." This verse is a powerful invocation for God's rule and righteousness to manifest in every aspect of our earthly life, just as it is in heaven.
Reflection
The principle of God's kingdom coming to earth is vividly illustrated in the life and business practices of George Cadbury, a renowned chocolatier in Victorian England. George Cadbury was not only a businessman but also a devout Quaker who sought to align his earthly enterprise with heavenly standards. In a time when the Industrial Revolution brought immense wealth but often at the expense of worker welfare, Cadbury envisioned a different reality for his employees.
He built Bournville, a model village for his workers, which included spacious homes, gardens, and facilities for education and recreation, radically improving their quality of life. This wasn't merely philanthropy; it was a reflection of his commitment to God's will, believing that business should benefit all involved, not exploit.
Imagine a world where every business owner took this approach. In Cadbury's time, most factory workers lived in cramped, squalid conditions. Yet, he chose to invest his profits back into his workers, effectively bringing a slice of 'heaven' into their 'earthly' lives. It was as if Cadbury looked at the despair of the industrial age and responded not with indifference but with a heavenly blueprint.
Application
This history challenges us today. How are we reflecting the prayer, "Your kingdom come" in our workplaces and areas of influence? Are we advocates for justice, fairness, and kindness? Do our actions uplift others, reflecting heavenly standards? Whether you're a business owner, a manager, or an employee, you can influence your sphere towards God's will.
Conclusion
George Cadbury's example teaches us that the Kingdom of God is not just about what happens in church on Sunday but about how we live out our faith every day, including in our businesses and workplaces. His life was a testament to the power of applying Biblical principles in every aspect of life, inspiring us to be agents of God's kingdom on earth.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done in our lives as it is in heaven. Help us to be instruments of Your will in our workplaces, reflecting Your love and justice in our interactions and decisions. May we, like George Cadbury, build spaces and communities that mirror Your heavenly principles. Grant us the courage to live out our faith boldly, impacting the world around us for Your glory. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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