Reference no: EM132245683
Faith Integration
Quantitative analysis in dissertation work requires a plethora of energy. This overload of research and study can create separation away from the Lord our God. God is everything, and all things we do should honor him (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). The purpose of this essay is to reflect on Keller and Alsdorf (2016) and discuss God's plan for how we should handle challenging work. Challenging quantitative analysis work has been brought to the forefront for the duration of this course.
This challenging work creates a great deal of stress and it becomes important to spend time in thought with God (Blanchard, Hodges, & Hendry, 2016). The next topic that will reflect on Keller and Alsdorf (2014) are the ways we should face this challenging work. Finally, ways to better honor God with our work will be discussed.
Quantitative Analysis
Conducting a quantitative analysis within a dissertation needs consistent focus and proper time allocation. A quantitative analysis is a technique that seeks to understand behavior by using mathematical and statistical modeling (Robson & McCartan, 2016). There are number of steps to follow in order to properly conduct a quantitative analysis.
The first is data management, and this involves familiarizing oneself with entering and managing the data (Robson & McCartan, 2016). The researcher needs to understand the variable types so the variables can be distinguished (Robson & McCartan, 2016). Once this is done descriptive statistics are run, and this is used to summarize the basic features of the data set through measures of central tendencies (Robson & McCartan, 2016).
The researcher will then run appropriate inferential statistics, which allows researchers to assess ability to draw conclusions that extend beyond the immediate data (Robson & McCartan, 2016). Finally, the researcher will look for statistical significance from the data captured (Robson & McCartan, 2016). These steps require a precise amount of attention to detail. In summary it takes a large amount of effort and time in order to properly conduct a quantitative analysis.
God's Perspective on Work
According to Keller and Alsdorf (2016) work is our design and our dignity; it is also a way to serve God through creativity, particularly in the creation of culture.
God wants us to work, "But we urge you brothers to do this, and work with your hands as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one" (Thessalonians 4:10-12, The New King James Version). People are meant to work but it is the way the work is done in which God desires. View work as a service to God (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). Rather than viewing your job as a simple fisherman view it has a food provider (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016).
This will create the passion needed for your job and allow you to feel more energized to worship God. God supplies are resources and to give us the privilege of joining in cocultivations, helps us enter our work with relentless spirit of creativity (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). God wants us to work and be reliant on no, rather provide help for those in need. "When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands" (Deuteronomy 24:19, The New King James Version).
The perspective of work does generate potential problems. With the consumption of so much time needed to conduct a proper quantitative analysis a potential problem will arise. The major issue is lack of time. Between working full time, doing research, and trying to spend time in prayer it can be a very stressful situation.
God tells us to face these challenges head on, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But, let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load" (Galatians 6:2- 5, The New King James Version). God urges us to face this challenge and not to burden the load on others. This relates back to Keller and Alsdorf (2016) with the idea of viewing work as a service.
The other major issue facing work of this magnitude is to avoid integrating vanity into. To lead like Jesus, one must never view themselves as an idol and not put career motives first (Blanchard et al, 2016). God is the lord almighty and should be the only idol (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). To face this challenge, remember in all work or research being done it should be done to glorify God. As we accomplish this work and overcome these challenges it is important to remember to Honor God in our work.
Way's to Better Honor God
The Bible says that the very definition of righteous people is that they disadvantage themselves to advantage others, while the wicked are willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). This tell us as a society that regardless of the feats we accomplish give honor and thanks to God. God provides us the leadership we need, and with him there is no fear (Blanchard et al, 2016).
According to Keller and Alsdorf (2016), "No everyday work lacks the dignity of being pattern after God's own work, yet no business mega deal or public policy initiative is so lofty that it can transcend God's patterns and limitations for work." This is perhaps my personal favorite line within the text as is idealizes the notion that as an employee we should always view work as a service This continues as we accomplish the tasks at hand.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24, The New King James Version). As you accomplish your task remember serving the Lord is your reward.
Conclusion
Regardless of the amount of time required to conduct a quantitative analysis, or the problems being faced at work, it is important to remember that everything we do should honor God.
This discussion post has discussed quantitative analysis, God's perspective on work, how to face challenges these from work, and finally how to honor God in our work. To properly reflect on Keller and Alsdorf (2016), Christians need to follow God's plan and remember to view work as a service. Life should be spent honoring God not focusing on career advancement.
References
Blanchard, K., Hodges, P., Hendry, P. (2016). Lead like Jesus: Lessons from the greatest role model of all time. Nashville, Tennessee: W Publishing
Keller, T., & Alsdorf, K. (2016). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God's work. New York: Penguin Random House.
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real world research. London: John Wiley & Son's