August 15: Don't Hold Back the Good
There’s a coworker who covered for you more times than you can count. Late arrivals. Sick days that weren’t really sick days. Work that didn’t get done. Have you ever thought about what that cost them?
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.”
Proverbs says don’t withhold good from those it’s due, when it’s in your power to do it. Don’t say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow,” when you have it with you now.
Work is a place where drinking does a lot of quiet harm. Not always dramatic. Missed deadlines that someone else had to cover. Coworkers who picked up your shifts. A boss who got blamed for your mistakes. Clients you let down. People who had to work harder because you weren’t pulling your weight.
These names belong on your list too. Sometimes we forget them because the harm feels small or because they’re “just work.” But it mattered to them.
As you think about work harms, a few things are worth remembering. Some harms at work can affect your job if you raise them carelessly. Think about timing and what’s wise. That’s a good thing to talk over with a sponsor or pastor before you do anything.
But Proverbs also says don’t put off good you can do now. Some amends at work can start today. Doing your work well. Showing up on time. Covering for someone else when they need it. Thanking the person who carried you. That’s a kind of living amends.
You don’t need to make a big speech in the break room. You can start by being the coworker they always hoped you’d be.
There’s a quiet dignity in that. For years, people at work may have wondered which version of you would show up. Now they can count on you. Reliability is not flashy. But to the people who covered for you, it may mean more than any apology.
One thing today
Write down the names of coworkers your drinking affected. Then do one helpful thing today for someone at work, without being asked.
A prayer
Lord, people at work carried me when I couldn’t carry myself. Help me see what it cost them. Show me the good I can do now, and help me do it. Amen.
Work harms go on the Step Eight list with everything else.
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