Jesus on the Job
As Christian men, our faith is supposed to impact all areas of life—including business, work, career. So who we deal with and how we deal with them in our work is vitally important. It not only impacts you and others, but Christ and your witness for Him.
Let’s look at three distinct groups of Christian men in relation to work.
1—”DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” CHRISTIAN
This man decides that, regardless of what he does for a living, his faith will have no impact on his job. Doesn’t talk about it, just ignores it, and makes it a private thing. It’s okay if co-workers find out he goes to church, because that’s socially acceptable.
The issue then becomes a violation of the very nature of being a Christian and also discounts literally hundreds of Scripture passages like being an ambassador of reconciliation, fisher of men, son and servant of Christ, a city set on a hill, on and on. But it doesn’t stop men from acting like they’re not a Christian for one-third of their weekdays. The bigger issue with this is does this guy really turn his faith on when he goes home? When he hangs out with his friends?
2—CONVENIENCE CHRISTIAN
This man sees faith and church as a ticket to situational morality and the faith community. He needs it, he flips the switch, talks the language, makes the sale. Faith goes back up the sleeve for the next game. When he doesn’t need it or it could get in the way? Switch is off. Like the “don’t ask, don’t tell” guy, church is socially acceptable, so that’s the only place where faith enters life anyway—Sunday for an hour or so.
3—AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN
This man views faith as a 24/7 undeniable part of who he is. His faith forms his identity. It permeates and impacts all areas, including work. He desires to be an influence and a witness for Christ. He knows he’s not perfect, but even how he deals with his mistakes reflects God’s grace and humility. Work, family, friends, church—all the same man. All the same faith. All the same Lord.
Which man are you? If deep in your soul, you know you aren’t a 3, here’s the great news. Any 1 or 2 can become a 3. It’s a decision away.
Here’s the strange flip though . . . a 3 can become a 1 or a 2. It rarely happens overnight. It usually takes some time. If your 3 status is slipping, maybe you’re already a 2.5, heading toward 2 or 1, turn around and head back. Please. Why?
The world is changed by 3s. And we need more 3s. We need you.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. —Psalm 51:12-17a NLT
1 comment
Bobby Bentz April 26, 2012
I would have to say I'm a #3 now. I lived as a #1 for soooo many years. I must say, it has helped my business far more than ever hurting it. Though the fact does remain that no non-believer likes faith pushed o them, I still try and show peace in all my actions and conversations. My customers will sometimes ask me different things that involve family activities and I will always mention church or something I'm doing with my church. In case you're wondering, I own Allico Marine, www.allicomarine.com, I design, build, restore and repair boats. So I personally interact with all the customers and clearly make it known that I am a Christian. I'll never beat anyone over the head with a Bible, but I'm always willing to do what God pushes me to do. Oh yeah, I also play HIS Radio 100.5 (a Christian FM radio station) in my shop, always. Even my neighbors can hear it! Haha.