Mastering Monday: A Guide to Integrating Faith and Work

John Beckett has accurately captured many of the struggles and tensions Christians experience daily in the marketplace. Aspects of the author's journey are common to many Christians. His chapter "Integrating two Worlds" will be a help to any Christian in the marketplace -it is an issue that continually manifests itself. The phrase "I found that my growing faith was often relevant to work issues - but the reverse was also true. Workplace issues challenged and strengthened my faith, occasionally more than I anticipated." provides an encouraging perspective. The author shares his own experiences in this realm - in a transparent way that should be encouraging to all who read. The section "Companions on the Journey" provides a number of biblical stories and characters from which much is to be learned and applied to our work world today. These are not one size fits all stories, but the characters and illustrations the author selects will provide much to think about. This is mixed in with some stories of contemporary business leaders and recent situations they have faced and their responses. Finally, a discussion of God's workplace agenda and what theme's the author believes are critical in this discussion. In light of some recent business failures (more specifically failures of leadership) - this section does a good job of connecting the themes to "good business". It is a reminder of what really matters - and some encouragement to have the courage to do the right things. This is a pretty quick reading book, but I don't think it is a read once and put it on the shelf. I'm sure I'll be referring back to it every year or so to remind myself of proper perspectives and to be encouraged in my work.

Total integration of the concepts that bring Christian values and work together as expressed in Mastering Monday work. It is not fiction. As a friend of John, his family and the R W Beckett Corporation for many years,I have witnessed the successful result. Placing the Christian Values as expressed in this book into the workplace can bring about successful change in any corporation and in the lives of the entire workforce. Bernie Duchinsky, Former President and CEO, Nordyne, Inc.

This book is really just an extension of John's life. I've known John and his family for more than thirty years. Jesus said, "By their fruits you shall know them." Sometimes you have to get close to inspect the fruit. John's faith, family and business are definitely integrated. The fruit that I've personally had witness to for over three decades is as high a quality as anyone that I know in Christendom. If you're a Christian who has to work for a living, you should own this book.

This book is a comfortable read with jewels of practical wisdom for everyday life in the workplace. It gives courage to those of us who waver with non-believing teammates; it issues a gentle mandate for those with clout to use it for God's glory.

A sequel to John Beckett's first book: LOVING MONDAY, MASTERING MONDAY takes the reader to ever more significant opportunities for the integration of faith and work. Loving Monday is a best seller in China and other parts of the world as well as in the USA. John Beckett is a no nonsense, hard hitting and disciplined believer who not only walks the talk but writes out of a heart and soul committed to his decidedly Christian belief structure. He has lived what he writes. He has performed with excellence in the marketplace, his family, his community and his company. Be prepared to have your belief system challenged and shaped by MASTERING MONDAY.