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Occasionally people email me asking for my opinion on various personal or church problems. Not long ago I received the following question, which is followed by my response.
EMAILED QUESTION:
“Bob, my work environment is very undesirable due to the ungodly behavior and vulgar language of my co-workers. They boldy exhibit their worldliness which, at times, can be a very heavy burden for me. I have also learned that some Christian men act very different at work than around their wives or at church.
I don’t feel I belong but I have to make a living. So, in addition to attempting to let God’s light shine, what particular things can I be implementing from God to protect my mind and heart?”
MY ANSWER:
Tough question! When I was in college, I worked one summer at a foundry where the language was really rough. When the guys found out I was studying for ministry, initially the profanity seemed to get worse. It also seemed like every vulgar joke had a preacher as the punch line. At first I was repulsed by the cursing; then I got used to it and toward the end of the summer I found myself thinking of some of those same words.
Some Christians change jobs because they feel so polluted by their work environment. And I suppose if it’s impacting you so negatively that you can’t overcome it, it may be wise to change jobs. However, I think believers should usually stay and attempt to be an ambassador for Christ in the workplace. Jesus said we’re to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. You may be the only hope those people in the marketplace have to hear (or see) the gospel.
That requires:
(1) Filling your mind with God’s Word each morning. Paul prayed that God would, “strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” and that we would be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Satan rushes into a vacuum. You can’t be victorious in an anti-Christian environment if you’re running on empty spiritually.
(2) Praying that He will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
(3) Doing your best to relate to the people around you when you can and let them know you care about them. You can love them without endorsing their behavior.
(4) Maintaining a joyful spirit. We make a mistake when we withdraw or develop a sour disposition. They need to see us laugh and enjoy each day. Golfer Bubba Watson has a bold Christian testimony. But when he participated in the PGA tournament in Louisville he had a bad attitude and treated people with disdain. There were so many negative tweets and Facebook comments that Watson was convicted and apologized for his surly spirit. We need to be mindful that even when we don’t feel well that we’re commanded to, “rejoice in the Lord always,” because people are watching carefully to see if your walk matches your talk.
(5) Most importantly, be a great employee. Show up on time, every day. Do more than is expected of you. Work hard when it’s time to work. Make others look good. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Col. 3:23-24).
My sister Rosanne worked at a factory for fifteen years. She was a devout and intelligent believer. She was way-overqualified for her job. Some co-workers ridiculed her and at first distanced themselves from her because they sensed she was, “real religious.” But as time went on they respected her work ethic and valued her wise counsel so much that a number came to her privately for advice. In time she was able to influence several of her co-workers for Christ because they saw that her faith was real, yet she was fun to be with and she genuinely cared about them.
Some people go to third world countries as missionaries. Maybe God has called you to be a missionary to the marketplace. It’s not an easy assignment but it is a challenging and rewarding one if you accept it.
– Bob
