“Your [God’s] commands give me an edge on my enemies; they never become obsolete.” Psalm 119.98
Work politics never change. They grow old, but never die. They grow stale and fresh at the same time. Faces and players change, issues remain constant. I used to think the politics of work carried a cultural flavor. I often believed politics went through cyclical evolutions. I observed the ebb and flow to the political stream through different organizations. While there are minute differences due to temperature and external surroundings, I now see all politics in the same view.
Politics always come down to humans striving for survival, comfort, and finally success. “God is self” uses a method based on the belief that the fastest way to success is through and over other people. “God is Jesus” uses a tact that is 180 degrees different. God through Jesus believes that success only happens when people are in relationship with God. Worldly measurements do not apply in this system. A God walk is the single measure of success. In contrast to the “god is self” method, this process believes it is the role and responsibility of each participant to nurture and help sustain the efforts of every other player.
The two approaches could not be more contrasting. As we play, two things happen. We find ourselves at odds with those following the “god is self” approach and we find ourselves faced with internal turmoil on which political solution to use!
This week is a great example of the conflict. People attacking at every corner, from places one did not even know existed! My soul fighting itself, struggling to stay with God, acting like only my efforts will determine my success. What does one do?
Which game do you want to play? You cannot play both. You need to choose.
If God is your choice, God’s commands are the edge. God’s word gives us examples, illustrations, and advice for life. People relationships are as old as time. The Spirit is there to lead us. In this game, it is God’s battleground!
