Are You an Optimist or Pessimist at Work?

Editor’s note: The following column/devotional was written by Drew Crandall, co-founder of CalledtoWork.org.

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. – Deuteronomy 1:6-8

COMMENTARY: With all of the crises that we have been facing recently, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic recession with massive business closures and unemployment, and the sobering social upheaval, I am hearing all kinds of perspectives from fellow Christ-followers: “The last days are upon us.” “We need to hunker down because worse times are coming.” “God’s judgment is on the United States, and we will never be what we were.” “Masks and social distancing will be the new normal for a long time to come.” “The world has been through many severe crises over thousands of years…this too shall pass.” “Don’t sweat it, the Lord is in control.” “Don’t freak out, things will bounce back.”

Just read, listen to, or watch the media these days, and you will fill your mind and heart with negativity, pessimism, and fear. But, God has not given you and me a spirit of fear!

APPLICATION:  Along the optimistic – pessimistic spectrum, where do you stand today? Are you like Joshua and Caleb, or are you like the other ten scouts? Do you have a can-do attitude, or are you full of doom and gloom?

Today, I encourage you to circle back to Philippians 4:6-8: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Drew Crandall has strong New Jersey roots. He spent five formative years of his childhood in Somerset. Since 2001, he has served as Co-Chair of Called To Work, a workplace ministry originally based at Rutgers Community Christian Church in Somerset. Called To Work has since grown into a nationwide ministry. Please see www.CalledToWork.org for details.