Introduction: Jesus prayed for the apostles in John 17:15 as follows: “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one.” We, as followers of Christ, must learn to live in the world without becoming like it. We are not to wear our Christianity only inside the church building and then take it off outside. This is particularly important in the workplace. How do we navigate the workplace without becoming like many of our co-workers? How do we let our light shine at work? It is to these questions that we now turn our attention.
- Work is ordained by God.
From the very beginning of mankind’s history, God has desired for man to labour in the same capacity (Genesis 2:15). Therefore, work or labour is not inherently evil; rather, it was made more difficult because of sin (Genesis 3:17-19).
The New Testament reinforces the principle that work is ordained by God (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Brother Leroy Brownlow, in his book The Christians’ Everyday Problems, lists several reasons why work is beneficial for people. For instance, it strengthens both our mind and body; one cannot truly appreciate rest unless one understands what work is. A lack of labour and activity can lead to idleness and being a busybody (1 Peter 4:15), among other issues.
- Christians Should be Obedient in the Workplace (Ephesians 6:5-9).
- Obedience is emphasized. This is, of course, as long as we are not told to do something that violates God’s law. “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We are to be in subjection to our employers, even if they are harsh (1 Peter 2:18).
- These verses tell us that we are submissive to our masters because we are truly serving the Lord when we do so (Colossians 3:22-24).
- The Christian performs his work not just when the boss is looking but at all times. This is pleasing to the Lord.
- Christians Must Remember Who They Are
We belong to Christ on Monday as well as on Sunday. Consider Titus 2:9-10. Note that Christians are, first and foremost, to be honest. Christians should be the most honest employees in the company. We are guided by a higher standard. Christians should be trustworthy in all things. By being like our Master, we adorn the doctrine before our earthly masters. Similar to 1 Timothy 6:1, others should see God in us.
- Some Observations About the Workplace
- We should let our employers know our religious obligations and then be consistent. If you inform your employer that you cannot work on Sundays, but later learn that the company is offering double pay for those shifts and decide to work, where’s your consistency? Where is your faithfulness? Are you truly putting the Kingdom first?
- Christians should consider job promotions, among other things, in terms of how they will affect their service to God. Will it result in less time for family and church?
- A Christian should never become a slave to their job. Christians must avoid being lured by materialism.
- Christians should avoid every form of evil in the workplace. Office pools—lottery pools—are simply another form of gambling, which is a sin!
- Christians should sow the seed of the Kingdom in the workplace. They should have tracks available and keep their Bible handy. During breaks and lunch periods, they should always be willing to answer a co-worker’s religious questions.
Conclusion: a Christian can genuinely let his light shine in the workplace. This may influence those around him, and hopefully, some will be drawn to the cause of Christ. What about you? Are you on the Lord’s side? Have you been baptized for the forgiveness of sins?
Lesson delivered by: Bro. Petras
