Jesus & the Workplace

Hello again, everyone!

I apologize for not posting at all for the last few weeks. It has been super busy for me.

As some of you know, I started a new job a little over a month ago. I absolutely love it and have already learned so much from my colleagues. It has been such an exciting journey for me and I am so thankful that my workplace has become a big blessing in my life.

Lately I've been thinking about how I want to include Jesus and my faith into my work. I am not one who feels comfortable preaching sermons to my co-workers and forcing religion on them or getting into debates. I often find that it not only offends people, but it also turns them away from wanting to know more about God.

For me, I strive to live by the words of Saint Francis of Assisi. He said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words." Basically, my actions, attitude, behavior, etc. are just as effective at leading people closer to God than if I only used my words to try to debate with others. But if someone asks me about my faith, I am completely comfortable telling them about why I love Jesus and what He has done for me so far. I am super open to talking about my faith with those around me, but I want them to approach me about it instead of chasing people around with a Bible and telling them to repent for their sins.

The Gospel is nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, Christ calls us to share our faith with others so they can experience forgiveness and salvation. Some of us have different ways to share their faith. Here are just some of mine.

1.) Pray over your co-workers, bosses, and executives. I like to arrive at work just a few extra minutes early. This gives me a chance to start my workday with a quick prayer asking God to bless all my colleagues and protect them from harm. I like to pray over each individual by name and lift them up to God.

2.) I love building relationships with people and getting to know them one-on-one. Everyone has their own quirks, interests, ideas, etc. and it's so refreshing to learn about them and ask questions about their lives. It shows them that you value them and that what they have to say is important to you. Once you build a personal relationship with people, it is a lot easier to talk about things like faith and religion because you already have a certain level of comfort and trust.

3.) Be a source of joy and light. Every workplace has its fair share of drama, stress, and negativity. Instead of being sucked into the whirlwind of chaos, do your best to remain calm, positive, and energetic. Your attitude reveals a lot about you and may attract people to you. I have had a handful of people approach me and ask me how I can be so happy or feel so energetic. I often tell them that my energy and joy is mainly possible because of my strong faith in God. I know things will be okay and work out because I have witnessed God work in my life. If they are interested and open to me sharing that, then I will sometimes tell them about specific instances where God has helped me. But even if you don't say anything about your faith, your attitude and demeanor will either make people interested or it will repel people away from you.

Scripture:

"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:15-16

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." -Acts 20:24

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." -Romans 1:16

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." -1 Peter 3: 15-16

Let's go and spread God's love and grace to all those we come in contact with. If we truly love Jesus, we want others to get to know him too. At the same time, let's all try to be humble, gentle, and kind. Not everyone is ready to hear about God, and we need to also be sensitive to that too.

Peace and Joy,

Chloe