Guardrails in the Workplace - Guardrails

This message talks about guardrails in the workplace.

Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

What does the Bible say about work?

We are to be hard workers.

Works purpose is to provide for our families.

Work was the plan from the beginning.

Guardrails save us from hitting the things that can destroy us.

In what areas should we set up guardrails @ work?

In our work ethic.

We are to work with a Godly motive.

Keep our on God so we know who really is in charge.

Guardrails keep me from going over the point of no return.

We need to identify what the possible dangers are in our workplace and set guardrails.

We need guardrails before work gets in the way of sacred obligations.

Guardrails should be set before work gets in the way of your family.

Quantity time generates quality time!

For Protection and Direction - Guardrails

This message talks about protection and direction.

Daniel 1:8 (NIV)
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Three unchanging truths if you oppose guardrails

1) The tension that you feel will never go away

2) You will put the brakes on somewhere

3) Your appetites are never fully and finally satisfied

Guardrails do protect but they also direct

1) Daniel resolved

He set the guardrail because he could predict the end of his story

2) God caused

Stop asking God to act, start obeying and watch God react

3) God gave

Your guardrails influence more than yourself

4) They entered

Guardrails have an endless impact on your future

The Influence of Friendship - Guardrails

The message talks about the influence of friendship.

Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Friendship Insights

1) Friendship allows us to drop our guard

2) We are all acceptance magnets

3) Acceptance leads to influence

4) Our greatest regrets frequently involve our friends, not enemies

The character of wisdom is contagious

Wise: A person who understands that all of life is connected

The consequences of foolishness are caught

Fool: A person who knows the difference between right and wrong yet doesn’t care

Suggested Guardrails: Your conscience should shout out loud when . . .

1) Your friends are not moving in the direction you want your life to go

2) You catch yourself pretending to be someone other than who you are

3) You begin to consider something that use to be off limits

4) You hope the people you care about the most don’t find out where you’ve been or who you’ve been with

5) Compassion will never require you to make an unwise decision about yourself

The Principle of the Guardrail - Guardrails

This message talks about the principle of the guardrail.

Ephesians 5:15-18 (NIV)
¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,
¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

The Principle of the Guardrail

Definition: A personal standard of behavior that becomes a matter of conscience

What should a Guardrail look like?

Goldilocks: just right for you

Where should a Guardrail be located?

A safe distance from severe danger

What areas should we have Guardrails installed?

Anywhere the possibility for losing control exists

When should I install Guardrails?

Before you need one and after you need one

The Parable Of The Treasure – Figuratively Speaking

This message is about the parable of the treasure.

Matthew 13:44-46 (GW)
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field. When a man discovered it, he buried it again. He was so delighted with it that he went away, sold everything he had, and bought that field.
Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant who was searching for fine pearls.
When he found a valuable pearl, he went away, sold everything he had, and bought it.

1) Hidden treasure

2) Expensive transaction

3) Untainted joy

4 Quick Insights

1) The transaction cost everything

2) Apparently could not have both

3) All he had was all that was required

4) Some things are so valuable as to render cost irrelevant