This week I pitched out the question about how we live out our faith at work and I’ve received some great insight from my friends in order to muddle through this topic.
Check out what a few of my friends had to say:
Lori — The “ministry of presence” speaks volumes to people. So when someone is struggling with something or is walking thru something tragic, we simply make a point to ‘be’ with them…even if we never say anything about the Bible in those moments. People tend to shy away from difficult situations because they don’t know what to say or they feel awkward. But even in silence, the fact that we are purposing not to leave our friend alone blesses them and shows them the compassion of Christ.
Laura — I try to lead by example; ex. Not complaining, having a great attitude, encouraging other employees… I find when your attitude is different than everyone around you, that’s when people are interested in why that is. People with a postive attitude and loving spirit open the doors for others to ask why!
Kristen Marie — Although I try to live the idea of “when neccessary use words.” I pray and try (although since I am human I am NO WHERE NEAR perfect) to live out my life as if people would automatically see Jesus in me through my actions. I want people to be able to look at how I live my life and be able to see that there is something different in me, and connect that to Jesus.
I’ve got some pretty smart friends, right?!
Because I’m a visual person — visual learner, etc. — I like to come up with pictures in my head for concepts I’m working through. In regards to our presence at work, I hope to see myself as a night light that glows day in and day out with a soft presence of Jesus’ love. A night light guides and leads with out shining intrusively. While a nightlight doesn’t take over the whole room with its brightness, the light definitely missed when the bulb burns out or the light is unplugged.
Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing. {Philippians 2:14-16 The Message}
Would our co-workers say that about us — that we would be missed greatly if we were absent for a day?
Just something more to chew on…
I would love to hear your thoughts!
I totally agree in that we should so exemplify the love and light of Christ that if we suddently weren’t in our workplace (neighborhood, family, friends, etc) that it would be so evident because of the way we live, love, etc. LOVE this and just a constant reminder to be aware of our actions & attitudes.
Girl-thanks for your insight that I was able to add to the post! You are awesome!
I try to live by two sayings “if you’re going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk” and “actions speak louder than words.” It is very difficult some days I must admit but when I am tested I try to remember that others watch how I react to difficult situations. And…pray, pray alot. Prayer always helps me to calm down and think before speaking.
Yes, Rose! Awesome!
I agree with Kristin, in that your perspective on this is great. We should be missed because we are such a light. God should be glorified everywhere, including our workplace.
There’s a verse, I believe in Matthew 5 (?) that speaks about being Salt and Light. That is what we should strive for, so that other’s may know Christ through us.
I’ll be honest… this is difficult for me. I would say most, if not all, of my coworkers know that I’m a Christian, but that doesn’t mean I always (or even consistently) live out my faith at work. There are days when I am frustrated, irritated, emotionally-driven…and I react to situations instead of reigning in my feelings to reflect Christ’s love. This is something I have been working on lately…..being more Christ like in every circumstance, not just professing my faith with words.
Girl-you are not alone. We are not perfect and I think when we admit that to our co-workers they see true authenticity in our faith rather than a plastic, fake faith.