Workplace Meditation Week 1: Escaping-Leaving A Clique

Workplace Meditation

Leaving/Escaping A Powerful Clique

Bible Passage: Psalm 1

Passage Key Words: Blessed, man, “not walk,” “counsel of the wicked,” stand,” “way of sinners,” sit, “seat of mockers,” but, “delight in law of the Lord”

Topical Key Words: Office cliques, power, control, fear, intimidation

Every workplace has cliques and alliances, some for good purposes (e.g. wellness, charitable causes, hobbies, sports, addiction support groups, etc.) and some for bad (e.g., domination and resource control, gossiping and undermining others, etc.). New employees are prone to seek acceptance and support through aligning themselves with one of these office groups.

Unbeknown to some, especially new employees, the alignment with an inviting clique may conflict and undermine their moral and spiritual values. When the Apostle Paul first joined the church, he tried to work with everyone, both the gentiles, Jews and the “circumcision” clique within the Jerusalem church. In time, he discovered that he could not honestly serve the gentiles if he continued to appease the powerful “circumcision” group. The realization and his public statements brought upon him the criticism, anger and the opposition of the clique. They wanted to bully him into submission (Acts 15). To free himself from their power, he had to reverse his course, following the advice of the Psalmist. First, physical separation, not “seat” in compromise at their conclave, “not stand” in their path and to “not walk” in their counsel. In time, he broke loose and had greater success than ever before in his ministry. Sometimes, serving the greater oganizational good might require staying far from any clique, however promising the short term gains appear.

If you want to escape the clutches of a workplace clique, the Bible admonishes to “not walk,” “not stand,” and “not seat” with them in their conclave.

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