Ten Commandments of Working in a Hostile Environment

November 1, 2004
Having added producer and actor to his many accomplishments, Bishop Jakes (Maximize the Moment) now tackles the workplace in aself-help book that shows readers how to use Christian principles.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2005
How many of us dread waking up on a weekday . . and trundling in to yet another less-than-happy day at the workplace? Texas-based bishop T. D. Jakes--author of " Maximize the Moment "(2000), among other books, and pulpit raconteur and on-air celebrity--summarizes his new approach to vocations by drawing on the stories in the Bible, and on quotes and prayers based on that liturgy. Imploring all to remember that God has reasons for people to stay and leave jobs, and that work is all about fulfilling missions, he articulates his 10 commandments, and the benefits of looking at work through positive and spiritual lenses. Order number two, for instance, admonishes readers not to "expect to be appreciated"; he goes on to explain that to strive for that is to pander to please people, not to please a higher being. In his fifth "thou shalt," he offers alternatives to letting work get the best of you: consider exercise, find new relationships, take advantage of vacation, among others. The end goal? To enlighten, inspire, and energize.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)