Bradley’s Comments (group member since May 10, 2014)

Bradley’s comments from the Q&A with Bradley Waldrop group.

And Col 3:23-24

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
24  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Steve - I love it! Thank you for sharing these!

Steven wrote: "I think it's okay to be mutually exclusive in the workplace and in the church. What I mean is that there have been instances where business leaders have tried to manipulate the Body of Christ with ..."

Steven - great seeing you on here!

I can certainly see the case you make in both instances. However, neither are Christ-like, as we are called to be. The fleecing of a local church (which I've personally witnessed) is heart wrenching and completely inexcusable - as is not performing at work.

As Christians, we are called to take on the character of Christ. As God is the most results-oriented CEO that I know, we would do well t be equally results oriented and honor the decisions he's made for those people that are currently in leadership positions in companies.

All that to say, how can you exclude your faith from what you do as a living? This would have us leading two lives with two sets of values and not just deceive those around us, but deny God's existence and devalue His sacrifice for us.

How do you reconcile the two?

Anne wrote: "I agree that some are to be kings and some priests. Here's where I'm going to step on some toes... Churches are too interested in building numbers and so afraid they'll lose their members to other ..."
Just wait until we get to go through the "Kingdom Era" in the study. Then, we'll all have a different perspective of the role of the king. I can't wait!

Oh yeah, did I mention that its covered in CHAPTER SEVEN The CEO, the King & the Prince of my book?

Chuck - I hear you about the risk of offending others. But, if we continue to live two lives - our work life & our faith life - we're going to do more than offend others, we're going to offend the only One that matters.

This is still my struggle - While better at it now than before. I am often so concerned about what others think about me that I don't stand up for what I believe. As I learn more, I find that this is now my burden - to stand up and speak out to point to the truth. I suspect I'll continue to keep screwing it up, but I'm all in to try to do it different and help others along the way.

Anne - I just met with the President of a VERY LARGE international ministry and he simply stated:

God has provided to some to be kings (business owners) and some to be priests (ministers). The church doesn't appreciate thee skills that have been provided by the businesses, yet they are willing to take their money. The businesses don't appreciate that they aren't set aside to be ministers.

- therein lies the rub

On a number of levels, I couldn't believe I was hearing what I actually heard. The journey to unravel that over the following 30-minutes was cut short by another meeting on his calendar. I hope to continue the conversation and try to understand where we might meet in the middle and grow God's kingdom with all of His resources going in His direction.

I just sent out a newsletter that had a link to the conversation - we'll see what happens.

Thanks for kicking the can!

Chuck - great response.

The partnership between business and church can be tricky. However, the expression of our faith is a protected Constitutional right as long as it doesn't infringe upon the rights of others.

What I mean to say is that as long as the employees are not being discriminated against for not participating or are provided equal access to express their faith and the environment isn't Christianity or nothing - the employer has very little potential liability.

Regarding employee backlash - I've had the great privilege to interview employees of Christ-centered businesses and haven't yet heard that their employer had somehow offended them by living out Christian principles. While they may not believe the same as some of their co-workers, they don't argue about being treated with respect - dignity & honor. They welcome the results of Christian business principles, even when they aren't walking with Christ themselves.

Have you ever wondered why churches and businesses don't partner more often? After the meeting I just had - it appears its a complicated issue. I'd love to hear your opinion.

I was encouraged to read Romans 1:28-32 earlier today. If you take it slowly, it provides guidance of what we must do even when those around us don't believe.

“And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” (Romans 1:28–32, NASB95)


As Christians, we are on the winning team - I pray that you can stick to what's right and fight off the temptation to simply 'fit in' or make your life easier by going along to get along. Hang tough Shelley!

Shelley - I love that about you! You are a huge asset to the team & I'm thankful that God has put you here to help us "work out Sunday's Message Monday Thru Friday".

I was just talking to a friend and it dawned on me, I hadn't had a chance to ask him the "big question". So, I thought I'd throw it out there for everyone to ponder as this discussion is ongoing...

What has God asked for you to do with His business that He has gifted you?

Do you see difficulties at your place of work or with your own habits that have you struggle with integrity? I'd love to hear them.

Thanks so much for joining the group. I will be back on May 13 to start the discussion.