The Roman centurion’s servant was dying.  But the powerful soldier understood the link between authority and powerful action.  Emperor Caesar's authority cascaded through the military structure so that every officer would command in a way that was legitimate, powerful and effective, even though potentially ruthlessly.  Orders were always obeyed because the punishments for disobedience were severe.  The soldier was frightened of Jesus (Luke 7:6-7).  

Perhaps he thought that the Lord would find fault with him instead of healing his servant.  But despite his fear, he also knew that Jesus was the only hope to save the servant.  He believed that if Jesus commanded healing, the servant would get well; and so his friends conveyed the message, ‘Say the word and my servant will be healed!’ (Luke 7:7).

And the servant recovered immediately (Luke 7:10).  The centurion’s friends saw the combined evidence of the soldier’s faith and Jesus’ power in death defeated and life restored.  That is a parable of the gospel.  Jesus used it to point out that although the Roman centurion was a Gentile, he trusted Jesus.  Later in Acts 10:24-48, another centurion, Cornelius, believed in Jesus, received the Holy Spirit, was baptised and formally recognised as a part of God’s family (Acts 11:15-18).

True faith must start with the confidence that Jesus has legitimate authority to act powerfully and effectively (Matthew 28:18).  Faith must follow facts (good feelings may follow, but only after we obey the facts).  And the principal fact is that God has all authority to do whatever He chooses.  But He has not left us in the dark because He has revealed in the Bible what He will reward and punish, and how He will save those who trust in Him (see www.crosscheck.org.uk to know more).

So, following Jesus is much more straight-forward than trying to connect with mystical feelings; it is a simple matter of believing the Gospel and obeying what God says in the Bible (2 Thessalonians 1:8). The centurion understood the principle and Jesus set him as an example for all of us.  So, as you follow Jesus at work today, accept His supreme authority over everything, rely on His grace to cover your failings and obey His Word.  Keeping that in the front of your mind will make the working day much more straight-forward!