How to Be A Christian At Work
Let me begin with a fact that might not be obvious to all. Work consumes the time of most Christians and non- Christians alike. Most of us spend 60% to 80% of each weekday in some work-related activity. We are either going to work, working, or coming from work. And if you have a job you don’t like, you can hardly enjoy the weekend for thinking of Monday morning.
Given the amount of time that Christians spend at work, you’d think the church would offer more training on how Christians should conduct themselves in the workplace. Nope. The church will provide regular training for members who sing, pray, and teach for a 2-hour worship service one day a week. But the same church will provide little guidance on how to best function as a Christian from 9 to 5, five days a week.
So, let’s explore a few important keys to being a good Christian at work
Be Excellent
It’s important to remember that when Christians go to work…. they go to WORK! They don’t go to preach, to pray, or to proselytize. Do that on your own time. The greatest witness to the faith that you have, is the job that you do. Do it with excellence and it will reflect the excellent God you serve. People will notice.
Be On Time
That’s the first step to an effective witness in the workplace. Make sure you set a tone of excellence by being punctual. It will endear you to your supervisor and set a great example for your coworkers.
Be Nice
This one falls under the banner of common sense, but common sense is not as common as it used to be. It’s impossible to be a good witness with a bad attitude. Remember that your unseen employer is God himself. So, act right, even when you don’t feel right.
Be Dependable
You should attempt to set the standard for dependability at your job. The willingness to do a good job, when no one is around. You might not be the most gifted person in your workplace, but you can be the most dependable. Develop a reputation for follow through and dependability. A lazy worker is a bad witness.
Be Ethical
Stealing office supplies and removing copy paper might be ok for a child of the world, but it’s off limits for a child of God. Clocking in on time but then relaxing in the locker room might be fine for others but it’s not fine for God’s children. Covering up for dishonest co-workers might be a sign of loyalty to your buddies, but it’s a slap in the face of a righteous God.
It’s not easy living ethically in an unethical world, and sometimes things are not always crystal clear. But it’s worth the struggle. For years surveys have shown that the quality that most people desire in leaders, is integrity. Same for the marketplace.
Be Prayerful
“As long as there are tests there will be prayer in the schools.” That old saying is true. You can’t prevent private prayer in schools and it can’t be stopped at work. Private prayer is powerful prayer. I Thessalonians 5:7 says that we should pray continually. In the sanctuary of your heart you can send up prayers for your co-workers and workplace every chance you get.
Be Quiet
James was right when he wrote that the tongue is a small but it’s out of control. More damage has been done by the tongue to churches and workplaces than we can every imagine. Develop a reputation for a tame tongue at your job. Develop a reputation for confidentiality. Develop a reputation as an encourager. Resist the temptation to speak and spread gossip. The best approach is to: limit what you say, watch what you say, and do what you say.
Be Prepared
You might not be able to publicly share your faith at work, but you can answer questions. People are watching you and the Spirit is moving on them. If you pray, God will make your paths cross with people who need your witness. The more prepared you are, the more competent and comfortable you are when your respond.
So, there you have it. Some ways to be a good Christian at work. What do you think? Is it harder or easier these days for Christians in the workplace? Has anyone ever asked you a spiritual question at work?