Is my conduct worthy?

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” Philippians 1:27 nkjv

This week was a bit of a milestone week for me. After seven years of being an exclusive stay at home mommy I went back to work. Our youngest is in school for a full day now which gives me some time to have a part time job. (Plus I knew that if I was home my husband would expect our shower to be clean!) It’s an on call position which is even less demanding than a part time job.

I am a 911/Police dispatcher. It is a job that I held for quite a few years while my older two children were babies and starting school. It is what I love to do.

This Monday began my training. For the past seven years I have been warm and cozy in my Christian cocoon. If our church doors were open our family was in attendance. From Bible studies to potlucks, no matter what the occasion we immersed ourselves with the Word and fellowship.

God has now gently placed me back in the world. What an odd feeling it was to begin work with people who never speak His name or ever share with each other the joy they have in Jesus. The morning before I started work I committed my job to Him. When I had my time in the word, God was faithful to give me the above scripture.

I have to ask myself every morning before I head out the door – am I being an example? Just yesterday I met another dispatcher for the first time. Around her neck she wore a cross. My heart fluttered. I thought to myself, “Another Christian?” Then she proceeded to tell an awful story about someone and use a foul word. I was grieved. I wondered to myself, “How many times God have you smiled upon something I was doing or saying and then just as fast I destroyed my own testimony by my actions or words?”

Being a Christian at this new police department is a new experience for me. I was not a Christian when I worked as a dispatcher years before. I know God has placed me there for a purpose. His fingerprints have been all over my hiring process.

I just don’t know what His purpose is. So for now. I will be obedient. I will pray for all those working beside me and for myself too. My faith will keep me walking forward, with Jesus right by my side.

I am off now to finish getting ready for my shift. My strength is in Him and my mind is stayed on His word. I pray today and everyday that my conduct is worthy.

Oh Lord, I sure do need your help here. It is so easy for me to fall back into my old ways. Remind me that I am a new creation in Christ and give me the willpower to make my conduct worthy of you.

6 Responses to Is my conduct worthy?
  1. Erin
    January 20, 2009 | 12:01 pm

    I struggle with this on a daily basis Joanne, your post was encouraging and the verse that you quoted I am going to print and keep at my desk. Yes…. it is so easy to fall back into our old ways. My prayer is also that my conduct will be worthy of him. Best of luck to you in your new position!

    Erin

  2. Sandi
    January 20, 2009 | 12:08 pm

    Joanne,
    I too was a 911 operator for 10 years, when I left to have my children. The thought of my conduct back then was horrible. As I have renewed my faith in Jesus Christ, I cannot imagine going back and what that would be like. I will pray for you, your co-workers and those you help. I am sure you will do wonderful! Have a great time…its a great job!
    Sandi

  3. Ly Syin
    January 20, 2009 | 12:44 pm

    Thanks, I really liken this post. When I was working at GC Services I tried to be aware of my behavior, after that I was not as careful with my behavior at other jobs.

  4. Angela
    January 20, 2009 | 4:08 pm

    This is such an important topic. Our actions must complement our faith…there is no way around that. Thank you for this reminder and encouragement.

  5. Susan (5minutesformom)
    January 24, 2009 | 8:27 pm

    I am embarrassed to admit that sometimes especially if i am joking around amongst friends my language leaves much to be desired. I need to fix that. I go through phases where I stop swearing but then I get slack again. Obviously being around kids forces me to keep a pure mouth but I need to do that all the time.

    Thnks for the reminder!

  6. Ms. Nancy
    February 3, 2009 | 1:06 am

    I’ll just say Amen, and God knows and has me on the Molding table mending the cracks…then…I will go in the fire, and come out better than gold…smile…Pray for me as I will keep you in my prayers…
    Ms. Nancy…