There are all kinds of politics and dynamics to be aware of in the workplace. It can be challenging to maneuver it all. Especially in this environment of political correctness. To compensate, Christians typically err in one of three ways. We either bury our faith to all but our closest friends so that we can avoid making others feel uncomfortable. Or we go way over the top in trying to prove what a great Christian we are and end up coming across as holier than thou to our counterparts, which ultimately turns people off.
Sadly, the third way is where the individual has never really incorporated their faith into their day to day life and ends up fully embracing the secular norms in all aspects of their lives, especially their work life. It’s never even occurred to them that as a Christian, they may be called to live a different lifestyle and follow a different set of rules. Needless to say, none of these approaches are going to result in winning unbelievers over to the cause, which, I believe, truly is our true purpose in life.
Let’s face it, no matter what your work is, whether it’s in an office setting, a sales position in person or online, or doing manual labor, there are all kinds of negative influences in the workplace. Everything from negative attitudes, filthy language, lax work ethics, distractions and self-doubt, all of which are unhealthy environments for both our minds and our bodies. To survive in these situations, we must be prepared to offset these negative influences.
As discussed in previous episodes of Reviving Your Soul, the best way to live out our faith in the workplace is through a consistent practice of prayer and being in scripture as we begin each day. Doing so, will not only give us the courage to do the right thing when it isn’t the popular thing to do, but it will help us be resourceful in finding solutions that will be pleasing to God and help us to live in his will.
Another way that we as Christians can miss the boat is we become critical of others rather than being loving and kind. Instead of seeking ways to be encouraging and supportive of others. We find fault at every turn and make others feel unworthy. Sometimes this can be as simple as making a negative comment on someone’s social media post that we don’t agree with. Even if we’re right, saying so in some places will never put us in the right light or come across in a positive way. Remember what we learned as a child, “if you don’t have something positive to say, don’t say anything at all.” There is a time and a place to speak out against wrong, but social media or any public format is rarely the format to do that. More on that in next week’s episode.
Some of us also have a poor work ethic that is reflected by coming in late, leaving early, taking long breaks, using company time, or other resources for personal conversations or business. But that isn’t all. We talk about others behind their back or lose our temper when things don’t go our way. Or we cut corners to make ourselves look good. Or we shrink away from responsibility and let others carry our load. Or we call in sick when we really just don’t feel like working. Or we use the company car to run personal errands.
None of those actions are representative of someone who is being honest or ethical, but we forget we are called to live lives that are honest and ethical. And when we don’t, we leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Supervisors dread having to deal with those situations and co-workers start to question your integrity and your commitment to them as a part of the team. They also begin to doubt that Christ truly is an example of someone who lived in truth.
In displaying these behaviors, we are losing any chance at giving testimony to the recipient of our negative behavior or others who observe us because even though they know we talk about Christ, they can see that we don’t act like Christ. Or anyone they want to be in a relationship with. I think we forget that we are being called to a higher standard; one that requires exercising wisdom, humility, and grace in difficult situations.
There will always be tension between Christians in a secular world and people who do not respond to the call, but it is our job to be aware of our actions and other’s reactions to our actions. All the time. Can we be perfect? No, we can’t, but we can try. We can do the best we can and admit our shortcomings when we aren’t able to live up the standard.
But instead, we try to cover it up. Or pretend we aren’t Christians so people won’t have that expectation of us. It is so important to remember that if our coworkers don’t go to church, the only opportunity they will ever have of seeing the fruits of the Spirit in action is by watching us live it out in our lives. By responding with patience, love, and professionalism, we can leave a positive impact on our coworkers. One that could ultimately be the thing that draws them to the church and falls in love with the Christ that we love and serve.
Just remember to be careful to not become self-righteous when you do get it right because that isn’t attractive either. Let’s face it, chances are there will be another time you won’t get it right. All that we can do is simply take it one step at a time and keep trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us. Keep shining the light and keep reflecting Jesus’ love to those in our paths. And pray. It truly is the only way we can live in integrity with our faith in the workplace.
If you want to really live this out, surrender your life to Christ and live in the manner described in Galatians 5:22-23, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
We are called to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in all aspects of our lives. Not just the spiritual part. We are to submit every aspect of our life to God. Our emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and vocational. Don’t let the world override any aspect of your life. How, you ask? Start by immersing yourself in scripture. Pray about it and find a biblically-based community to help guide you. If you still aren’t sure, let’s visit. God has a beautiful life all laid out for you, but accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior is truly the first step.
Thank you for your time today. I hope it touched you in a way that helps you feel convicted to make a change. Not judged. There is no room for judgment here.
If you know someone who needs to hear this message, please share it with them. If you are willing to leave a comment, that would be wonderful.
On a side note, Reviving Your Soul, the corresponding podcast to this blog, crossed the threshold of over 2,000 episodes downloaded this week. I appreciate each and everyone who takes the time to read or listen. It means so much and I pray you are blessed by the message.
If you haven’t already, be sure to download my 7 Mistakes Christians Make at Work while you are here on my site. I will serve as a great way to remind you to live out your faith in the workplace.
What a blessing to be a part of your day. Thank you and have an amazing week.
