What's the first place that comes to your mind when you think of the mission field? The local park? A street corner? Maybe Africa? For most of us, the workplace is the last place we think of, but it is where we spend most of our time. This gives us a great responsibility as we put our faith out in the open and work with integrity and excellence so that our witness would be blameless (1 Timothy 6:1). Here are some ways that we can be good servants of Christ in the workplace as we seek to make his name known:
- Recognize the value of work
More than just a means to earn a living, God's word has declared that our work is a holy calling. As we begin our workday, our hearts should recognize that our job is to be set apart as service not merely to men but unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). This means we arrive on time, work with excellence and serve our coworkers in a way that is worth of the gospel.
- Use your lunch break
There's nothing more contradictory to being a Christian in the workplace than spending all your time sharing the gospel while on the clock. Use your lunch breaks as opportunities to start a bible study or take a coworker to lunch. The atmosphere is more relaxed and coworkers may open up more outside of an office setting. And it may be a good idea to adorn the message by picking up the bill.
- Use holidays
My company, often in the festive mood, gives freedom to employees to decorate cubes, stuff stockings and cook delicious meals. This is a unique time to think up creative ways to share your faith.
- Build long-term relationships
A huge advantage of the workplace is the constant contact we have with coworkers. Rather than becoming irritable and annoyed as we witness the day-to-day habits of the guy in the cube next to us, the office is fertile soil to plant seeds and build long-term relationships. Use each day as a new opportunity to consistently invest time and truth into your coworker's life.
Being known as a Christian in the workplace can be a heavy responsibility, but as ambassadors for Christ we are commanded to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). As we pray for strength, we can be confident that God has a plan and purpose for us even in the workplace. Let us go to work every day seeking to be a witness to His grace.
Richard Guerra
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