If tomorrow you were to tell one of your co-workers or employees that you were a Christian, how would they respond?
Would they be surprised? Confused? Shocked?
I think this is a good question to ask ourselves. Our faith isn’t just supposed to stay between the pews on Sunday Mornings. It is important that our faith and how we live our lives in consistent throughout all the parts and areas of our lives.
It doesn’t matter if you are a business owner, a corporate leader, or an employee, bringing your faith into the workplace can seem intimidating. Yet, it is a tremendous opportunity to be a witness to those people that we are around 30, 40, maybe even 60 hours every week.
“How can I be a witness at work?”
“Can God use me in the workplace?”
I am not sure what your work situation is like. People may not be open to you sitting down with them and discussing Jesus with them, but what about being a witness in the way we work and the way we act in the workplace? What are some ways that we can be consistent with our beliefs and how we are to act as Christ followers in the workplace?
What are actions we can take?
Pray for your workplace. Pray for your co-workers, bosses, employees, and clients. Maybe they shared something with you that they are struggling with. Be consistent in praying for them and follow up by asking how they are doing. Pray for opportunities and doors to open for conversations that are fruitful and lead to an opportunity to share about Christ. Pray for wisdom and discernment on how to be a light in your office.
Work with Integrity. Be honest in your work and be someone that your workplace can trust and depend on. Be a good steward of the job, people and work that God has placed you in. Be the example of someone who works hard gives their full effort to their job.
Watch Your Speech. Not only are people watching what you say, but they are also listening. Our words have both the power to build up and tear down. The words we say are not something we can take back, once they are out there, they are out there. Be wise about how you talk to those around you, and about (or not) those around you.
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Colossians 4:5-6
Being A Light
There are many other ways that we can be a light to our workplace. In the way we serve joyfully, lead humbly, and love others unconditionally (that may take lots of prayer at times!) At Crossroads, we believe that work and faith can converge and we can incorporate our Christian values and beliefs into our work. Your actions and the way you present yourself can lead to questions and conversations about why maybe you don’t follow the crowd when it comes to gossip, the way you treat peers, or the way you go about your work.
I believe there is great opportunity in the workplace to be an example of what it means to be a light and a Christ follower. It’s not going to be easy, there will be times we fail and say things we shouldn’t or regret. There will be times when we are discouraged and feel the rejection of those who don’t believe or understand. But, overall when people interact with us and hear our words and watch our actions, do they see Christ in us? Ultimately, it’s our calling to be a light, no matter where we are and that light doesn’t have to dim when we enter the office.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
Excellent article and great advice in these tumultuous times.
Os Hillman encouraged me a few years ago by reminding me that Jesus was a Workplace Minister. Os stated. “Consider that in the New Testament of Jesus’ 132 public appearances, 122 were in the marketplace. Of 52 parables Jesus told, 45 had a workplace context. Of 40 miracles in the book of Acts, 39 were in the marketplace.”
So as Christians we are really modern day workplace disciples. Thank you again for this wonderful reminder of how we all can advance the Kingdom in our own sphere of influence.