In the Bond of Peace

 

This devotional is based on Ephesians 4 that is read in accordance with the Revived by His Word initiative of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

"Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4: 3

Is peace the absence war? 
No, remember the Cold War. This was not war, but living under the constant threat of war - an eventuality that may hit, when least expected. This is sometimes worse than open war itself - like my having a more horrible time being scared of getting an injection, than getting the injection itself. Living in paranoia.

Is peace a settled dislike for each other; you keep out of my way, and I'll keep out of yours? 
Not according to the text. Note that Eph. 4: 3 speaks of "bond." This means coming together. It is on this basis that Jesus would have advised accordingly, " Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Matt. 5: 23, 24. The idea of a settled disassociation seems to violate the very essence of the Text.

Peace then seems to be the active harmonization of all who would be like Christ - in whom abides the Holy Spirit. It is an incredible thought that two within whom the Spirit abides would find it impossible, or even difficult to get along with each other. For to have the Spirit of Christ within is to love, and love always finds a way. Blessed day to all.

To read and/or listen to Ephesians 4 and to read other related blogs, please click here. 

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For This Cause

This devotional is based on Ephesians 3 that is read in accordance with the Revived by His Word initiative of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

The possession of requisite competencies is always critical in accomplishing tasks. But even more fundamental than knowing HOW to perform a task is knowing WHY the task is necessary. What are you actually working towards?

The story is told of a child on his way from school passed some men working on a construction site. He proceeded to ask three of them the question, "What are you doing?" The first one responded, "I'm laying bricks;" the second, "I'm feeding my family;" and the third, "I'm building a cathedral."

In speaking about our typical views of education and its purpose, Ellen White wrote in the book Education (p. 13), "Our ideas of education take too narrow and too low a range. There is need of a broader scope, a higher aim." What is true for our views on education is true for the broader scope of church-related activities.  At Northern Caribbean University we offer "quality, Christ-centred education" to fit "each student for committed professional service to country and to God."

Paul starts off his discourse in Ephesians 3 with the words, "For this cause." What cause? At least two targets were alluded to in Ephesians 2:

1. "for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;" (v. 15)

2. "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:" (v. 16).

Father, please open up our minds to conceive what lofty thoughts do inspire you divine biddings, so that with the heart of Christ we may go and do. This we ask in His name, amen.

To read and/or listen to Ephesians 3 and to read other related blogs, please click here.

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Do Not Lie on Your Résumé

Do not lie on your résumé

Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie SMITH

  

Dear career advisor,

I am applying for a job, the advertisement for which asks for experience at a level above my current job title. Is it OK to change my job title on my résumé to match what they are asking for?

CMS

Dear CMS,

It is very important that every detail on your résumé be accurate and honestly convey your abilities and achievements. Do not be tempted to embellish your qualification or experience. It is a matter of integrity. Your employer or prospective employer is at liberty to check your background before and after you are employed. People have lost their jobs in the past because it has been discovered that they were less than honest in their claims at application.

Bear in mind, too, that job titles often vary from one company to the next. However, the functions under those different job titles may very well be the same. So, instead of changing your job title, use the narrative under the employment section on your résumé to show that you have the requisite experience and accomplishments.

Good luck.

Dear career advisor,

I am very frustrated in my present job. I would like to search for a new job, but I am scared my boss will find out as she is well connected. Can I be fired for job hunting?

Scared

Dear Scared,

In Jamaica, legally, you cannot be fired for job hunting. Termination must be in accordance with local labour laws, which require that employers provide just cause for termination. Notwithstanding your legal rights, you have to bear in mind that all employment relationships are guided by what has been agreed by the parties in contract, and the code of conduct specific to that organisation.

If it is revealed that you are job hunting, your employer might form the impression that you are no longer interested in the job and further, that you are not sufficiently motivated to perform as expected. Additionally, remember it is not ethical for you to use the employer's resources (which includes computer, paper, telephone, company e-mail and time) to advance your job search.

It is worth mentioning that in most states in the USA many employment contracts are entered into under terms referred to as 'employed-at-will', which means that an employee can be fired for any reason, or for no reason. In such circumstances, you would have no legal recourse if you are fired for job hunting as the employer does not have to give a reason for the termination.

Dear career advisor,

What's the best way to contact a potential employer after you have sent in a résumé and/or application, without seeming like a pest?

Read more...