THE CHRISTIAN WORK ETHIC NEWSLETTER
August 2004
In my book, A Worker Need Not Be Ashamed, I focus on monsters in the workplace which cause workers great difficulty and how to deal with them. This month, I wish to share the following excerpt concerned with romance on the job:
"While working in the textile business, I received a lesson on how the workplace can become a breeding ground for marital problems. One evening, at the midnight shift change, I discovered two female employees in the parking lot fighting and clawing each other like grizzly bears. Upon investigation, it was learned that one worker had been 'secretly' dating the other one's husband, which all started on the job.
That was my first exposure to romance at work; it would not be my last, for I have witnessed some of the most ungodly behavior imaginable that has torn apart many marriages.
Businesses may actually be encouraging such behavior, at least indirectly. In a survey conducted by American Management Association in 2003, 84 percent of managers interviewed said their company has no policy on inter-office dating. Seventy four percent think there is nothing wrong with inter-office dating.
But what happens when a manager dates the wrong employee and, all of a sudden, a sexual harassment suit arises? Also, can we doubt that a business can become a breeding ground for extramarital relationships?
Since marriage difficulties have a direct impact on worker performance, it is appropriate to ask, how big is this marital monster?
In 1970, there were 4.3 million divorced Americans. In 2000, there were 19.9 million. And divorces are becoming more convenient. For $249, couples can now go to a Web site started by a Seattle attorney and divorce online.
Barna Research reports that 'Born-again Christians are just as likely to get divorced as are non born-again adults. Overall, 33 percent of all born-again individuals who have been married have gone through a divorce, which is statistically identical to the 34 percent incidence among non born-again adults.' "
Read my book and you will discover the RIGHT answers on how to eliminate this ugly monster and others which I identify from the real world of work! WARNING: Do not rationalize that this one could never destroy YOUR marriage! Such a monster often enters the worker's life in a subtle manner only to do great damage later!
A WORKER NEED NOT BE ASHAMED
GIVEN TO DR. CHARLES STANLEY
I recently had the pleasure of presenting a copy of my book to Dr. Charles Stanley, world renown pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta. Dr. Stanley is one of three ministers who have had the greatest impact on my life.
In accepting this gift from Worker Ministries to In Touch Ministries, he said, "I'm reminded of Paul's expression of gratitude to the church in Corinth for their generosity. It is in this same spirit that I express my appreciation for your thoughtfulness."
THANK YOU Dr. Stanley for ministering to me so many times. I am a better person because God decided long ago that our paths would cross in this life!
Very truly yours,
Jim Hogsett, President/Founder; Worker Ministries and Writer for Guideposts Magazine