Changing of the Guard

"...All men will know that you are my disciples..." John 13:35a

A lesson learned in the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington , D.C. Perhaps you have seen it along the way.

With ceremony in full fair, brightly decorated uniforms perfectly pressed, precise cadence in step among the three soldiers who participated in each change, and the obvious intentionality that went into each second of this event, one word came to mind: discipline.

How disciplined are you in your work?

Nothing is left to chance at the changing of the guard.

Every counted step, every synchronized word and every minute component of what the soldiers do there is calculated with no detail overlooked.

Furthermore, timing is critical. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment has been guarding the Tomb continuously since 1937. They change guards every 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the season. They perform their duties regardless of temperature, weather or time of day. They have a system and they work it over and over again.

For most of us, spontaneity is essential to what we do vocationally. We must often flex, adapt, change the plan, and "go with the flow." In fact, adapting to changing circumstances is necessary in business and in every workplace. But there is a baseline discipline that is also required.

Do you exercise it?

Do you work the "system" in your industry and profession in such a way as to provide yourself and your company with the discipline necessary to perform the duties of your job to the fullest?

Discipline is critical to the life and work of every Christian. Personal appearance, attitude, timeliness, demeanor, goals, performance, mission, preparation, and respect of others are all heavily influenced by discipline. Jesus spoke often of being His disciple. A disciple is a “disciplined one.”

Today’s Workplace Challenge:

Walk a disciplined path at work.
Have fun, laugh a lot, be flexible and enjoy yourself.
At the same time, however, demonstrate a high level of discipline.
Be strict on yourself as needed.
Make intentional decisions to be and do those certain things that cause you to stand out apart from all others.
Guard against laziness.
Exercise the very highest of standards.


Let’s do the same this week for our Lord and our coworkers . Make it count!

-posted by Will Ravelob at the PHIAA e-group