Presented by Lauren Stibgen



As we talk about social connections and community at work, I have been talking about some of the more difficult aspects of this connection—not fitting in, feeling lonely, being exhausted. One common workplace issue I hear from many women is the loss of workplace connection due to betrayal.



We can feel betrayed in many ways. Maybe you learn you have suddenly become the topic of office gossip, or a colleague is speaking poorly about your performance to a superior. It could even be you are suddenly left out of lunch or happy hour invitations or other gatherings you would typically attend. If you aren’t sure about what has caused you to be the odd “woman” out, this can make the feelings sting even more.



Joseph was betrayed deeply by his brothers because of their deeply-rooted jealousy. They were so jealous they thought to kill him but chose to sell him to slavery instead. Joseph was then betrayed by the wife of his employer who lied and said he was making a pass at her! The story of Joseph is in the book of Genesis chapters 37-50.



Let’s consider Joseph for a moment. Being his Dad’s favorite wasn’t his fault, but it surely didn’t help him. Are you a favored employee at work? Maybe this favoritism made the young Joseph a little prideful. He sometimes recounted his dreams about ruling over his brothers. If you are that favored employee, are you humble or prideful about it?



Like young Joseph’s brothers, perhaps your colleagues are jealous, but they also don’t like how you are responding to all the positive attention you are receiving. Maintaining humility and recognizing the achievements of your colleagues, contributes to a balanced approach to success in the workplace.



In Joseph’s later years, the betrayal by the wife of his employer was not his fault. My point is sometimes you just cannot control what someone says about you, and this is very hard.



Through all this betrayal, Joseph looked to the Lord. He trusted God’s plans for his life, even when he was alone in a pit, sold as a slave, and placed in prison for something he clearly did not do.



If you suddenly find yourself on the outs with workplace friends, carefully reflect and look to the Lord in prayer. Turn to a connection outside of work to help you consider how you may approach the situation with care, as a follower of Jesus. Rather than rushing to a judgement, prepare to ask some questions and seek to understand.