The workplace is one of the key places that God has placed Christians in the mission field. Yes, we are all missionaries and ambassadors for Christ. I understand that you may have never considered your job as a mission field, but It really is. There are so many lost people out there and God has placed each of us in specific places for His purposes. So how can we glorify our Creator in the workplace?
Work Unto The Lord
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This is the foundation that every believer should try to encompass. When we work, we should do what our superiors say, of course, but when we do what we are instructed, we should do it whole-heartedly for the Lord. It is a blessing to have a job and He deserves nothing but our best effort every day.
Be Punctual
One way of glorifying God is by showing up on time every day. If you want to even be taken seriously on just a work level, you need to show up every day on time. When your fellow workers see you always on time, they learn to trust you and that can be a launching pad into some friendships and real witnessing time.
Encompass the Fruits of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23a says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” This verse really shows the core values that we should all aspire to attain in their fullest form.
Love– love others while you are working with them. Be attentive to the job while being attentive to them as well.
Joy– Don’t hold back the life that is in you. People want authenticity. Show them joy in the way you greet them and smile.
Peace – Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Your fellow man will notice your genuine beliefs when you do everything you can to maintain peace with those you work with. It is natural to be reactive instead of proactive. People will notice your faith when you choose to mend relationships through forgiveness instead of destroying them through revenge.
Patience – Patience is what you display through trials. Either you stay steadfast and persevere, or you give up and lose your temper. Patience is like a brother to peace. To maintain peace, you must choose to be patient.
Kindness – Be kind to those you work with. When a superior asks you to do something, don’t grumble. If you see someone who needs help, help them. Present yourself as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). Show kindness through sacrificing your energy and time.
Goodness – Be good to everyone. Hold the door open for another person. Offer your food to someone who has none. Ask the person that no one likes if you can sit with them in the breakroom. Be Jesus to them.
Faithfulness – Stay faithful and trust in the Lord. Whatever comes your way at work, act like God’s redeemed child. Stay faithful and do what is right in all circumstances.
Gentleness – “Gentleness corrects whatever is offensive in our manner.” (Hugh Blair) God will always be glorified when we choose to be gentle over offensive. A gentle spirit is a healing ointment to a hurting soul.
Self-control – Self-control is the enemy of Satan. Satan wants to control us through temptation. Men and women who are married need to not entertain thoughts of the opposite sex. Do not burn with lust in your hearts for someone who is not your spouse. Instead, run away just like Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife came to him. (Gen 39:12) Be in control of yourself in all situations. God will always give you a way out of temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13). When we embrace the fruit of the Spirit and act upon it accordingly, God will be glorified! He will be glorified through the way others see our authenticity. He will be glorified by the loyalty we show Him through obedience.
Be Creative
The creative omniscience of God is what started everything. We are created in His image (Gen 9:6b) and are also able to use our creative talents for His glory. A good, creative idea is always welcome in your superior’s eyes. Find new ways to promote safety in the workplace or think of procedures that could potentially speed up production and lower costs. If you succeed in being creative, a promotion may be a possibility for you. More importantly, God will be overjoyed with your willingness to make things better at work, and He will be glorified thorough it.
Always Speak the Truth
Ephesians 4:15a says, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Right now you can probably think of one or two people that you cannot trust because they have made a reputation for themselves for being liars. Even when they are speaking truth, you will probably not believe them, just like the boy who cried wolf from the old fairy tale. Don’t act like those who lie. When you gain the reputation for being truthful, you will definitely be seen as trustworthy and that will help your superiors learn to count on you. Or, if you are a superior, your employees will respect you that much more. More importantly, your Father in heaven will be pleased with you.
Pray Before Lunch
This is a great way to express your love to God while being a real witness to others. I often sit with my friend at work in his car for lunch. He always turns the music down for me when I pray and he is contemplating coming to church with me. Praise the Lord! I know God is glorified through that! I am so full of joy thinking that another lost soul may be coming to find Christ someday. Another soul saved is another soul to celebrate with in eternal paradise!
Stand for Christ
In all things at all times, stay loyal to Christ. This can be hard sometimes, but an easy life is not promised in the Bible. I can say from personal experience that the only reason I will not get promoted at my job is because I will not work Sundays. This is because I am not being flexible in the company’s eyes, but I know God is glorified through this because He sees what I am giving up to be in His house every Sunday with my children. I am blessed to have my children and to be able to take them to church every Sunday is a true blessing. Also, people at work know that I am a Christian and many really believe me now that they know this. I don’t care about a promotion. I care about life eternal with my savior, Christ the Lord!
Conclusion
I hope and pray that you can find ways to glorify God at work. If you have any more suggestions, feel free to leave a comment. God Bless!
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Resources
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version
“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
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