Shock the Culture

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, September 22nd, 2024:
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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James
​3.16–4.3

Beloved: Where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts.

You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

When I think back to my years working in a corporate environment, I honestly don’t know how I survived. It was so dog-eat-dog. There was always someone waiting in the wings to take credit for the hard work of others, sniping behind someone else’s back to dull their shine when promotions were being considered. Unbridled ambition was celebrated and encouraged, even if it meant stepping on others on the way up. Everyone was either an asset or an obstacle on the climb up the corporate ladder. Those who did the essential foundational work were overlooked and often overworked, while someone else took the credit. It bred a powerful culture of distrust, envy, and unkindness.

However, I did work in a workplace where the culture was positive and hard work was rewarded. Even the most menial tasks were treated with care because they were treated as important. The team was encouraged to set appropriate boundaries between work and home, including ensuring vacation was taken and sick days were taken. Conflicts that arose between staff were dealt with respectfully, managers were transparent about their expectations, and promotions were contingent on hard work rather than schmoozing. That was one of my favourite places to work, even though I was working one of the most menial jobs. I realized after I left it was because of the huge difference in culture I experienced there.

In retrospect, it wasn’t just because the leadership team had carefully crafted a pleasant workplace culture – it was an expression of their character. The team was filled with people who were like salt and light in their own little space. They did it quietly and often without thanks, making the lives of those around them better.

After almost 10 years working at a Christian non-profit, I am surrounded by people who work every day to be salt and light. They are intentional in how they engage with each other and are actively working to build a work culture that blesses all those attached to our little corner of the world while we build up the Kingdom. No one is more concerned about whether or not I’m taking my sick days, booking my vacation, or getting the supports I need to avoid unneeded overtime than my co-workers are. Our goal is to help one another grow and develop.

For those coming from the corporate world, a work environment like ours would definitely cause culture shock. I know I would be suspicious of everyone’s intentions. But, what would it be like if every workplace had people who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to reject worldly ambition and instead sought the best for their co-workers? Could we all transform our small corners of the world? Instead of being culture shocked by Kingdom-focused workplaces, we could shock the corporate culture by living out radical integrity, kindness, and gentleness. Even if we get stepped on, even if we are overlooked, even if our work isn’t appreciated, by being filled with the Holy Spirit, we can bring Christ into any culture.




Stéphanie Potter​

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