The Christian in the Workplace

A dear brother in Christ recently received a very affirmative written evaluation from his supervisor, commending him for his consistently positive attitude at work.

Likely, this supervisor has observed others who gripe, gossip, and create friction among coworkers. In contrast, this brother’s attitude really stands out.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).

How else can Christians let their light shine in the workplace?

Be honest.

Employers are looking for people they can trust completely—who never lie, pilfer, or cut corners. Paul says that this kind of work ethic of “showing all good faith . . . will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect” (Titus 2:9-10).

Work hard and work well.

The Christian who gives 100% on the job not only earns the respect of his superiors, but also serves as a pacesetter for fellow employees.

“Whatever you do,” Paul exhorted Christian slaves, “do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Do more than required.

This is the principle of going the second mile, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:41).

When my mother-in-law got caught up with her work as a secretary, she’d ask her boss, “Is there anything else I can do?”

A job is so much more than a paycheck.

It’s a golden opportunity to make a positive impression on those who are curious or even skeptical about what being a Christian is all about.

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Scripture quotations taken from the NASB: http://www.lockman.org/

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Why Not?

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Doing right

Occasionally someone turns in a large amount of money they had found.

What motivates people to do right when they could so easily do otherwise?

What kept Joseph from committing fornication with Potiphar’s wife when repeatedly tempted?

What restrained David from killing his enemy Saul when it would have been so easy?

For both, it was a powerful awareness of God (Genesis 39:9; 1 Samuel 24:6, 10; 26:9-11, 23-24).

For the best reasons

While some people avoid sins for fear of getting an STD, going to jail, losing a job, etc., the Christian’s motives are far nobler.

“. . . for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light . . . trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord“ (Ephesians 5:8, 10).

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB: http://www.lockman.org/

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Getting Away with It?

Before giving a quiz in English class, Mrs. Stanley asked us to use a blank sheet to cover our answers. “Now I don’t think any of you would cheat, but somebody might look on your paper.”

Cheating as a lifestyle of choice

Cheating in school is endemic. It is also lazy, sneaky, dishonest.

The cheat is developing a mindset that will make it all the easier to cheat on taxes, expense accounts, and marriage vows.

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You can’t cheat your way to heaven!

The thinking is, if you can get away with it and not get caught, why not?

God, that’s why not! The God of truth hates lying, cheating, and stealing (Proverbs 11:1; Revelation 21:8).

God calls us to be people of integrity, making all our choices with Him in view.

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Why did the tower cross the road?

Traveling to Sulphur Springs, I like to ask my passenger which side of the road the water tower ahead is on.

Your eyes tell you it’s on the left. But as you approach, the road curves left, and the tower “jumps” to the right.

Not what we thought!

Some people are like that. They certainly seem like fine Christian folks. But in time their true character comes out.

Honest?

Since God knows all, we might as well put our masks aside and admit with the penitent tax collector in Jesus’ parable, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (Luke 18:13).

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB: http://www.lockman.org/

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