Back to work from a long weekend of Thanksgiving to our Almighty God. Members of Church of God International offered thanksgiving (March 13-14) and celebrated New Year, based on Hebrew Calendar (March 15). The thankful Members of the Church of God International offered songs and praises despite of all the hardship and persecution they encountered from their adversaries. March 15 is a Monday, a working day; did not stopped the members of Church of God International in attending the New Year celebration.
Most of them filed for leave of absence while some of them risked of losing their jobs just to attend the festivities. I knew some brethren who were not allowed to take leave to attend a religious event/gathering but they still attended the thanksgiving to thank God. It is quite common news that some people lost their job because of economic recession, company bankruptcy or sometimes, misappropriate conduct, job-related scandal, adultery and other wrongdoings by an employee. Occasionally, there are some people who lost their job for speaking the truth (mostly journalists or bloggers) and most of the time, being a whistle blower will cost your job.
But losing a job because of your faith (i.e. just to attend a thanksgiving to God) is quite unusual news on our daily lives. Without a strong faith to a God, you cannot simply forsake losing a job out of faith. (Losing your job just because of being refused on a 1 day leave is a clear indication that your boss/company is not a good employer)
Setting the standard of choosing between faith and job.
Years ago, Bro. Daniel Razon, a well-known public service broadcaster in the Philippines, lost a job from a big TV network because they asked him to stop his preaching to the congregation because the rival church group has petitioned him to be fired from the network.
Bro. Daniel Razon has been professional to his work, he was never been late to his shows, did not put GMA7 network in a bad light, he is well-loved by his co-workers and did not do anything wrong for the company. GMA7 tried to get into Bro. Daniel Razon's personal beliefs by asking him to stop preaching to appease the protesting religious rival of MCGI. This did not stop Bro. Daniel Razon in his strong conviction for the truth. He has said to the big bosses of GMA7...
"I would rather lose my job than lose my God"
GMA7 have let go Bro. Daniel Razon.
The result was not as expected by GMA7:
- GMA7 viewer ship ratings received negative results.
- Bro. Daniel Razon became the CEO of the UNTV37 alternative UHF channel.
- GMA7's morning show faced a new fresh "Good Morning Kuya" morning show rival.
- "Good Morning Kuya" morning show received Anak TV award snapping the award from GMA7 and ABS-CBN2.
- Different GMA7 shows needed 'reformatting' while some of them were closed permanently (i.e. Sunday show SOP)
Doing good at work while losing time for your family is not good.
Well, doing good at work while losing time for your soul is not good either.
Worse is, you get lots of money and respect from your co-workers but losing God is a terrible investment.
For what shall it profit a man,
if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:36
There's a Sister-in-faith in our locale who refused to accept a new job because her first day of job should be on March 15 (Monday) and the employer wants her to start on that day. She opted to attend the Thanksgiving Day/Christian New Year than to be on her first day of job. Now that's what I call faith! (As have previously taught by our preacher based on the bible - show us your faith by your works)
