perspective of the christian in the workplace
Perspective of the Christian in the workplace is important when using discernment and making important decisions about situations and events as you work with others.
Have you ever come across times in your life at work where your faith as a believer in Jesus Christ seems to go against the rules and standards that are set up for you as an employee or employer? This can happen to any one of us and at any given time within the workplace.
Of course various policies, rules, and regulations are set in order to help keep us working in an orderly and organized fashion, as well as keeping us safe while we work, depending on the nature of our job.
I have come across this on few occasions as well in my course of work, and at various jobs I undertook, where my faith was under-minded by my co-workers or employer, in favor of the shady and sinful ideals and viewpoints of every one else in the group.
I believe things of this nature have to be addressed for the Christian believer so that he/she understands and knows what reactions and actions are needed to be taken, while maintaining a good testimony for Christ.
the value of the christian's perspective
While on the job or anywhere else in life, you are being watched by others--believers and non-believers alike. So how you see things and situations is permeated throughout everything you think or act upon. Your Christian testimony depends upon it.
The life of the believer is hard enough when faced with trials, tests, and temptations, but it seems even more apparent at the workplace. More than likely, you are with the same people everyday at work, so your perspective on situations, events, or other co-workers can affect how you do your job, your attitude towards those you work with, and the work itself. Therefore, it is vital that you know how to respond or behave appropriately according to God's Word in any given situation at your workplace.
The value of it all, is that you may, through your faith and actions and your stand for Christ, help an unbeliever come to the saving knowledge of the gospel. Or, that you might help another believer who is struggling with the same issues you are at the workplace, to be encouraged by your life on the job as well.
Some of these issues and situations I've had to deal with on the job with or from other co-workers and employers were things like: the sin of fornication and pre-marial sex, living together without being married, cursing and swearing, using God's name in vain, immodest apparel on the job, flirting around with married people, horse playing, stealing from the company, lying to get out of work, gossiping about others, ruining reputations of other co-workers, and so on it goes. You just name the sin and it's present within any place of employment. The potential for trouble is everywhere!
a biblical perspective in the workplace
As a believer, you want to live your life within the framework of Christ. It is most likely that your workplace is filled with those people who do not care for the things of God, but of this world. Even those jobs and careers which claim to be Christian-oriented can have employees/employers who act like the world and are not immune to the influences of Satan.
Our Lord has much to say regarding how He wants His people to view their lives in light of Him and of His ways. Here's what the Bible tells us:
- Matthew 5:16 says to, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
- Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
- Philippians 4:8 instructs us on how to think, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
- Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
- Proverbs 15:1 says,"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
- Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
- Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ..."
In essence, look at your work life, how you approach it, and the people whom you work with. Is your perspective on these things God-centered, or are you just going along with the flow and doing as everyone else does?
For years I had the world's perspective in mind about my job more than I did the Lord's, and figured I had to behave as an employee who goes by every rule of my workplace, not questioning anything for fear of losing my employment with the company. However, I later had to come to the realization through bible study and prayer, that my work life and home life were not at all separate, but together, and weaved into one. I saw how my Christian testimony was important at work, at home, or anywhere else I was when around other people.
From a Christian standpoint and perspective, you can see how it is a wonderful privilege in demonstrating God's love wherever you are. You are doing so via the vehicle of your workplace, where you are building relationships and sharing your faith with those who do not know Christ, honoring and glorifying Him with your Christian testimony. May God be praised throughout all you do in your thoughts, speech, and actions within your workplace.
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