Sheep Among Wolves: 7 Keys to Surviving a Hostile Workplace

Sermon outline

God is with you in a hostile workplace just as He was with Joseph, so you can do your job well, say no to compromise, keep your peace and refuse to quit.

1. The Lord was with Joseph

   Scripture says first that God was with Joseph and only then that he was a slave, so your station in life does not define you. Joseph found favour with God and with his master, Potiphar's house was blessed for his sake, and everything was put in his charge. The people around you will be blessed because of their association with you, and all God asks is that you be faithful.

   Illustration: Potiphar's wife speaking to Joseph day after day is, in modern terms, sending him SMSes and emails every day. It shows the moral pressure Joseph lived under, and the pressure on Christians today from a world that wants to press them into its mould.

   “As long as God is with you, you will be successful.”

   • Genesis 39:1-12
   • Proverbs 28:20

2. Sheep in the midst of wolves

   Jesus calls His people sheep and warns that they are being sent out among wolves: in the workplace, the business place and the marketplace. A hostile environment is not conducive to the Christian walk, yet we must navigate it with Christian principles. He will draw the keys from two lives, Joseph and David.

   “When you see a wolf, you must be able to spot a wolf.”

   • Matthew 10:16

3. 1. See, acknowledge and understand that God anoints you in trouble

   Joseph was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery, yet he made no indictment against God because he knew God was with him. God never leaves your side, even when it feels as though He has. So do not go to work looking for friendship, emotional support, counselling or appreciation: you are sent there to win souls, and you are the current that flows into other people's lives, not the other way round.

   “You are anointed to overcome trouble.”

   • Hebrews 13:5
   • Matthew 28:19-20

4. 2. Do your job well, but remember the mission, and don't expect to be appreciated

   Your boss is under pressure too and needs encouragement himself; the difference is that you have the Lord. We go to work for two reasons, to work and for the pay cheque, and we look to Christ, the Word and fellow Christians for everything else. Value yourself in your quiet time before you leave home, so that people at work draw encouragement from you.

   Illustration: Joseph did not go to Potiphar asking what he could get. In modern terms he said, 'Take a break. Have a Kit Kat. Let me help you out.'

   “He went to the workplace to see, how can I add value to you?”

   • 1 Samuel 30:6

5. 3. Don't let your environment get on the inside of you

   Negative people are everywhere, but negativity must not enter your spirit. Joseph was surrounded by temptation and idolatry and did not let them into his heart; had he given in, he would have been no better than the other slaves. A small compromise of integrity sinks the whole boat, and the higher God lifts you, the higher your morality must be. As their pastor he tells the church he trusts them to walk away from sin, and offers his own life as a letter read by men.

   Illustration: At a corporate function you can have an appetiser and a glass of sparkling water, and still have a great evening. He and his wife once sat in a restaurant with another couple laughing so much that the manager came over to ask them to keep quiet, and all they were drinking was passion fruit.

   “A small leak in your boat will flood your entire boat.”

   • Ephesians 6:10-11
   • Jeremiah 29:11
   • 1 John 4:4
   • 2 Corinthians 3:2
   • 1 Corinthians 11:1
   • Philippians 4:13

6. 4. Increase your capacity to work with different personalities

   Do not expect everyone at work to be like you; cultivate the skills to deal with difficult people, and do not resign because of one of them. You are not a quitter, and a junior position is God's training course for the day He gives you the resources for your own business. God may even use people you do not like to promote you, just as Jesus did not limit Himself to the Jews but walked among the tax collectors.

   Illustration: People thought his ministry would never make it and were waiting to say 'I told you so'. The more they expected it to fail, the more determined he became. He also says he is trusting God for many in the church to become multi-millionaires, and that each one should be celebrated on a Sunday.

   “Don't resign because you have one crazy person at work.”

   • Matthew 5:13-14
   • 1 John 4:4
   • John 6:63

7. 5. Where we are does not define where we are going

   David went from shepherd boy to king. What you are doing now may be small and average, but it is only the beginning, and you will increase at every level. Saul tried to kill David and God did not allow it; God has plans for you too.

   “Do not roll over and play dead. You're not dead yet.”

   • Zechariah 4:10
   • Job 8:7

8. 6. Don't pledge allegiance with cliques in your work environment

   You may join the wrong clique, and when they lose, you lose. Be friendly with everybody but stay neutral, and do not dilute or neutralise yourself among worldly people. Choose carefully who speaks into your life, who counsels you, who lays hands on you and who you allow close.

   Illustration: Some people are hazardous, and you need a special suit to go into their presence or their negative radiation will affect you. Be prayed up, so that you are covered with God's favour, shield and blessing.

   “Be friendly with everybody. But be careful who speaks into your life.”

9. 7. Always be joyful and at peace

   Keep your peace and joy at work and do not let people or challenges steal them. Do not wear your emotions on your sleeve. As you praise the Lord, He will take you up and over, and the answer will come at just the right time.

   “Don't put your emotions in the hands of other people.”

   • Psalm 146:2